Today, we’re writing about a man who’s making coding accessible to millions around the globe: Hadi Partovi, founder of Code.org.
Code.org has grown into one of the most successful education platforms in the world, but it didn’t start out that way. From humble beginnings as a small membership-based initiative to a global nonprofit powerhouse, Hadi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Hadi Partovi’s story begins with a passion for technology and education.
Growing up in Iran during a time of political turmoil due to the Iranian Revolution, he found solace in learning how to code. When his family went through the painstaking process of legally immigrated to the United States, Hadi seized every opportunity to build a career in tech.
After achieving success as an entrepreneur and investor—working with companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Dropbox—he decided it was time to give back.
In 2013, Hadi noticed a glaring problem: most schools in the United States weren’t teaching computer science, despite it being one of the most valuable skills for the future workforce.
This realization sparked the idea for Code.org.
He believed that computer science should be accessible to every student, regardless of their background or resources.
Hadi started Code.org with a clear mission: to make computer science a core part of the education system, just like math and science.
The organization began as a small, subscription-based platform that offered coding lessons for schools, teachers, and students. Membership fees helped sustain the project in its early stages.
One of the keys to Code.org’s early success was its viral campaign, Hour of Code.
This initiative invited students to spend just one hour learning to code. The campaign featured endorsements from big names like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as partnerships with major tech companies.
By making coding fun and approachable, Hour of Code exploded in popularity.
Within the first year, tens of millions of students participated, catapulting Code.org into the global spotlight.
Schools began adopting the platform’s courses, and educators embraced its teacher-training programs.
To scale up, Hadi secured funding from tech giants and philanthropic organizations. This allowed Code.org to transition from a membership-based model to a nonprofit supported by donations.
Like any startup, Code.org faced its share of challenges.
Initially, there was resistance from schools. Many educators were hesitant to add computer science to already packed curriculums.
To overcome this, Code.org focused on creating resources that integrated seamlessly into existing lesson plans. They also launched advocacy campaigns to highlight the importance of computer science education, eventually convincing policymakers to include it in state education standards.
Another challenge was maintaining financial sustainability. While early membership fees provided some revenue, they weren’t enough to scale globally.
Hadi’s ability to secure high-profile donors, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, proved to be a game-changer.
These partnerships not only provided funding but also amplified the organization’s reach and credibility.
Fast forward to today, and Code.org is a resounding success. The organization has reached over 100 million students worldwide, with programs in more than 180 countries.
It’s estimated that over 70% of U.S. students have accounts on the platform, and nearly half of U.S. schools now offer Code.org’s curriculum.
As for Hadi Partovi, his impact goes beyond Code.org.
He continues to advocate for equity in education and serves as a mentor for budding entrepreneurs. His net worth is estimated at $100 million, largely due to his early investments in tech startups.
Code.org itself operates with an annual budget of around $40 million, funded entirely by donations.
Despite being a nonprofit, its influence rivals that of many for-profit education platforms. Hadi’s vision of a world where every student can learn to code is closer to reality than ever before.
And that’s the incredible journey of Hadi Partovi and Code.org! From a small membership-based startup to a global leader in education, their story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and innovation.
Remember, you don’t have to build a billion-dollar business, you only need to take it to your dream. Whether that gets you by very comfortably - to millions, - or billions, your happiness is the key.
We hope you enjoyed today’s story. Maybe soon, I’ll be talking about your story.
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We hope Afton and Carly’s journey inspired you, and if you're considering a start-up, their story is one worth following.
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