SV Academy Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 2017, SV Academy is an online vocational school dedicated to preparing individuals from diverse backgrounds for careers in technology sales and customer success. The academy offers tuition-free, intensive training programs that equip participants with the necessary skills to thrive in the tech industry. SV Academy's mission is to democratize access to the tech sector, focusing on underrepresented groups to foster diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Mission and Vision

SV Academy aims to bridge the gap between non-traditional talent and the tech industry by providing comprehensive training and mentorship. The academy envisions a more inclusive tech landscape where individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in high-growth sales and customer success roles.

Industry Significance

By focusing on non-coding roles, SV Academy addresses the critical need for skilled sales and customer success professionals in the rapidly expanding tech industry. Its innovative approach has been recognized by Fast Company, ranking #2 in the Education category of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2020.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Skill Development: Provide intensive, practical training in tech sales and customer success.

Diversity and Inclusion: Empower underrepresented groups, including women, African Americans, Latinx individuals, and first-generation college graduates.

Employment Facilitation: Ensure graduates secure positions with competitive starting salaries in reputable tech companies.

Areas of Specialization

Tech Sales Training: Equipping participants with skills for roles such as Sales Development Representatives (SDRs).

Customer Success Training: Preparing individuals for positions focused on client retention and satisfaction.

Key Technologies Utilized

SV Academy employs a blend of online learning platforms, mentorship programs, and real-world projects to deliver its curriculum. The academy leverages partnerships with tech companies to provide hands-on experience and exposure to industry-standard tools and practices.

Primary Markets Targeted

The academy targets individuals seeking to enter the tech industry without a coding background, focusing on underrepresented demographics to enhance diversity within tech sales and customer success roles.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Round (August 2017): Raised $2 million.

Series A (June 2019): Secured $9.5 million led by Owl Ventures, with participation from Bloomberg Beta, Kapor Capital, Rethink Education, Strada Education Network, and Uprising.

Venture Round (December 2019): Received an undisclosed investment from Sound Ventures, co-founded by Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary.

Total Funds Raised

Approximately $11.5 million.

Notable Investors

Owl Ventures

Bloomberg Beta

Kapor Capital

Rethink Education

Strada Education Network

Uprising

Sound Ventures

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated to expand program offerings, enhance the online learning platform, increase outreach to underrepresented communities, and strengthen partnerships with tech companies to facilitate job placements for graduates.

Pipeline Development

Key Programs

Tech Sales Fellowship: A 12-week, tuition-free program focusing on sales development skills, culminating in job placements with partner tech companies.

Customer Success Program: Training individuals to manage client relationships and ensure customer satisfaction in tech environments.

Program Development Stages

Curriculum Design: Developed in collaboration with industry experts to reflect current market needs.

Pilot Cohorts: Initial groups to test and refine program effectiveness.

Full Implementation: Scaling programs to accommodate a larger number of participants.

Target Conditions

Addressing the talent gap in tech sales and customer success roles by providing trained professionals ready to contribute effectively from day one.

Timelines for Milestones

Program Launch: Tech Sales Fellowship launched in 2017; Customer Success Program followed.

Graduate Placement: Ongoing, with cohorts graduating and securing employment throughout the year.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

SV Academy utilizes a custom-built online learning platform that integrates interactive modules, real-time assessments, and virtual mentorship sessions to deliver its curriculum effectively.

Significant Scientific Methods

The academy employs data-driven methodologies to tailor training programs, ensuring alignment with industry demands and optimizing graduate success rates.

Leadership Team

Rahim Fazal – Co-Founder and CEO

Rahim Fazal is a seasoned entrepreneur with a history of founding successful software companies, including Involver, an enterprise social media platform acquired by Oracle. He has been recognized as one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 by Inc. Magazine and has received accolades from the White House and the Kauffman Foundation.

Joel Scott – Co-Founder and COO

Joel Scott brings extensive experience from his tenure as Vice President of Operations at Hewlett Packard. His expertise in operational management and strategic planning has been instrumental in scaling SV Academy's programs and partnerships.