South African education technology company Teach Me 2 has earned a place on TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Companies 2026 list, marking an important milestone not only for the business but also for the country’s growing technology sector. The recognition demonstrates that a company built in South Africa can develop solutions that compete on the global stage while addressing real education challenges.
Founded to help families find quality tutors, Teach Me 2 has delivered more than one million tutoring lessons to learners from Grade 1 through to university. The platform offers tutoring across a wide range of subjects through both online and in-person sessions, serving more than 10,000 families with personalised learning designed to improve academic performance while building students’ confidence.
For South Africa’s startup ecosystem, where international recognition remains relatively rare, the achievement sends a strong message that locally developed technology can successfully reach global markets.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nick Miller believes the recognition should inspire confidence across the country’s technology industry. “We have exceptional people in this country who can solve difficult problems, build enduring businesses and compete internationally. The environment isn’t always easy, but globally relevant education technology can absolutely be built from South Africa.”
Building a Business That Can Scale Globally
Teach Me 2’s international growth has been driven by long-term strategic decisions rather than short-term trends. Miller says one of the most important turning points came in 2017 when the company invested heavily in technology to improve how tutors and learners were matched, strengthen customer support, improve learning outcomes and enable the business to grow without compromising quality.
Another defining decision was investing in online tutoring years before the COVID-19 pandemic changed education worldwide. When lockdowns forced face-to-face tutoring to stop, Teach Me 2 already had the systems needed to continue supporting learners remotely. That early investment later helped the company expand its services into more than 50 countries.
The company has also maintained a clear philosophy when developing new technology.
“We always begin with the underlying problem rather than simply following whatever technology is fashionable,” Miller explains. “We ask what will genuinely help a learner improve, then consider how technology can make that experience better, more accessible, consistent and scalable.”
Alongside technology, the company has focused on delivering meaningful customer experiences. Miller says the business has always been willing to go beyond what is easily scalable if it creates better outcomes for families.
“One of our company values is ‘to be unforgettable’. We’re always aiming for a life-changing impact,” he says, recalling how an investor gained confidence in the business after hearing an unexpected recommendation from another passenger during a flight whose family had benefited from Teach Me 2’s services.
The company’s tutor selection process has also played a significant role in building trust with customers.
“Our test is simple,” Miller says. “Would we want this person tutoring our own child?” He explains that while academic ability is important, qualities such as character, reliability and the ability to connect with learners are equally valuable because tutors often become trusted role models within families.
Investing in the Future of Education
Miller believes South African entrepreneurs have the ability to compete internationally despite operating in challenging business environments.
“The biggest lesson is not to mistake pedigree for capability, or confidence for competence,” he says, noting that local founders often underestimate their own abilities when compared with entrepreneurs from leading global universities.
At the same time, he believes the challenges of building businesses in South Africa create resilient founders who are well prepared for international markets.
“Building a company in South Africa develops unusual resilience,” he says. “Our founders have learnt to operate through electricity shortages, infrastructure problems, currency volatility and economic uncertainty.” He advises entrepreneurs to “have enough confidence to compete globally, but enough humility to enter each market ready to listen and learn.”
Looking ahead, Teach Me 2 sees technology and artificial intelligence strengthening education rather than replacing human interaction. Miller believes effective learning depends on more than simply giving students access to information.
“Many years in tutoring has taught us that effective learning is not simply about access to information,” he says. Learners also need encouragement, accountability and personalised guidance, making the role of tutors and teachers increasingly important even as AI continues to develop.
He believes the greatest opportunity lies in using technology to make personalised education more effective, accessible and affordable for more families.
Reflecting on the company’s latest achievement, Miller says the recognition is an important milestone but not the destination.
“I am incredibly proud of our team, and grateful for the tireless work that has built Teach Me 2 into a sustainable, global business,” he says. “We feel that being recognised by TIME is an extraordinary milestone, but it doesn’t feel like a finish line. As a team, we are excited about using everything we have learnt to build the next generation of Teach Me 2.”
As South African startups continue seeking international opportunities, Teach Me 2’s recognition shows that innovation developed locally can achieve global success while creating meaningful impact for learners and families around the world.
Source: Business Explainer
