Client Showcase: Kaabil Kids

What do kids need today?

In today’s fast-paced world, what do children truly need to thrive? Are academics alone sufficient to prepare them for the future? If we want to provide them with something extra, what should that be? Extracurricular activities offer one avenue, but can we go further by integrating tools like chess to develop critical thinking, strategy, and resilience?

Enter Kaabil Kids, an innovative online chess training academy dedicated to making high-quality chess education both accessible and affordable for children. Recognizing the potential of chess as a powerful educational tool, Sunil Raina, CEO & Founder, & Kitty Mahapatra, COO & Co-Founder, Kaabil Kids, have crafted a program that goes beyond traditional learning.

With over 5,000 children enrolled and more than 100,000 classes conducted, they are already making a significant impact. Their success is bolstered by the expertise of Grandmaster Tejas Bakre, who serves as their chief mentor. Kaabil Kids is not just teaching chess; they are equipping children with the skills they need to excel in all areas of life.

They are also one of our clients at FlexiBees, having hired a part-time and remote-working Social Media Manager. So we recently caught up with Sunil Raina, CEO and founder of Kaabil Kids. What ensued was an interesting conversation about the growing need for getting kids future-ready.

Some excerpts from our conversation:

Can you tell us a bit about what you do? What services do you provide?

The way I see it, kids today need more than just academics. They need to know and do more.

So that is the problem we are trying to solve.

Problem: Kids need more than just academics; they need skills for life.

Solution: Kaabil Kids transforms chess training into a holistic development tool. With courses from basic to advanced levels, we help kids not only master chess but also enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Our training by FIDE-rated players and Grandmasters ensures top-quality learning. We track progress and provide feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.

Who are the founders? Can you tell us more about them?

I am an INSEAD alumnus with 16 years of diverse experience in various sectors, holding key leadership positions. I am passionate about chess, and am a FIDE-rated player and have been a part-time trainer for the past seven years. I think my strength lies in driving teams toward a shared vision, leveraging my extensive experience and leadership skills.

On the other hans, Kitty Mahapatra, Co-Founder & COO of [Kaabil Kids, is a BIITM alumnus with eight years of experience in operations. She is a certified Green Belt in Six Sigma, known for her process-oriented thinking and exceptional implementation skills. Kitty is dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience to all stakeholders, ensuring operational excellence and satisfaction.

How did it all start? How did you think of this need?

Kaabil Kids began its journey in 2019 when I, a district-level chess player, started offering chess tuition. Recognizing the need for structured, accessible chess education, I was later joined by Kitty as a co-founder in February 2020. Their goal was to provide a platform that not only teaches chess but also incorporates essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making .

The inspiration behind Kaabil Kids stemmed from this vision to democratise chess education and make it accessible to children from various backgrounds. We noticed a gap in the availability of quality chess training that also focuses on cognitive and personal development. By integrating child psychology and innovative teaching methods, we aimed to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.

Kaabil Kids has since grown significantly, providing a comprehensive curriculum designed by Grandmasters and employing experienced, FIDE-rated trainers. Our approach ensures that children not only excel in chess but also develop crucial skills for overall growth and success in life .

When did you start seeing success? What was the turning point?

Kaabil Kids began seeing significant success after implementing several key strategies that enhanced their platform and broadened their reach. One of the major turning points was the recent triumph on "Shark Tank," gaining significant investment and visibility. This victory has propelled our brand, leading to a surge in international business and recognition .

What is your differentiator?

We have built Kaabil Kids very consciously wanting to provide world-class training to kids. Here are a few things that differentiate us:

Holistic Chess Education: We combine chess training with life skills development. Our curriculum, crafted by Grandmasters and child psychologists, ensures kids grow mentally and emotionally while mastering the game.
Tailored Progression: From beginners to aspiring champions, our structured courses prepare kids for every level, from school competitions to achieving FIDE ratings.
Parental Engagement: Regular feedback and performance tracking keep parents involved and kids consistently improving.
Career Pathways: We don't just teach chess; we help young enthusiasts turn their passion into a profession.
Kaabil Kids is where chess meets life skills, creating champions on and off the board.

Kaabil Kids recently triumphed on "Shark Tank," gaining significant investment and visibility. This victory has propelled our brand, leading to a surge in international business and recognition. We have successfully created many FIDE-rated players, underscoring our commitment to excellence in chess education.

What is your motto?

The motto of Kaabil Kids, "To make kids future-ready."

What are your future plans?

Our primary goal is to establish the world's largest chess training academy for children aged 5 to 15, making high-quality chess education accessible to kids globally. Leveraging our recent success on "Shark Tank," we plan to expand our international footprint, reaching new markets and establishing a strong global presence. We will introduce advanced training modules and personalized coaching to help more students achieve FIDE ratings and excel in competitions at all levels. Additionally, we are expanding our network of partnerships with schools and community centers to promote chess education widely and cultivate a new generation of strategic thinkers.

FlexiBees provides cost-effective, expert-driven, and flexible solutions for Kaabil Kids Academy's organic marketing needs, making it an ideal partner for driving growth.

By offering professionals with expertise in organic marketing strategies such as content creation and social media management, FlexiBees has enhanced the effectiveness of our campaigns. This partnership has boosted productivity, saved costs, ensured scalability and flexibility, and provided reliability, ultimately driving Kaabil Kids Academy's organic growth.

After hiring talent from FlexiBees, we experienced enhanced marketing effectiveness through specialized skills in content creation and social media management, resulting in increased customer engagement.