# StraighterLine

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/straighterline

- Industry: Education/Training
- Headquarters: Baltimore, US
- Website: www.straighterline.com
- Total disclosed funding: $17M
- Latest round: Series B (Dec 19, 2014)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

StraighterLine, Inc. provides a range of affordable, self-paced online college courses designed for adult learners and high school students seeking to earn college credit flexibly and efficiently.Founded in 2009, StraighterLine operates from Baltimore, US, offering online courses for college credit. Its founder, David Parento, established the company to address the needs of adult learners and high school students. The company secured a Series B funding round of USD 15.62 mn in May 2020, led by FirstMark Capital, with participation from Chrysalis Ventures and City Light Capital. With a total amount raised of USD 15.62 mn over three deals, StraighterLine continues to adapt its offerings and reach a wider audience.StraighterLine offers a comprehensive suite of low-cost, self-paced online college courses aimed at adult learners and high school students seeking to earn college credit. Their core offerings include a wide variety of general education (GenEd) and prerequisite courses in subjects such as business, health science, humanities, languages, and mathematics. These courses are designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace, typically completing classes in an average of 28 days. StraighterLine's model addresses the needs of diverse customer segments, including adult learners returning to education, college students looking to accelerate their degree progress, and high school students preparing for college. The service primarily targets markets across the United States, offering access to over 3,000 accredited institutions nationwide, ensuring that credits earned can be easily transferred to many colleges and universities.StraighterLine operates on a subscription-based revenue model, charging a monthly membership fee of USD 99 in addition to a one-time fee for each course taken. This structure facilitates straightforward transactions between the company and its clients, predominantly consisting of individual learners rather than institutional partnerships. The monthly membership encompasses access to a broad range of courses, eTextbooks, tutoring, and support services, enhancing the overall learning experience. The company reports that more than 350,000 students have benefited from their offerings, collectively saving over USD 300 mn on tuition, reflecting the financial impact and value proposition of their affordable online education solutions.In response to the evolving educational landscape, StraighterLine is focused on expanding its course offerings and enhancing its online platform to improve user experience. The company plans to enter new domestic markets, targeting regions with a high demand for accessible education solutions by the end of 2022. The recent Series B funding of USD 15.62 mn will be utilized to support these initiatives, enabling StraighterLine to develop new courses and expand its marketing efforts to reach a broader audience.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Dec 19, 2014, $16M — Chrysalis Ventures, FirstMark Capital, City Light Capital
- Series A, Jan 20, 2010, $1.2M — Kaplan Ventures

## Investors

- Kaplan Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/kaplan-ventures) — Series A
- Chrysalis Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/chrysalis-ventures) — Series B
- FirstMark Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/firstmark-capital) — Series B
- City Light Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/city-light-capital) — Series B