Dear Parents,

I’ve spent the past ten years in New York City working in the startup space, focused on creating value and, honestly, making money. But when I turned 28, I started asking myself bigger questions — about impact, about what truly mattered, about what I would want for my own kids one day. That reflection led me here.

Runstr isn’t just another tech product — it’s a personal mission.

I’ve worked with kids throughout my life, from helping in the children’s section of my local library to volunteering at camps and churches. I’ve seen firsthand how much a strong support system can shape a child’s confidence and future. I was lucky enough to have that support growing up, but I also understand that not every kid does. And even for those who do, we can do better.

Education should make sense — for kids, for parents, and for teachers. But too often, the system is built around rigid structures that don’t serve the people actually in it. Schools struggle with funding, teachers are underpaid, and parents are looking for ways to support their children beyond just checking grades or monitoring screen time.

That’s where Runstr comes in. It’s bigger than me, bigger than any one company—it’s about changing the way we think about education. It’s about creating a tool that gives students ownership of their academic journey, allows families to support them directly, and helps teachers and schools benefit in the process.

There are plenty of tech solutions for being a parent — apps for allowances, for monitoring what your kid downloads, for tracking their location. But what about a tool that fosters mutual respect and transparency? A tool that helps kids feel empowered, parents feel engaged, and teachers feel valued?

Runstr is that tool.

I built this because I had to — because my experiences, both personal and professional, led me to this exact moment. I believe in what we’re building, and I believe in the future we’re creating together.

Let’s make it happen.

Sincerely,

Zachary Obasiolu + Runstr + Parents Need More