What is SkillShare?
SkillShare operates as a digital platform offering a vast library of classes focused on creative skills, including graphic design, illustration, photography, and video editing. The service is structured around a membership model, providing unlimited access to video lessons and project-based learning opportunities. Industry experts and creators lead these courses, enabling members to enhance their professional capabilities and personal development. The platform also extends its offerings to teams, providing tailored programs to upskill employees in areas ranging from business acumen to soft skills and personal wellbeing.
How much funding has SkillShare raised?
SkillShare has raised a total of $88.8M across 6 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$550K
Series A
$3.1M
Private Equity
$1M
Private Equity
$6.1M
Series B
$12M
Series D
$66M
Angel/Seed (2011): $550K with participation from Founder Collective, SV Angel, and Collaborative Fund
Series A (2011): $3.1M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2013): $1M supported by Vegas Tech Fund
Private Equity (2014): $6.1M featuring Union Square Ventures and Spark Capital
Series B (2016): $12M backed by Union Square Ventures, Omidyar Network, Spark Capital, and Amasia
Series D (2020): $66M with participation from Burda Principal Investments, OMERS Growth Equity, Amasia, Adobe, Union Square Ventures, and Spero Ventures
Key Investors in SkillShare
Union Square Ventures
Union Square Ventures is a New York City-based venture capital firm that invests in transformative markets influenced by technological and societal changes, focusing on innovative companies poised for growth.
Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropy focused on shaping the digital revolution to promote shared power, prosperity, and possibility, engaging with innovators to influence culture, governance, business, and technology.
Spark Capital
Spark Capital, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Chennai, India, is a full-service investment banking company.
What's next for SkillShare?
The substantial enterprise-level backing indicates SkillShare is poised for aggressive expansion, likely focusing on enhancing its course catalog, expanding its global reach, and further developing its B2B solutions for corporate clients. Continued investment in technology to improve user experience and content delivery will be crucial. The company's trajectory suggests a focus on solidifying its market leadership in the creative education space and potentially exploring new verticals or advanced learning formats to maintain its competitive edge.
See full SkillShare company page
