Skillshare, an online learning community for creators, has become a beacon of accessible education and skill development since its founding in November 2010. But how did this innovative platform come into existence?
It all began with Michael Karnjanaprakorn, an entrepreneur with a passion for learning.
Check Out SkillshareEarly Influences and Entrepreneurial Roots
Michael Karnjanaprakorn was born in Virginia but spent his formative years in Korea, absorbing a blend of cultural influences. His father, a military man, and his entrepreneurial family inspired Michael's relentless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up, he witnessed his parents juggling various small businesses, from a gift store to a seafood takeout, instilling in him a profound understanding of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
The Turning Point: Education Frustration
Michael's journey toward founding Skillshare took a pivotal turn during his time volunteering at a charter school in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Working with fourth and fifth graders, he saw the power of education but also recognized the limitations and frustrations within the traditional education system. This experience planted the seed for an alternative learning platform.
Building the Foundation
Before diving into Skillshare, Michael honed his skills at Hot Potato, a social media product acquired by Facebook, while his co-founder, Malcolm Ong, was the product manager at OMGPop. This experience proved instrumental when they decided to launch Skillshare in November 2010 in New York City, with the site going live in April 2011.
The Skillshare Launch
Skillshare started with a simple yet powerful idea: democratizing education by allowing anyone to teach and learn creative and practical skills. Initially, the platform focused on in-person classes in New York City, leveraging community spaces as classrooms. However, as the model grew, so did the realization that scaling this approach would be challenging.
In August 2011, Skillshare raised $3.1 million in Series A funding led by Union Square Ventures and Spark Capital. By late 2013, the company had raised a total of $10 million, signaling strong investor confidence.
The Big Pivot: Going Online
In August 2012, Skillshare launched its first 15 online courses, allowing students to collaborate and complete projects together. By November 2013, the platform hosted over 250 courses and had launched its School of Design. Recognizing the potential of online education, Skillshare shifted its focus from in-person events to an entirely online model. This shift allowed them to reach a global audience and fulfill their mission of making learning accessible to everyone.
Scaling and Innovation
With a commitment to quality and a community-driven approach, Skillshare rapidly expanded its offerings. In March 2014, they introduced a membership model for $9.95 a month and opened the platform to all instructors. By May 2016, the company had raised $12 million in Series B funding, followed by a $28 million Series C funding in July 2018. The platform continued to grow, introducing features like "Groups" in March 2017 to help members connect and collaborate.
Leveraging YouTube for Growth
One of Skillshare's most effective growth strategies has been sponsoring YouTube channels. By partnering with content creators who offer educational and creative content, Skillshare naturally aligned itself with viewers already interested in learning new skills. These sponsorships provided long-lasting, evergreen traffic as the videos continued to attract new viewers over time. As the YouTubers' audiences grew, so did Skillshare's reach, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that fueled the platform's expansion.
A Lasting Impact
Skillshare’s success lies in its unique blend of professional courses, creative subjects, and a supportive learning environment. Today, the platform boasts over 17,000 classes, 5,000 teachers, and millions of students worldwide. By continually innovating and expanding, Skillshare remains a leader in online education.
Conclusion
Michael Karnjanaprakorn's journey with Skillshare highlights the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a clear vision. By transforming the way people learn and share knowledge, Skillshare continues to inspire and empower creators globally. As Michael passes the baton to new leadership, the platform's future looks brighter than ever, promising even more innovation and growth in the world of online education.
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