Udacity
Online education platform specializing in technology courses and nanodegree programs for career development in tech fields.
Company Type
private
Founded
2011
Headquarters
Mountain View, California, USA
About Udacity
Udacity provides online education focused on technology and career development, offering various learning formats designed to prepare students for tech industry careers.
Key offerings include:
- Free courses covering fundamental technology concepts
- University credit courses in partnership with academic institutions
- Nanodegree programs for career-ready technical skills
- Specialized courses in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning
- Scholarship programs in partnership with major tech companies
The nanodegree programs represent Udacity's flagship offering, providing comprehensive training in specific technical areas with direct relevance to industry needs. These programs are developed in collaboration with technology companies to ensure curriculum relevance and job market alignment.
Udacity's courses feature project-based learning, mentorship, and career services including resume reviews and interview preparation. The platform emphasizes practical skills that can be immediately applied in professional settings.
History of Udacity
Udacity originated from free computer science classes offered through Stanford University in 2011. Sebastian Thrun, then a Stanford professor, was inspired by the overwhelming response to his Stanford Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, which enrolled 160,000 students.
The company was announced at the 2012 Digital Life Design conference, with initial funding from Charles River Ventures and $200,000 of Thrun's personal money. The first two Udacity courses started on February 20, 2012, with CS 101: Building a Search Engine being among the initial offerings.
In October 2012, Andreessen Horowitz led a $15 million investment round in Udacity, providing significant capital for expansion. The company grew rapidly, with 90,000 students enrolled in the initial two classes by March 2012.
A pivotal moment came in November 2013 when Thrun announced in a Fast Company article that Udacity had a "lousy product" and would pivot to focus more on vocational courses for professionals and "nanodegrees." This strategic shift addressed the need for job-ready technical skills rather than purely academic content.
In 2014, Udacity partnered with Georgia Institute of Technology and AT&T to launch the first "massive online open degree" in computer science, demonstrating its ability to work with academic institutions while maintaining focus on practical skills.
The company continued expanding through partnerships with major technology companies. In October 2017, Udacity launched the Learn ARKit program with Unity and partnered with Google for a scholarship initiative targeting web and Android application developers.
By 2018, Udacity was valued at over $1 billion despite not yet being profitable, having raised $163 million from noted investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Drive Capital, and GV.
The most significant development came in March 2024 when Accenture announced its acquisition of Udacity. This acquisition integrated Udacity into Accenture's LearnVantage suite, combining Udacity's educational expertise with Accenture's corporate training capabilities.
Brands Owned by Udacity
Udacity owns 0 brands in our database.
Udacity Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Integration into Accenture's global corporate learning ecosystem
- +Strong industry partnerships with major technology companies
- +Focus on practical, job-ready technical skills
- +Established nanodegree credential with employer recognition
- +Access to Accenture's resources and client base
Considerations
- -Loss of independence following Accenture acquisition
- -Competition from other online coding bootcamps and platforms
- -Need for continuous curriculum updates to keep pace with technology
- -Dependence on tech industry employment trends
- -Integration challenges within larger corporate structure
Frequently Asked Questions About Udacity
Is Udacity a publicly traded company?
No, Udacity is a privately held company. It was acquired by Accenture in March 2024 and operates as part of Accenture's LearnVantage suite.
Who founded Udacity?
Udacity was founded in 2011 by Sebastian Thrun, David Stavens, and Mike Sokolsky. Thrun was a Stanford professor and former Google executive who provided initial funding.
Who owns Udacity?
Udacity is owned by Accenture, which acquired the company in March 2024 to enhance its AI-powered LearnVantage suite for corporate training and development.
What is a nanodegree?
A nanodegree is Udacity's credential program that provides comprehensive training in specific technical areas, developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure job market relevance.
What services does Udacity offer?
Udacity offers free technology courses, nanodegree programs for career development, university credit courses, and specialized training in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and web development.
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