Massive online open course platforms (a.k.a “MOOCs”) is an emerging model of online learning which offer alternatives to expensive degrees. One of such startup is CreativeLIVE, a platform that brings live, online classrooms on creative and entrepreneurial subjects to the audience.
CreativeLIVE announced today that it has raised $8 million in series A financing from Greylock, Creative Artists Agency, William Morris Endeavor, CrunchFund and Google Ventures. Together with the $7.5 million investment from Greylock, this brings its total series A funding to $8 million. Strategic investments by William Morris and Creative Artists will ensure that CreativeLIVE have access to a sizable pool of talents. This latest round of funding also sees Flickr founder and Etsy chairwoman Caterina Fake joining the board.
CreativeLIVE was started in 2010 by renowned sports photographer Chase Jarvis in partnership with Craig Swanson as an online space where professional photographers can conduct multi-day seminars via live video to teach specific skills. Audience can watch the live airing for free. However, if you missed the live airing, the videos can be purchased for anything between $29 and $149. Since its commencement, more than one million individuals from 200 countries have participated in its free online seminars.