beGreatTV: Learn from Black & Brown Innovators - Online Courses

BeGreatTV Secures $450K Pre-Seed Funding

BeGreatTV, a digital learning platform spotlighting instructors from Black and brown communities, has successfully completed a $450,000 pre-seed funding round. Investors include Stand Together Ventures Lab, Arlan Hamilton, Tiffany Haddish, and several other contributors.

Platform Focus and Mission

Founder and CEO Cortney Woodruff explained to TechCrunch that BeGreatTV aims to provide accessible learning opportunities from accomplished Black and brown innovators and leaders.

Woodruff highlighted a gap in the current educational landscape: “There isn't a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to learn from Black and brown professionals across various business sectors, with representation showcased at all levels.” This unique positioning significantly expands the potential market.

Course Content and Objectives

The platform’s courses are structured to equip learners with the skills needed to thrive within specific industries.

Beyond technical expertise, the curriculum addresses the challenges of navigating socioeconomic and racial biases. It prepares individuals for situations where they may be underrepresented, offering strategies for success. For example, aspiring makeup artists from Black communities will be equipped to handle potential biases they may encounter.

Launch Details and Initial Offerings

BeGreatTV is scheduled to launch in April, with an initial catalog of at least 10 courses.

Each course will consist of approximately 15 episodes, covering topics in arts, entertainment, beauty, and related fields.

Notable instructors at launch include:

• Sir John, celebrity makeup artist for L’Oréal and Beyoncé.
• Cortez Bryant, BeGreatTV co-founder and former manager of Lil Wayne and Drake.
• Law Roach, stylist to Zendaya.

Arlan Hamilton and Tiffany Haddish will also contribute courses focused on business and entertainment, respectively.

Currently, BeGreatTV has produced over 40 episodes, ranging in length from three to fifteen minutes.

Pricing and Revenue Model

Individual courses will be priced at $64.99.

The company plans to introduce an all-access subscription model as its course library expands.

BeGreatTV operates a royalty-sharing arrangement with its instructors.

Future Expansion and Inclusivity

While initially focused on Black and brown instructors, Woodruff envisions a future where the platform embraces greater diversity.

“Our goal is to shift the narrative from highlighting the ‘first Black instructor’ to showcasing the ‘first white instructor’ on our platform,” Woodruff stated.

Team and Growth Projections

The BeGreatTV team comprises 15 individuals, including Cortez Bryant and actor Jesse Williams.

The company is currently seeking to close its seed funding round and anticipates reaching a six-figure user base by year-end.

Competitive Landscape

MasterClass represents a significant competitor in the online learning space.

Featuring instructors like Gordon Ramsay, Shonda Rhimes, and David Sedaris, MasterClass has achieved a valuation exceeding $800 million, primarily through its $180 annual subscription fee.

Differentiating Factors

Woodruff emphasizes that BeGreatTV distinguishes itself by featuring individuals who have not only excelled in their fields but have also overcome barriers and achieved success despite a lack of representation.

“We are identifying individuals who are the best in the world at what they do, often those who were pioneers in their fields and achieved success without the benefit of role models who share their background,” Woodruff explained.