Laura Hart transformed her passion for tech education into RoboFun, a thriving STEM learning hub in Manhattan. With guidance from the Pace SBDC, she secured $250,000 in financing to overcome pandemic challenges and expand her programming. RoboFun now partners with 70+ NYC schools, inspiring a new generation of coders and innovators while demonstrating the power of perseverance in education.
Assistance Provided
Business Advisor:
Pedro Soto
In 2022, Laura Hart turned to the Pace SBDC for help securing financing to stabilize RoboFun’s operations after pandemic challenges. Her advisor, Pedro Soto Jr., guided her through restructuring debt and refining her funding strategy. After strengthening her financial proposal, Laura secured $250,000 through Lendistry—enabling RoboFun to maintain its educational programs across 70+ NYC schools and plan for future growth.
Robofun
Laura Hart, owner of the Upper West Side education company RoboFun, was referred to Pace SBDC by BICNY for assistance with debt refinancing. For 26 years, RoboFun has delivered innovative technology programs in coding, robotics, animation, and Minecraft to students across New York City. As a trusted partner of the NYC Department of Education working with over 70 schools, the company has earned recognition from major media outlets including Fox5NY and Good Morning America.
When pandemic-related cash flow challenges emerged, Laura turned to Pace SBDC advisor Pedro Soto Jr. for guidance. Through intensive one-on-one sessions, Pedro helped Laura restructure her funding proposal, identify cash flow issues, and develop an effective pitch deck. This strategic support led to Laura securing $250,000 in financing through Lendistry – funding that has positioned RoboFun for sustainable growth and continued service to NYC students.
** Our success stories focus on the work the SBDC has done with our small business clients and does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement by the NYSBDC of the company and/or their products and services.
” Having worked with many support organizations and financial institutions over 26 years, the help that Pedro provided was on a different level: he worked tirelessly on my behalf”
Laura Hart
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