What is Lumen Learning?
Founded in 2012, Lumen Learning operates at the intersection of pedagogical research and digital innovation. The company provides institutions with evidence-based learning design, including its flagship Waymaker and OHM platforms, which are specifically engineered to improve student success and engagement. Beyond courseware, Lumen Circles offer faculty professional development, fostering a collaborative environment for teaching excellence. With a footprint spanning over 500 U.S. institutions, the company is a leader in the open educational resources movement, utilizing Creative Commons licensing to ensure that high-quality learning materials remain accessible to a diverse student population.
How much funding has Lumen Learning raised?
Lumen Learning has raised a total of $11.3M across 4 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$2.5M
Unspecified
$100K
Series A
$3.8M
Series C
$5M
Angel/Seed (2015): $2.5M with participation from Oregon Venture Fund and Portland Seed Fund
Unspecified (2015): $100K led by Cascade Angels
Series A (2017): $3.8M supported by Follett
Series C (2018): $5M featuring Follett
Key Investors in Lumen Learning
Follett
A long-standing industry leader in educational content and library services, Follett provides a strategic bridge between traditional academic resources and modern digital e-commerce solutions.
Portland Seed Fund
A prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in the Pacific Northwest, known for its active support of capital-efficient companies and deep tech innovation.
Cascade Angels
A venture capital fund focused on early-stage technology companies, providing mentorship and capital to founders addressing complex business challenges across North America.
What's next for Lumen Learning?
With the infusion of this recent capital, Lumen Learning is well-positioned to scale its enterprise operations and deepen its impact on the higher education landscape. The strategic focus will likely shift toward expanding the reach of its digital courseware and enhancing the data-driven capabilities of its faculty development programs. As the company matures, it remains committed to its core value proposition of affordability and access, while navigating the complexities of the modern academic market. Future growth will likely involve further integration with institutional learning management systems and the continued refinement of its peer-based virtual learning models to meet the evolving needs of dynamic educational environments.
See full Lumen Learning company page
