In the fast-evolving world of EdTech, companies need more than just strong technology—they need a team that understands both education and innovation. Hiring the right talent can make or break an EdTech startup’s ability to scale effectively.

In this episode of the Founders’  HR Podcast, Felix Tan, co-founder of Skilio, speaks with the team behind Practicle, an AI-powered math learning platform. They discuss the challenges of hiring for a mission-driven EdTech company, the importance of fostering a strong culture in a growing team, and how a people-first approach has helped Practicle thrive.

Hiring for a Mission-Driven Startup

At its core, Practicle is about transforming how students learn math through AI and personalized education. To build a product that truly benefits students, they needed a team that was deeply aligned with their vision.

Key Hiring Considerations at Practicle:

1. Passion for Education: Employees needed to believe in the company’s mission to improve math learning through AI.

2. Technical & Pedagogical Balance: They sought team members who understood both software development and the psychology of learning.

3. Adaptability in a Fast-Changing Industry: The team had to stay ahead of technological advancements and evolving educational needs.

By focusing on these qualities, Practicle ensured that every hire contributed to both product innovation and student success.

Scaling from a Small Team to a Growing Organization

Like many startups, Practicle started with a lean team where everyone wore multiple hats. As they expanded, they needed to bring in specialized talent while maintaining their strong company culture.

The Evolution of Their Hiring Strategy

Early Days: In the beginning, it was just the two co-founders—Chong Ming and his wife—wearing every hat imaginable. From coding and content creation to business development and customer support, they leaned into their complementary strengths to get Practicle off the ground.

Growth Phase: As the product matured, so did the need for specialized talent. They began bringing in experts in AI, curriculum design, and user experience. Interestingly, some of these talents weren’t found through conventional channels. In one memorable instance, they stumbled upon a talented designer at an anime art fair during a holiday in Kuala Lumpur. What started as a casual stroll through cosplay booths turned into a spontaneous talent-hunting expedition.

Sustaining Culture: Regardless of where they came from—be it through Facebook groups, Shopee, or roadshows—new team members had to align with Practicle’s mission to make learning engaging and impactful. Whether freelance, part-time, or full-time, every hire was made with intention and cultural fit in mind.

This blend of structured hiring and serendipitous discovery helped Practicle scale while staying true to its creative and student-centered roots.

Fostering a People-First Company Culture

A great product starts with a great team. Practicle placed a strong emphasis on building a workplace where employees felt valued and motivated.

How Practicle Maintains a Strong Culture:

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging employees to upskill and stay ahead in both tech and education trends.

• Collaboration Over Hierarchy: Creating an open environment where ideas flow freely between teams.

• Work-Life Balance: Ensuring employees have flexibility while meeting ambitious goals.

This approach has helped Practicle attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry.

HR Takeaways from Practicle

For HR professionals and startup founders, Practicle’s journey offers valuable lessons:

• Hire for passion and purpose, not just skills. Employees who align with your mission contribute more meaningfully.

• Start with generalists, but transition to specialists as you scale. A balanced team ensures long-term growth.

• A strong company culture is key to retaining top talent. Investing in employee growth and well-being leads to higher engagement and productivity.

By focusing on strategic hiring and a people-first culture, Practicle continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven education, proving that the right team is the foundation of a successful startup.