Through TakeLessons’ online platform, people can avail paid online and in-person classes on a range of subjects
Learning marketplace start-up TakeLessons acquired by Microsoft. (Credit: order_242 from Chile)
Microsoft has acquired TakeLessons, a San Diego, California-based learning marketplace start-up, for an undisclosed price.
TakeLessons is an online platform that enables people to book paid online and in-person classes on a range of subjects.
Having started in 2006, the educational technology company has a network of tutors, acting coaches, music teachers, and dance instructors among others.
For teachers, the company provides cloud-based software free of cost. It helps teachers in streamlining the day-to-day management of their business, which includes client scheduling and communication.
The learning marketplace start-up has instructors who teach private one-on-one lessons in-person or online. For certain subjects, the company also provides online group classes.
TakeLessons’ investors include Crosslink Capital, SoftTech VC, Moore Venture Partners, and Triangle Peak Partners.
The company stated: “We’re so excited to announce that TakeLessons has been acquired by Microsoft. We believe this will further support TakeLessons’ mission: to empower people to learn, connect, grow, and live more meaningful lives through education.”
It further said that for existing students, the weekly activities of selecting an instructor, taking classes, and learning will relatively be the same even after the acquisition by Microsoft. The company said that it hopes to make the experiences even better over time.
It also expects to gain greater resources through Microsoft to develop better products and draw more high-quality teachers towards its platform. Besides, the company anticipates offering a broader selection of subjects.
Recently, Microsoft acquired Clipchamp, a go-to video creation and editing suite. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the tech major.
Established in 2013, Clipchamp provides an in-browser video creation and editing experience to its users.