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A Pasadena-based startup called codeSpark has raised $4.1 million in seed funding for web and mobile games that teach kids how to code even before they know how to read and write effectively.

CodeSpark’s games were developed for kids 4 to 9 years old, and with a goal of not just teaching them STEM concepts, but engaging boys and girls equally well. The games feature characters who are girls, and storylines that do not involve the rescue of girls, for example.

Co-founder and CEO Grant Hosford said the edtech startup’s first game The Foos Coding has been played by 4 million kids in 201 countries to date. Part of what’s fueled the game’s popularity is that Hosford, and co-founder and Chief Product Officer Joe Shochet, designed its content to be visual, not verbal or numeric.

The funding round was led by Kapor Capital. Other investors included Idealab, PGA Venture Partners, Felton Group, NewGen Capital, and angel investors including Umang Gupta.

A year ago, the company secured $1.35 million in seed funding to expand The Foos.

Read more on the funding from TechCrunch and EdWeek Market Brief.

Read more on codeSpark at LA School Report.