TeachMe.To raises $5 million to enhance platform for local in-person lessons
TeachMe.To, a platform designed to facilitate the booking of local in-person lessons, has announced the successful raising of $5 million in seed funding.
This round of investment was led by Bling Capital and included contributions from Marketplace Capital, 20Growth, and notable industry figures such as Gokul Rajaram, alongside existing investors.
The funds will be utilised to further develop the platform, with a specific emphasis on enhancing tools that improve the learning experience for users.
Nick O’Brien, President and Chief Operating Officer of TeachMe.To, expressed his pride in the company's achievements and vision for the future:
"We’re very proud of our team, our investment partners, and our early progress. We’re encouraging people to get outside, exercise, make new friends, and develop confidence. We believe we’re building one of the coolest, most human networks since Airbnb."
The investment marks a significant milestone for TeachMe.To, which has seen rapid growth, expanding tenfold between 2022 and 2023. The platform now delivers over 200 lessons daily across major cities in the United States.
Growing Demand for Local Lessons
TeachMe.To has tapped into a growing demand for local, personalised learning experiences.
Tyler Maloney, CEO of TeachMe.To, highlighted the importance of human interaction in the learning process:
"When it comes to learning something new and pursuing an interest, there’s real demand for that human-to-human, local experience.
“Of course, technology is at the backbone of how we deliver and improve that experience, providing innovative learning tools, like an AI option that can film, analyse, and help a student’s swing, but in an ever-increasing AI-dominated world, we are a distinctly human company."
The platform offers lessons in various categories including pickleball, golf, tennis, and music. It aims to connect learners with the nearest, most affordable, and friendliest coaches, facilitating a seamless booking process while supporting continuous learning.
Ben Ling, Managing Partner at Bling Capital, noted the shift in work preferences post-pandemic:
"In the post-pandemic world, flexible schedules have become the norm, and coaches are increasingly choosing to teach their passions over traditional 9-to-5 jobs. We believe that in the next five years, AI will significantly accelerate this trend.
“As automation takes over more routine tasks, both students and teachers will have more time to dedicate to enjoyable, in-person experiences. TeachMe.To is strategically positioned to thrive in this evolving marketplace."