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3 April 2026 · Adaptive Learning

Shane Smith

Shane Smith: Co-Founder of Education Perfect

Education Perfect co-founder Shane Smith reflects on bootstrapping, scaling, and the key decisions behind a $450M edtech success, on the NZ Business Podcast.

Shane Smith

Host Paul Spain is joined by  Shane Smith , co-founder of Education Perfect , as they dive into Shane's journey of co-founding a startup in his parents' garage with his brother Craig. The conversation traces how Education Perfect evolved from a simple vocabulary learning tool into an adaptive, curriculum-wide online platform now used by 1.8 million students across Australasia. Shane talks about the pivotal moments and challenges faced, from winning their first business competition and building trust with schools, to scaling a company with limited resources and ultimately achieving a major acquisition valued at over NZ$450 million. Shane shares insights on growing a high impact edtech business, working alongside his brother, navigating funding and commercialisation, and transforming educational outcomes with innovative technology.

The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology .

Hosted by Paul Spain, CEO and Futurist at Gorilla Technology.

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