StraighterLine offers a full library of competency-based, student-paced online courses via a subscription model that includes textbooks, live academic and administrative support, success coaching, proctoring and grading. The platform helps universities and colleges establish affordable learning pathways to improve student retention and graduation, and it works with employers to create career-relevant credential pathways. StraighterLine has invested in a new Academy platform designed for tight integration with partner colleges’ online offerings. The company expanded into the employer market through a partnership with Bright Horizons. StraighterLine supports over 35,000 new students a year and currently has 52 employees. It was founded in 2009 and is based in Baltimore. StraighterLine is a Baltimore-based provider of online courses focused on entry-level college curriculum. It partners with 28 colleges and universities to offer 38 entry-level college courses across the Sciences, Humanities, English, Math and Business. The company operates a low-cost, subscription-based model. StraighterLine completed a $10m financing led by FirstMark Capital with participation from City Light Capital and Chrysalis Ventures. The company intends to use the capital to accelerate outreach to colleges, employers and students and to extend its offerings to include a market for credit-bearing online general education college courses. In conjunction with the funding, Amish Jani of FirstMark joined the company’s board; Burck Smith is CEO and founder.

Total raised

$10M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Apr 2012