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James Ruben

Repeat founder exploring what's next | Forbes 30 Under 30 | Harvard, Stanford, YC, Google Alum

James Ruben is the Founder and CEO of Hellosaurus, an innovative interactive media platform designed for children. Launched in late 2019, Hellosaurus aims to transform how kids engage with content through interactive video experiences that promote active learning and participation. The platform has received significant recognition, being described by Forbes as "Mister Rogers for the iPhone Generation" and winning multiple awards, including Best Kids-Only Streaming Service at the Kidscreen Awards in 2022.16

Background and Career

Before founding Hellosaurus, James Ruben held prominent roles in product management. He was the Director of Product at HQ Trivia, where he led the development of the app from its inception to becoming a major success in mobile entertainment. His experience also includes a position as a product lead at Google, where he honed his skills in product management and development.235

James graduated from Harvard University and has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his contributions to consumer technology.45 He participated in the Y Combinator S20 startup accelerator program, which helped him secure funding and resources to launch Hellosaurus successfully.46

Recent Developments

In a significant milestone, Hellosaurus was acquired by Brilliant.org, a leader in interactive digital education. This acquisition aims to enhance the educational impact of Hellosaurus by integrating its interactive tools into Brilliant's offerings, thereby reaching over 12 million users.67

James Ruben continues to lead Hellosaurus with a vision to revolutionize children's media through engaging and educational content that fosters creativity and learning.16

Highlights

Apr 23 · linkedin

I’m starting to explore what’s next - let’s hang out! With Hellosaurus now in great hands at Brilliant.org after our acquisition and my time back in the classroom at Stanford University wrapping up, I’m excited to jump back into entrepreneurship. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

If you’re looking to partner up with a product leader for a new venture – especially in consumer/prosumer AI – reach out to find a time to catch up. Or if you just want to trade some stories over some beers, let’s do that too.

Dec 6 · linkedin

I am thrilled to announce that Hellosaurus has been acquired by Brilliant.org a leader in interactive digital education! 🦖 🎉 🧠Together, Hellosaurus and Brilliant will continue to deliver best-in-class interactive learning and play experiences to 12+ million users. My blog post announcing the acquisition can and lots more info below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The Hellosaurus mobile app for kids 2-8 years old will continue to be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and the Hellosaurus Creator Studio – our suite of proprietary no-code interactive video tools – will now be incorporated into Brilliant’s products, bringing the power of active learning to users of all ages!

Hellosaurus launched to the public only two years ago (almost to the day!) with a goal to reimagine “screen time” for kids. Since then, we launched the only end-to-end platform to develop and distribute mobile interactive experiences at scale and partnered with world-famous kids content creators to create 50+ hours of playable, interactive content that has been proven to increase a child’s enjoyment, engagement, and learning comprehension over traditional passive video.

In the process, Hellosaurus was called "Mister Rogers for the iPhone Generation" by Forbes and a "World Changing Idea" by Fast Company, and was featured as "App of the Day" and a "Must-Have Kids App" by the Apple App Store, at one point ranking as high as the #3 App For Kids in the App Store. Hellosaurus also won multiple Kidscreen Awards, including being named Best Kids-Only Streaming Service at Kidscreen 2022.

I am so proud of everything our Hellosaurus team has accomplished and the impact we’ve made on kids and families around the world. None of our progress would have been possible without the support of our incredible teammates, customers, creators and investors. Thank you to everyone who believed in us, and we hope we’ve created experiences that you love as well.

As we continue our mission to revolutionize learning and play through interactive video, I could not envision a better partner for Hellosaurus than Brilliant. As a result of this acquisition, Brilliant will empower us to educate and entertain at an even greater scale and to continue to expand the possibilities of digital learning for all ages. Onwards!

https://lnkd.in/gicpCdxH

Related Questions

What inspired James Ruben to start Hellosaurus?
How did James Ruben's experience at HQ Trivia influence his approach at Hellosaurus?
What are some unique features of Hellosaurus that set it apart from other kids' apps?
How did James Ruben's time at Harvard shape his career in tech?
What are the key achievements of Hellosaurus since its acquisition by Brilliant.org?
James Ruben
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Location

San Francisco Bay Area