In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hiveclass was founded by Joe Titus and Paul Suhr to provide virtual physical education classes for K-12 students. The New York-based edtech startup offers a comprehensive platform that includes fitness, sports, dance, yoga, nutrition, and mindfulness courses. With a focus on accessibility, Hiveclass aims to bridge the gap for students who lack affordable and engaging P.E. options.

Growing Demand for Alternative P.E. Programs

Even as in-person schooling resumes, the demand for Hiveclass continues to grow due to shifting attitudes toward traditional physical education. Many students are disengaged from P.E. classes, often opting out due to competitiveness and instances of bullying. Additionally, rising costs in youth sports have left many families struggling to provide their children with athletic opportunities, making Hiveclass a valuable alternative.

Tackling the Cost Barrier in Youth Sports

Recognizing the inequities in access to physical activity, Titus and Suhr designed Hiveclass to ensure that all children, regardless of economic background, have opportunities to stay active. Titus, who served as his son’s first soccer coach, witnessed firsthand how financial barriers limited participation in organized sports. This realization fueled Hiveclass’s mission to deliver high-quality digital physical education to public schools and libraries rather than charging individual families directly.

Recent Funding and Its Purpose

Hiveclass has secured $1.5 million in seed funding to support its expansion and product development efforts. The investment will be used to enhance its teacher portal, which allows educators to integrate Hiveclass into their classrooms and monitor student engagement. Additionally, the funding will facilitate the development of specialized services for students with special needs, broadening the platform’s inclusivity.

Interactive and Engaging Learning Approach

Through its library of short-form instructional videos, Hiveclass teaches students essential skills, such as dribbling a basketball, while incorporating interactive quizzes to maintain engagement. Teachers can track student progress, review quiz responses, and ensure coursework completion, providing a structured and measurable learning experience. Furthermore, Hiveclass offers students the opportunity to earn P.E. credits outside of traditional classroom settings.

Alignment with National Standards

What sets Hiveclass apart from other edtech platforms and educational video channels is its strict alignment with SHAPE America’s national physical education standards. Unlike generic fitness content, Hiveclass ensures that its curriculum meets the educational benchmarks governing P.E. in the U.S. The company’s primary competitor, PLT4M, is also a SHAPE America member, but Hiveclass distinguishes itself by emphasizing accessibility and school-based partnerships.

Growth and Market Reach

The startup currently collaborates with more than 80 educational institutions and has a growing user base of over 13,000 students and teachers. While Hiveclass does not publicly disclose pricing, it customizes its offerings based on the needs of each client, such as student enrollment numbers. Since its inception, the company has generated over $2 million in revenue and anticipates reaching an additional $1 million by the following month.

Investor Support and Future Plans

The seed round was led by Spring Mountain Capital and included participation from Georgetown Angel Investor Network (GAIN), New York State Venture Fund, Rethink Education, and Techstars. With this latest investment, Hiveclass has now raised over $3 million in total funding. The company is also exploring additional revenue streams, such as licensing agreements, to further strengthen its business model.

As Hiveclass continues to scale, it remains dedicated to making physical education more accessible and engaging for students nationwide. By leveraging technology to offer structured, high-quality P.E. instruction, the company addresses the challenges faced by both students and educators in today’s evolving learning environment. With strong investor backing and a growing presence in schools and libraries, Hiveclass is poised to become a leader in the digital physical education space.