Subject, a leading digital learning platform for high schools, has announced both its name change and a new $29.4 million Series A funding round led by Silicon Valley venture firm Owl Ventures.
Seed investors Kleiner Perkins and SoftBank Group, as well as Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Moving Capital also participated in the round, which takes Subject’s total funding to date to $34.7 million.
Formerly known as Emile Learning, Los Angeles-based Subject looks to fill in the gaps for cash-strapped high schools by offering more than 50 accredited video courses across a range of academic disciplines in exchange for a monthly or annual subscription fee. Its digital product addresses several key use cases in high schools including credit recovery, course expansion, independent study, and summer school. The platform consists of four key features: 1) accredited curriculum spanning core, advanced placement (AP), and elective offerings 2) engaging video content, 3) services that support learners and assist educators, and 4) experiences that deliver positive learner outcomes while providing educators with valuable insights.
Speaking about the platform, Felix Ruano, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Subject, said,
“Being a student, a teacher, an administrator has never been more challenging. We are deeply committed to expanding access to learning opportunities, no matter where you are. Our platform is engaging to 21st Century learners, complementary to in-classroom education, and available across geographies and budgets.”
Michael Vilardo, President & Co-Founder of Subject, added,
“We’re humbled by the confidence of the world’s leading investors in our mission and model. By bringing world-class talent and cutting edge engagement tools to empower the educational landscape, we are building a business with long-term social and economic potential.”
The rebrand aligns with Subject’s vision of a world where anyone has access to any opportunity, according to a press statement. Subject is already partnered with 70+ schools and districts across the country, including several KIPP campuses, Merced Union High School District, and Jefferson County School District, as well as thousands of individual learners. The company has opened a second HQ in Seattle as well with additional capital.
Tory Patterson, Managing Director & Co-Founder at Owl Ventures, said,
“Our confidence in the vision and team at Subject couldn’t be greater. Owl Ventures’ belief that the future of education is bright is evident across our portfolio, but nowhere more clearly than our commitment to Subject’s growth. We are so excited to partner with Felix and Michael on this journey.”
As part of the investment, Tory Patterson has joined Subject’s Board of Directors, effective at the closing of this round.
Subject previously raised $5.3 million in its seed round in May 2021 led by Kleiner Perkins with participation from others including SoftBank Opportunity Fund, Owl Ventures, Uber Alum Syndicate, and private investors such as John Thornton (Former President of Goldman Sachs), Steven Galanis (Founder of Cameo), and Ankur Nagpal (Founder of Teachable).
