In a country where access to quality education remains one of the greatest barriers to social and economic mobility, Matric Live has emerged as a bold, homegrown solution. In our latest episode of the Mashstartup Podcast, we sit down with Kagisho Masae, CEO and co-founder of Matric Live, to unpack how a side project turned into an award-winning platform helping over 600,000 South African high school learners prepare for their matric exams.
From Personal Purpose to National Impact
What began as a way to keep his co-founder, Lesego Finger, learning and out of trouble evolved into something far more significant. Kagisho, a former finance professional, shares how his journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to do meaningful work — work that could truly change lives. That mission became clearer during the 2020–2021 lockdowns, when Matric Live became a lifeline for students in under-resourced communities.
Matric Live’s success lies in its ability to meet learners where they are — on their phones. The app offers interactive video lessons, gamified quizzes, mock exams, and AI-powered tutoring, making it one of the most engaging and accessible learning platforms in the country. And it’s not just for students anymore — Matric Live is now building tools for teachers too, helping to strengthen classroom learning from both sides.
Building a Business Model in a Viral Moment
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation is Kagisho’s perspective on building a sustainable business model for a product that’s gone viral. With rapid growth and national recognition — including winning the 2024 FNB App of the Year — comes the challenge of staying mission-aligned while ensuring the business can scale and survive. Kagisho talks candidly about the tension between monetization and accessibility, and why they’ve chosen impact over profit time and time again.
“Two thirds of our active users are from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools — the people who need it the most,” Kagisho says. “We’re proud that our technology is working for those who don’t have.”
What’s Next for Matric Live?
As they continue to grow, Kagisho and the Matric Live team are focused on data-informed learning, expanding into teacher tools, and deepening their impact in South Africa’s most underserved schools. With a strong foundation and a mission that resonates deeply, Matric Live is not just a tech success story — it’s a story of purpose, perseverance, and the power of building for your own community.