Company Research Report: Fiveable

Company Overview

Name and Mission of the Company

• Name: Fiveable

• Mission: Fiveable aims to democratize learning by providing an online learning community where high school students, particularly those preparing for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, can gain the resources and support they need to succeed. The company is focused on creating a supportive environment that empowers students to take academic risks and thrive, irrespective of their background or available resources.

Founding Details

• Founded: 2018

• Founder: Amanda DoAmaral

Key People

• Amanda DoAmaral: Founder & CEO

• Calix Huang: Lead Product Manager (following the acquisition of "Hours")

• Becky Bahr: Head of People and Culture

• Lee Sweatt: Head of Finance

• Nathan Hurst: Head of Product, Engineering, and Design

Headquarters

• Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA

Employees

• Number of Employees: Over 118 paid students part-time; various full-time staff (specific number unspecified)

Revenue

• No information is available.

Recognition

• Known For: Providing free test prep resources and support for Advanced Placement (AP) students. Fiveable is considered a platform that enhances social learning by connecting students to each other for educational support.

Products

Range of Products

• Virtual Study Platform (Hours)

• Provides multiplayer and single-player modes for group study sessions, task lists, and shared timers. It enhances social learning and collaboration among students.

• Cram Shops

• Live-streamed sessions focusing on specific AP subjects with the aim to engage students effectively in learning and revision.

• Study Guides and Practice Quizzes

• Covers various AP subjects to help students prepare comprehensively for their exams.

• Discord Community

• A platform where thousands of students engage, support each other, and access learning resources in a communal setting.

Key Features of Products

• Hours: Multiplayer experience to increase motivation and accountability; Focus mode for personalized study; Utilized by over 17,000 students across major universities globally.

• Cram Shops and Study Guides: Engages students effectively using a blend of guides, trivia, and community support to foster better learning outcomes.

• Discord Community: Provides an informal, social platform for students to connect and support each other in their academic endeavors.

Recent Developments

Recent Initiatives

• Acquisition of Hours (May 2021): Fiveable acquired the "Hours" platform to expand its community feel from an active Discord to a study-specific tool.

• Partnerships:

• Partnered with Joon Care to provide mental health support for students.

• Partnered with Forage for career exploration support for students.

Product Enhancements

• Interactive platform extensions: Fiveable continues to innovate by enhancing its platform with new features like downloadable replays for students with inconsistent internet access and improved navigation and browsing experiences.

Investments and Funding

• In 2021, Fiveable secured $10 million in Series A Funding to enhance support for high school students beyond AP exams.

• Backed by top seed investors such as BBG Ventures, Chelsea Clinton’s Metrodora Ventures, and Serena Williams.

COVID-19 Response

• Launched new features to support remote learning effectively during the pandemic, such as additional live stream sessions and practice questions on community threads. The platform saw a significant increase in student engagement due to the shift to online learning.

Conclusion

Fiveable is a leading ed-tech company focused on providing accessible and equitable education solutions. It enhances student learning through innovative products and community-driven initiatives.