Learning with Experts

Learning with Experts operates an online learning platform focused on providing vocational and hobbyist courses through a global classroom community model. The company was founded in 2015 by Elspeth Briscoe, who serves as CEO, and Daniel Rosewarne, the CTO. The idea originated from Briscoe's experience during a master's course in gardening, where she observed that integrating technology like Skype for communication significantly improved the learning outcomes for her and her peers. This insight led to the creation of a platform designed to combat the isolation often found in distance learning.

Briscoe's background includes senior strategic roles at technology companies like eBay and Skype, and she is also a qualified landscape designer. Rosewarne brought extensive experience as a CTO and digital development consultant to the founding team. The company's business model targets both individual consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). For individuals, it offers courses on a transactional basis across a variety of subjects including gardening, cookery, photography, art, and wellbeing. For business clients, Learning with Experts provides branded learning solutions, creating and hosting courses for companies like the NHS, The Goldsmiths Centre, and brands such as No7 Beauty Company and Hardys wine, to engage customers or upskill teams.

The platform's key feature is its emphasis on human interaction and community-based learning to counter the traditionally high dropout rates of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Courses consist of broadcast-quality video lessons, practical assignments, and personalized feedback from the expert tutors. Students are placed in small, interactive online classrooms, allowing them to learn collaboratively with other enthusiasts. This approach has resulted in an 80% course completion rate, a significant contrast to the 80% dropout rate often seen with MOOCs. The company has secured multiple funding rounds, including an £800k angel round in 2019 that saw Rupert Pennant-Rea, former editor of The Economist, join as Chairman.

Keywords: online learning, vocational training, community-based learning, expert-led courses, B2B education solutions, EdTech platform, skills development, horticulture courses, cookery classes, professional upskilling