Robert Feeney (Knowledge as a Service, Inc.)
Overview
Robert Feeney is a notable figure in the field of educational technology and workforce readiness initiatives. He is the co-founder and Chief Vision Officer of Knowledge as a Service, Inc. (KaaS), a company based in Wichita, Kansas, known for its innovative software solution known as Ringorang. The software is designed to change behaviors and foster learning through gamification and microlearning techniques. Feeney's work has garnered attention for addressing significant issues such as workforce readiness and employability skills through engaging and scientifically-backed methodologies.
Recent Developments
The past couple of years have seen several significant developments for Robert Feeney and KaaS:
- November 2024: KaaS achieved its $1 million funding milestone, marking a significant financial success for the company. The capital is intended to further develop and expand the impact of its educational and training technologies [1].
- June 2024: KaaS completed an over $500,000 oversubscribed funding round, primarily backed by Wichita-based investors. The company plans additional funding rounds to continue its growth trajectory [2].
- January 2024: Ringorang, under Feeney's leadership, launched the "Future Ready" national tournament aimed at high school students. The initiative seeks to equip students with crucial life skills through a digital, gamified learning experience. This tournament has been pivotal in addressing the nationwide talent crisis [3].
- 2023: Ringorang was named one of the best tech startups in Wichita, highlighting its innovative approach to technology and learning [4].
- Throughout 2023 and 2024: KaaS expanded its educational services, collaborating with institutions like Wichita Public Schools to provide career coaching and mentoring through its Ringorang platform [5].
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Feeney |
| Born | Not Publicly Available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Chief Vision Officer, KaaS |
| Known For | Co-founding Knowledge as a Service |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Available |
| Education | Not Publicly Available |
Early Life and Education
Robert Feeney's path into educational technology began with a personal tragedy that fundamentally shaped his career. Initially pursuing a career in Hollywood, Feeney aimed to create content that could inspire people to change their behaviors and adopt healthier practices after losing both his brothers to suicide. This led him to develop Ringorang, initially in collaboration with Coca-Cola as a marketing tool. The prototype evolved into a sophisticated educational tool after clinical trials and governmental partnerships, significantly influenced by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories' support. His educational background details are currently not publicly available.
Career and Notable Achievements
Robert Feeney's professional journey is marked by several key milestones:
- Hollywood Influence: His initial work involved developing storytelling methods aimed at behavior change, a theme that became central to his later work with Ringorang.
- Co-founding KaaS: Along with BW Barkley, Feeney co-founded Knowledge as a Service, moving the venture from California to Wichita, Kansas, to situate it in a more supportive community environment [6].
- Ringorang Development: The software has been clinically tested and is considered a forefront solution in behavior modification and educational technology. It engages users by integrating repetitive learning techniques with gamified elements.
- Engagement with National Laboratories: Feeney extended his efforts into significant collaborations, including with the U.S. government and corporations within the Fortune 50 [7].
Current Work and Impact
Robert Feeney currently serves as the Chief Vision Officer at KaaS, where he continues to drive the growth and impact of Ringorang in various sectors. The platform is instrumental in transforming workforce development and career readiness, focusing on overcoming barriers such as change fatigue and broadening employability skills among students and employees alike. The "Future Ready" program, for instance, reflects this impact by offering scalable, gamified solutions that prepare participants for real-world career challenges [3].
Conclusion
Robert Feeney's contributions to educational technology through Knowledge as a Service, Inc. have significant implications for workforce readiness and behavioral change education. His initiatives, especially with Ringorang, represent a shift towards engaging and effective learning methodologies that have the potential to bridge skills gaps and enhance career readiness across various demographics. Feeney's approach of integrating entertainment, technology, and education sets a visionary precedent for future developments in EdTech, with a potential lasting impact on how educational services are delivered globally.