I Encourage My Team to Constantly Challenge the Status Quo and Find New Ways to Improve the Student Experience: Benedict Kurz, Founder & CEO of Knowunity

Benedict Kurz is the founder and CEO of Knowunity, Europe’s fastest-growing EdTech company. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping Knowunity's rise, transforming it into a powerful platform that reaches over 13 million students across Europe and the Americas. Since founding the company in 2020, Kurz has directed Knowunity with an emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation, creating a peer-to-peer learning community that is reshaping how students interact with educational content. His vision for Knowunity continues to drive its expansion, aiming to support 20 million students by 2025 and making quality education an engaging, personalized experience for students worldwide.

In an interview with SME Business Review, Mr. Kurz shared his vision for Knowunity’s future, his forward-thinking approach to education, and his dedication to redefining learning experiences for students around the world. Here are his thoughts.

Interview Excerpts

Knowunity has quickly become Europe’s fastest-growing EdTech platform. Could you tell us about your journey to founding the company?

Absolutely. Knowunity began with a simple idea – to make quality education accessible, enjoyable, and effective for every student. I saw how education could be challenging for so many students, not because of their abilities but because of how traditional resources often fail to meet students where they are. In 2020, I launched Knowunity to change that, building a platform that would bring students together to learn from each other in a way that feels natural and engaging. Our growth over the past few years has been incredible, and I believe it’s because we focus on solving real problems for students every day.

What’s your approach to leadership as you drive Knowunity’s rapid growth?

I focus on fostering a culture of innovation and purpose. Leading a fast-growing team in EdTech means staying grounded in our mission while pushing for creative solutions. I encourage my team to constantly challenge the status quo and find new ways to improve the student experience. I believe in open communication and empowering our team to share ideas, as some of our best solutions come from our own people who work closest with our users. 

What has been one of the most rewarding moments for you since starting Knowunity?

It’s hard to pick just one moment, but seeing the app become a daily tool for millions of students is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that students rely on Knowunity to help them understand their subjects, overcome academic hurdles, and connect with others who are going through similar experiences is deeply fulfilling. It’s those messages from students telling us how much Knowunity has helped them that make all the hard work worth it.

Your peer-to-peer model has truly reshaped the way students learn. Why did you decide to make this the core of Knowunity?

When we think about education, it often relies on a one-way flow of information. But students are naturally social learners. By creating a peer-to-peer model, we’re allowing students to connect, share notes, and explain concepts to each other in a way that feels relatable. This approach gives students a sense of empowerment and confidence, which is sometimes difficult to achieve in traditional settings. The peer-driven format really works because students can get explanations that match their learning style, often from someone who has just learned the material themselves.

Knowunity has over $25 million in funding. What role has this financial support played in shaping the platform?

The support from our investors has been instrumental. With backing from Project A, Redalpine, Stride, Mario Götze, Verena Pausder, and other prominent figures, we have been able to build a robust platform and accelerate our AI-driven initiatives. This funding allows us to continuously improve the app and adapt to students’ changing needs. Our investors believe in our mission as strongly as we do, which has been invaluable in turning ideas into reality. 

Tell us more about the role AI plays within Knowunity. How does it enhance the experience for users?

AI is at the heart of our personalized approach. The AI algorithms help us tailor the experience for each user, offering recommendations and content that match a student’s unique learning style and progress. This personalization makes Knowunity more than just a resource library; it becomes a daily companion that adapts to students’ needs over time. AI allows us to focus on the individual user, helping them stay engaged and making learning feel less like a chore and more like a collaborative journey.

Knowunity is growing rapidly. Do you think the platform will need to change as it continues to expand globally?

Expansion always brings new challenges, but it also means we can refine and improve. As we reach more students worldwide, we’re constantly evolving based on feedback from each region. Every market has unique educational needs and preferences, so part of our growth strategy involves understanding those local dynamics and integrating them into the platform. While our mission remains the same, we’re always adapting to better serve the global student community.

You mentioned that you hope to reach 20 million students by 2025. What does that milestone represent for you?

Reaching 20 million students would be a huge achievement, not only for Knowunity but for the vision we set out to realize. It’s a confirmation that students are seeking alternative ways to learn and grow together. This milestone is a reminder of how much demand exists for inclusive, accessible education. For us, it’s never just about the numbers. Each new user represents someone we have the chance to help, and that’s what keeps us motivated.

Do you see Knowunity’s community expanding beyond the student population?

Definitely. While students remain our primary focus, we’re seeing interest from parents, educators, and even mentors who want to engage with the platform. Our community could very well evolve to include a broader audience that wants to contribute to the learning experience. That said, students are our core, and any expansion would be designed to enhance their experience first and foremost.

What’s next for Knowunity in terms of new features or technology?

We’re always working on innovations that bring more value to students. Right now, we’re focusing heavily on expanding our AI capabilities, ensuring our personalized recommendations continue to improve. We’re also exploring ways to make the learning experience even more interactive, with ideas around live group sessions and enhanced content sharing. The goal is to create a platform that feels like a true partner in education, always ready to offer exactly what students need, when they need it.

Benedict Kurz, Founder & CEO, Knowunity

“The peer-driven format really works because students can get explanations that match their learning style, often from someone who has just learned the material themselves.”