Augment Business School Company Profile

Background

Augment Business School is an innovative online institution founded in 2022 by lifelong friends and entrepreneurs, Ariel Renous and Roy Wellner. Frustrated by the theoretical nature of traditional MBA programs, they established Augment to offer a practical, flexible, and affordable business education tailored specifically for entrepreneurs. The school's mission is to democratize access to high-quality business education by providing real-world insights from successful founders and executives.

Key Strategic Focus

Augment's strategic focus centers on delivering an alternative MBA experience that emphasizes:

• Practical Learning: Courses are designed around actionable skills and real-world tactics, moving away from traditional academic theories.

• Flexibility: The self-paced, online format allows professionals to integrate learning into their schedules, dedicating as little as 15 minutes per day.

• Affordability: Priced at $2,450, Augment offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional MBA programs, which often exceed $100,000 in tuition.

• Entrepreneurial Community: Students join a vibrant network of over 2,000 entrepreneurs and executives from more than 30 countries, facilitating peer support and networking opportunities.

Financials and Funding

In November 2023, Augment secured a $6 million seed funding round led by notable investors, including:

• Bpifrance

• Kima Ventures

• RTP Global

• Motier Ventures

• Financière Saint James

• Origins Fund

• Roxanne Varza

• Thibaud Elziere

This capital infusion is intended to enhance the platform's technological infrastructure, expand course offerings, and scale marketing efforts to reach a broader audience.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Augment leverages a robust online platform to deliver its curriculum, featuring:

• Premium Video Lessons: High-quality, bite-sized lessons taught by renowned founders and executives.

• Interactive Case Studies: Real-world scenarios that allow students to apply learned concepts.

• Downloadable Handbooks: Supplementary materials to reinforce learning.

• Community Engagement: Online masterminds and real-world networking events to foster collaboration among students.

Leadership Team

• Ariel Renous: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Ariel co-founded Augment to provide practical business education for entrepreneurs.

• Roy Wellner: Co-Founder. Roy collaborates with Ariel in leading Augment's strategic direction and operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The online business education market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the demand for flexible and affordable learning solutions. Traditional MBA programs face challenges due to high costs and time commitments, leading professionals to seek alternative options.

Competitor Analysis

• upGrad: Offers a range of online programs, including MBA alternatives, focusing on various industries.

• Edureka: Provides online courses in technology and business, catering to professionals seeking skill enhancement.

• Khan Academy: Offers free educational resources across multiple subjects, including business.

• Springboard: Focuses on career-oriented programs with mentorship, including business-related courses.

• Intellipaat: Provides online training in various domains, including business and technology.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Augment collaborates with industry leaders to enhance its curriculum. Notable instructors include:

• Jimmy Wales: Founder of Wikipedia.

• Steve Chen: Co-founder of YouTube.

• Chris Barton: Founder of Shazam.

• Uri Levine: Founder of Waze.

• Renaud Visage: Founder of Eventbrite.

• Gabriela Hersham: Founder of Huckletree.

These partnerships ensure that students receive insights from individuals who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape.

Operational Insights

Augment differentiates itself through:

• Affordability: Offering a comprehensive MBA program at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.

• Flexibility: Enabling learners to study at their own pace, accommodating busy schedules.

• Practicality: Focusing on real-world applications and strategies directly applicable to entrepreneurial ventures.

• Community: Building a global network of entrepreneurs for support and collaboration.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Augment aims to:

• Expand Course Offerings: Introduce new programs addressing emerging business trends and technologies.

• Enhance Technological Infrastructure: Invest in platform improvements to enrich the learning experience.

• Grow Global Reach: Target new markets to increase enrollment and diversify the student base.

• Strengthen Community Engagement: Develop additional networking opportunities and support systems for students and alumni.

Contact Information

• Website: augment.org

• LinkedIn: Augment Business School