Epic!

Children's subscription-based reading and learning platform

Epic!

Industry| Subscription service
Founded| 2013; 12 years ago (2013)
Founder| Suren Markosian
Kevin Donahue
Headquarters|

Redwood City, California

U.S.

Area served

| Worldwide
Products| E-books, education, digital media
Parent| Byju's
Website| www.getepic.com

Epic! is an American kids subscription-based reading and learning platform. It offers access to books and videos targeted at children ages 12 and under.[1] The service can be used on desktop and mobile devices.[2]

Epic! was founded in 2013 by Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue[3] and launched in 2014.[4] Indian educational technology company Byju's acquired Epic! in July 2021 in a cash and stock deal worth $500 million.[5]

On January 25, 2024, lenders began bankruptcy proceedings against Epic's parent company Byju's in an effort to repay its loans.[6] On February 1, 2024, Byju's U.S. division filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. Byju's would raise around $200 million in an effort to clear "immediate liabilities" and for other operational costs.[7]

## Content

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Books are available in read-to-me and audiobook[8] formats and include both non-fiction and fiction titles,[9] covering subjects and themes such as: STEM, language arts, social science, history, music, art, science fiction and DIY. Titles and series include BIG NATE,[10] Garfield, Warriors and The Chronicles of Narnia series. Books are available in English, French,[11] Spanish,[12] Chinese, and includes bilingual options.[13] The Epic! app offers personalized recommendations based on a child's reading level and interest.[14] Users can search for books, videos and quizzes on Epic![8] based on age, keyword and reading levels.[14]

## Publishing network

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As of February 2024, Epic! had 250 publisher and video provider partners, including HarperCollins,[15] Macmillan, Candlewick,[16] National Geographic Kids,[2] Smithsonian Enterprises and Encyclopædia Britannica.[14] Epic! is a member of publishing industry trade groups, including: the Children's Book Council,[17] the Independent Book Publishers Association,[18] the Educational Book & Media Association and the Audio Publishers Association.

## Recognition

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* 2016 Best App for Teaching and Learning; and The Best Website for Teaching and Learning (The American Association of School Librarians).[19]

## References

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1. ^ "Digital book platform Epic! raises US$8 million". kidscreen.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022.
2. ^ a b "Epic! has over 10 million kids e-books read in one year". 23 October 2015.
3. ^ "Epic! Debuts Kids' Subscription E-book Venture".
4. ^ "Epic Success in Kids' E-Book Subscription".
5. ^ "Byju's acquires reading platform Epic for $500 million in US expansion push". TechCrunch. 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
6. ^ "Lenders begin bankruptcy proceedings against India's Byju's". Reuters. January 25, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
7. ^ "Indian edtech Byju's US unit files for bankruptcy in Delaware". Yahoo! Finance. February 1, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
8. ^ a b "Epic! - Unlimited Books for Kids - App Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. 9 March 2014.
9. ^ "The best gifts to get kids interested in science and technology". CNBC. 29 November 2017.
10. ^ "Prevent "Summer Slide" with Reading App Epic!". charlotteobserver.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017.
11. ^ "Epic! Adds French Content To Its Digital Library for Kids". thelearningcounsel.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023.
12. ^ "subscription service Epic! is bringing books to kids".
13. ^ "eBook subscription service Epic! is bringing books to kids".
14. ^ a b c "4 novel ways to get kids reading and learning". USA TODAY.
15. ^ "HarperCollins Offers Kids' E-books via Epic!".
16. ^ "Epic Success in Kids' E-Book Subscription". www.publishersweekly.com.
17. ^ "Epic! Signs Deal With Macmillan Publishers". Archived from the original on 2016-08-12. Retrieved 2018-11-24.
18. ^ "IBPA Report from BookExpo 2014 - Independent Book Publishers Association". www.ibpa-online.org.
19. ^ "AASL announces 2016 Best Apps for Teaching & Learning". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 1 August 2016.