Streamlining of financial structure leads to healthy financing mix for FTRPRF

“ GrowPilot's knowledge and reputation open new doors ”

FTRPRF develops a digital learning platform with ready-made educational materials that help schools to systematically address basic ICT skills and computational thinking. The materials of this digital publisher are already well established in Flemish education. Founders Katelijne and Kristien Duerinck are now preparing an international expansion.

The team succeeded in raising €450,000 through professional financial restructuring by GrowPilot, enabling the evolution towards an international scale-up.

FTRPRF is a CodeFever spin-off founded by sisters Katelijne and Kristien Duerinck in 2015. They taught programming in a playful way to more than 35,000 children in 29 Flemish cities. Following the curriculum changes of 2019 with an emphasis on computational thinking, they created a platform with educational material for secondary school students.​

Katelijne: “As a digital publisher, FTRPRF specializes in teaching skills such as digital literacy, computational thinking, and media literacy — all essential tools in the 21st century. Their learning materials, training programs, and tools align perfectly with curriculum standards and the world of young people. Teachers receive concrete support to confidently and accurately teach digital topics. This practical and innovative approach is essential for future-oriented education.”

What need or requirement led you to contact GrowPilot?

Kristien: “Computational thinking is increasingly becoming part of the curriculum in more and more countries. Flanders is one of the pioneers in this area. Our expertise is unique, which is why we also want to roll out our platform in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. Within the entrepreneurial network NOA, serial entrepreneur Maxim Sergeant recommended that we seek support from GrowPilot for the financial preparation of these plans.” 

How did GrowPilot approach this?

Katelijne: “During a very practical and hands-on collaboration, Marijke fully professionalized our financial structure. Together with us, she conducted a thorough analysis of the figures behind our business, ensured that we gathered all the necessary documents, and identified the right sources to generate additional funding. This resulted in a well-thought-out business plan, supported by a solid financial structure that will continue to benefit us in the long term.” 

What results did this lead to?

Kristien: “It was too early to organize a capital round with external investors. We used the WinWinner platform to raise €250,000 from parents and teachers who were already familiar with Codefever and FTRPRF through their children. In addition, Marijke’s excellent documentation ensured that we passed Belfius’ financial screening with flying colors, which led the bank to grant us a loan of €200,000.”

How did you experience the collaboration with GrowPilot?

Katelijne: “The knowledge and experience of Marijke are invaluable to us. She acts as an independent, external, and critical CFO who, thanks to her expertise and strong reliability, has opened new doors for us in the banking world. She doesn’t just advise; she took a hands-on, enthusiastic, and no-nonsense approach to elevating our financial structure. Moreover, she regularly keeps a close eye on things to ensure proper follow-up. Our company is a ‘work in progress’ in every respect. To further refine our financial structure in line with our continued growth, there is no doubt that we will gladly continue to rely on GrowPilot for support in the future.”