AI-powered speaking exam training for language schools
At Powdr, we were thrilled to support Keenu, founded by Francis Carlisle, as they prepared their investment case and built a robust financial model to power their go-to-market. Keenuhas created an AI exam trainer focused initially on the IELTS speaking test—giving students accurate predicted scores and pinpoint, practical feedback, while helping language schools scale 1-to-many teaching more effectively.
How Powdr helped Keenu
• Investment-ready financial model: Built a clear, defensible plan for pre-seed/SEIS (c. £200k–£250k)
• Supported the financial requirements for Advanced Assurance for SEIS.
• Understandable investor-friendly outputs: Delivered a clean and detailed model that map directly to the story investors expect (revenue timing, cost build-up, hiring plan).
• Structured working cadence: A focused series of 1:1 sessions with the Powdr team,turning assumptions into numbers and “forcing the reps” to clarify roadmap → costs → hiring.
• Confidence through clarity: Translated strategy into numbers the Keenu team understood and can use now—and iterate as traction grows (schools engaged, product feedback loops, conference pipeline).
• Responsive, practical support: Fast answers, hands-on guidance, and a process that reduced cognitive load so the team could move quickly.
“I got what I wanted—and more. Beyond having a financial model and exports, the cadence with the team forced me to do the reps: when revenue starts, who we hire, what the roadmap implies for costs. That thinking alone was incredibly valuable.”
— Francis Carlisle, Founder, Keenu
“For my needs right now, I’m comfortable using Powdr. The models and outputs mean I can apply for SEIS Advanced Assurance and speak to investors without worrying about the numbers.”
— Francis Carlisle, Founder, Keenu
Outcome
• First investor commitment secured and SEIS Advanced Assurance in motion.
• Clear hiring plan (second developer, UX, future CS/content roles) aligned to product milestones and school rollouts.
• Faster iteration: numeric guardrails to prioritize features after live user interviews in three Manchester language schools.
“Once I got through the initial learning curve, Powdr felt intuitive. The analysis modules and exports are exactly what I needed for investors—and the team was incredibly supportive.”
— Francis Carlisle, Founder, Keenu
Keenu is now engaging angel and SEIS-sized investors, ideally with experience or networks in EdTech, ESL/language schools, international education, or AI-driven learning tools.
