Brightstorm

Last updated
Brightstorm
Type of site
E-learning
Founder(s) Bumsoo Kim,
Jeff Marshall,
and Chris Walsh
URL www.brightstorm.com
CommercialYes
Launched2008
Current statusActive

Brightstorm was a subscription-based online learning platform that hosted study videos and resources for test preparation. [1]

Contents

History

Brightstorm was founded in 2008 by Jeff Marshall, Chris Walsh, and Bumsoo Kim, then investment principal at KTB Ventures. [2] [3] Kim met Marshall and Walsh through KTB while they were developing the idea for the platform, and the three co-founded Brightstorm together. [4] [5] Brightstorm raised $6 million for online video tutorials on topics including SAT prep, AP United States History, and geometry. [4]

Brightstorm’s business model has changed several times throughout the course of its existence. From the launch of its online services in 2008 until August 2009, the course model of its content was subject-oriented. [6] [7] [8] In September 2009, Brightstorm adopted a freemium business model which offered free content in math and science and paid content in test prep for SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement tests. [9]

References

  1. "Brightstorm Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education". www.commonsense.org. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  2. Sang-Hun, Choe, "Tech Company Helps South Korean Students Ace Entrance Exams", The New York Times, June 1, 2009
  3. Ripley, Amanda, "The $4 Million Teacher", The Wall Street Journal, August 3, 2013
  4. 1 2 Schonfeld, Erick (2008-10-21). "Brightstorm Raises $6 Million For Online Video Tutorials". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  5. Morrison, Chris, "Brightstorm Nabs $6M, Launches Into the Booming Online Education Market", VentureBeat, October 21, 2008
  6. Miller, Claire Cain (2008-10-21). "A Start-Up Helps With the Run-Up to College". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  7. Tsubata, Kate, "Home-Schooling: A Perfect Storm for Online Learning", The Washington Times, January 4, 2009
  8. Ostrow, Adam, How To: Prepare for the SATs Without Opening a Book, Mashable, November 30, 2008
  9. Melendez, Lyanne, "Website Makes Math Fun, Easy to Learn", ABC 7 News, January 4, 2010