Ello, a startup based in San Francisco, has recently made waves by being ranked as the 5th company on Fortune’s Change the World list for 2024. This prestigious list highlights companies that are dedicated to addressing global challenges and making a positive impact on the world.
What sets Ello apart is its development of an AI-based reading app that aims to support struggling readers, particularly children in grades K-3. The app utilizes a vast library of decodable children’s books and the world’s largest child speech data set to provide individualized reading support to children. This personalized approach mimics the benefits of 1:1 tutoring, which is often considered the gold standard for reading instruction.
One of the key strengths of Ello’s reading app is its accessibility. Recognizing that private tutoring can be expensive and inaccessible to many families, Ello has made its entire library of e-books available online for free. This library consists of over 800 decodable books, covering a Science of Reading-aligned phonics scope and sequence from Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
In addition to providing free resources, Ello has also launched initiatives to ensure that its subscription app is accessible to all families, regardless of their financial resources. The company has partnered with low-income schools to offer the service for free and has introduced Ello Access, a subscription program at a significantly discounted price for families receiving government assistance.
Through initiatives like Ello Access, the company aims to democratize access to high-quality reading support and improve global child literacy rates. By offering discounted subscriptions to families in need, Ello is making a tangible impact on children’s reading skills and overall educational outcomes.
Since its inception in 2020, Ello has experienced significant growth, serving tens of thousands of children and facilitating the reading of over 600,000 books. The app has garnered positive feedback from families, with 83% reporting an improvement in their child’s reading skills since using the app.
Fortune’s recognition of Ello on the Change the World list is a testament to the company’s commitment to using AI for social good and education improvement. As Ello continues to expand its reach and impact, it is poised to play a key role in addressing childhood illiteracy and maximizing the learning potential of all children, regardless of their resources.
Overall, Ello’s innovative approach to reading support, combined with its dedication to accessibility and impact, positions it as a leader in the edtech space. By leveraging technology to address global challenges in education, Ello is paving the way for a brighter future for children around the world.
