Oboe Raises $16M to Revolutionize Course Creation with AI

Oboe Secures $16 Million in Series A Funding

Oboe, a learning platform founded by Nir Zicherman and Michael Mignano – previously of Anchor and Spotify – has announced the completion of a $16 million Series A funding round. This investment was spearheaded by a16z, with contributions from existing investors including Eniac, Haystack, Offline, and Factorial.

Individual investors also participated in the round, featuring prominent names such as Adam D’Angelo, Garry Tan, Lenny Rachitsky, Mati Staniszewski, Mikey Shulman, Jared Hecht, and M.G. Siegler.

AI-Powered Course Creation

The platform, which became publicly available in September, empowers users to specify a learning objective and then leverages AI to construct a tailored course.

This funding arrives just three months following the app’s initial launch and one year after securing a $4 million seed round. Zicherman explained that the primary purpose of this new capital is to facilitate scalable growth.

“Our ambition is to provide learning opportunities to billions globally, representing a substantial market,” he stated. “To realize this vision, we must accelerate our execution and expand our reach to a wider audience.”

He further emphasized the team’s strength, noting, “We possess a team of experienced consumer product developers capable of effective execution, providing a competitive advantage within the market.”

Investor Perspective

Bryan Kim, a partner at a16z, highlighted his positive impression of Oboe’s rapid content generation capabilities. He noted the platform’s ability to deliver results quickly, without subjecting users to prolonged loading times.

“We’ve been actively seeking a company that effectively integrates AI to enhance learning and exploration of new subjects,” Kim explained. “Oboe’s launch immediately impressed us, and we were eager to support a founder who is both ambitious and adaptable, with a strong understanding of AI and a vision for a large-scale platform.”

Platform Enhancements and Future Development

Oboe is currently implementing improvements to its core course generation process. Previously, the platform produced content in various text and audio formats, tailored to different user preferences.

Course generation was also previously limited based on the user’s subscription level.

The updated version will initially focus on understanding the user’s learning goal, then generate chapters designed to facilitate learning on those specific topics. Integrated quizzes will also appear seamlessly within the course materials.

Furthermore, for select courses, Oboe will automatically create flashcards to aid in memorization of key concepts.

Regarding audio formats, the company is moving away from requiring users to choose between podcast and lecture styles. Instead, Oboe will generate a podcast and dynamically adjust its tone based on the learning material and user feedback.

Focus on STEM and Personalized Learning

Zicherman revealed that user demand is particularly strong for courses in STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The company is actively curating high-quality materials for these subjects, including programming resources.

The company’s approach to course design mirrors that of effective educators, prioritizing the optimal learning method for students.

Revised Pricing Structure

Oboe is introducing a new pricing model that provides users with unlimited course generation.

For those seeking more in-depth learning, a $15 monthly ($144 annually) subscription unlocks access to additional course chapters. A $40 monthly ($384 annually) Pro plan offers unlimited chapter access and the ability to export or download courses for offline use, catering to students who prefer printed materials.

Global Expansion and Future Plans

Currently, Oboe offers courses exclusively in English. However, the company intends to expand its global reach by providing localized courses and language support.

The platform is presently accessible via web browsers, with mobile app development planned for the future.

While several tools, including Google’s NotebookLM and Huxe, enable users to generate podcast episodes on various topics, Oboe distinguishes itself by offering a more comprehensive, chapter-based learning experience.