CuePilot AI, a startup focused on early childhood education, has raised USD 1.8 million (around Rs 15 crore) in a pre-seed funding round to strengthen its technology and support international expansion. The round was led by Ronnie Screwvala of Unilazer Ventures and upGrad, with participation from Eximius Ventures and Titan Capital.
The fresh capital is expected to be used to enhance the company’s voice-based and AI orchestration systems, develop integrations for global markets, and expand sales and distribution capabilities. The startup plans to first deepen its presence in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia before entering the United States, where spending by schools is higher.
CuePilot AI addresses operational challenges faced by preschools and daycare centres, which often rely on a mix of messaging apps, spreadsheets, and legacy software. This fragmented approach can increase administrative workload and reduce the time educators spend with children.
Funding Supports Growth
Founded by Ankur Agarwal, Manav Kedia, and Adithya Narayanan, CuePilot AI offers a voice-first, AI-native school management platform designed for early education institutions. The platform allows teachers to record short voice notes, which are then converted into structured academic reports, operational records, and parent communications.
By reducing the need for manual data entry and screen time, the system aims to simplify routine administrative tasks. According to the company, this approach helps teachers focus more on classroom engagement rather than paperwork.
The platform functions as a full-stack solution, covering academic planning, attendance tracking, health records, billing, admissions, and parent communication within a single system.
Platform and Operations
CuePilot AI currently works with more than 130 schools across India and Southeast Asia. The startup serves both metro and non-metro regions, reflecting growing adoption of digital tools in early education across diverse markets.
The company plans to use the funding to scale its platform capabilities and onboard more institutions. Over the next 12 to 18 months, CuePilot AI aims to expand its reach to around 1,000 schools globally, with a strong focus on entering the US market.
The US expansion is being planned due to higher payment volumes and revenue per school compared to other regions. However, the startup has indicated that it will continue to prioritise emerging markets where preschools are actively seeking affordable and easy-to-use digital solutions.
Expansion Roadmap Ahead
Investors backing the round highlighted the growing need for simple and efficient management tools in early childhood education. As preschools scale and regulations increase, demand for unified platforms that reduce operational complexity is rising.
CuePilot AI’s voice-led approach positions it differently from traditional school management software, particularly in early education settings where ease of use is critical. The startup’s focus on automation and AI-led workflows aligns with broader trends in education technology adoption.
With the new funding, CuePilot AI is expected to strengthen its product offering, expand its market presence, and compete more actively in the global early education technology space, as digital transformation continues across schools and childcare centres.
