Startup of the Week: CatnClever

Meet CatnClever — the Swiss EdTech startup bringing joy and learning into the lives of over 200,000 families around the world. With a multilingual, play-based app, CatnClever is helping children everywhere, including in crisis zones, access the early education they deserve.

1. Tell us about your company. 

Dr. Olga Ruf Fiedler - CatnClever is a Swiss EdTech startup that offers playful, interactive early learning through a multilingual app. It is currently used by 200,000 families worldwide, including many in crisis regions.

2. What made you become an entrepreneur? 

Dr. Olga Ruf Fiedler - After years of building branches of multinational corporations in the financial sector, I felt it was time to use that experience to create something of my own - this time in a field with deep social impact. Education stood out as a critical area where innovation is urgently needed. Some of my former colleagues believed in the vision and joined me on this journey, which gave me the confidence to launch a company focused on high-quality, accessible early learning.

3. What is the most challenging part of running your own startup? 

Dr. Olga Ruf Fiedler - The most challenging aspect of running CatnClever has been balancing our long-term vision with limited resources, all while maintaining a sharp focus on achieving our desired impact.

4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced when looking for funding? 

Dr. Olga Ruf Fiedler - A major challenge has been the classic catch-22: we need funding to scale marketing and drive revenue, but many investors want to see revenue traction before investing. Breaking that cycle - especially as an impact-driven EdTech company - requires creativity, persistence, and strategic partnerships.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship? 

Dr. Olga Ruf Fiedler - The most rewarding part of entrepreneurship is connecting with incredible people - driven, creative, and always on the move. In this journey, you see the best in people: resilience, passion, and a constant willingness to grow and adapt. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by those who never give up and are committed to building something that truly matters

Learn more about the company: https://www.catnclever.com/