Modal raises $25M to train corporate workers on data and AI

Darren Shimkus, former president of Udemy, and Dennis Yang, ex-CEO of Udemy, have teamed up to tackle the challenge of skills building in the corporate sector with their new startup, Modal. Modal provides personalized technical skills training for companies, offering on-demand coaching and a pedagogical approach that groups users into semi-structured online learning communities. The platform assesses team members, identifies skill gaps, and creates custom plans to minimize skill risks for companies aiming to achieve their strategic objectives, such as modernization efforts and digital transformation.

In a competitive upskilling market populated by startups like GrowthSpace, Learnsoft, Pollen, Scaler, and Workera, Modal stands out by focusing on data and AI, aligning with current market trends. With a primary focus on e-learning courses in these areas, Modal aims to meet the rising demand for AI capabilities and broad technical acumen within teams. The platform differentiates itself by emphasizing real-world application and offering personalized coaching to assist learners in grasping key concepts, setting it apart from traditional e-learning platforms.

Modal’s client base includes over 100 companies, predominantly from the Fortune 1000, with a unique pricing model that charges companies only upon completion of a course by a staff member. Recently securing $25 million in funding led by Left Lane Capital, Modal plans to use the investment to expand its team, meet growing demand, and enhance its offerings for global organizations.

Shimkus attributes Modal’s success to the increasing need for upskilling driven by generative AI, which has created a sense of urgency for companies to transform their teams. In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape where predicting skill needs poses a challenge for leaders, Modal positions itself as a reliable solution tailored for such uncertainties. With a vision to aid companies in planning and enhancing their team’s skills amidst continual change, Modal aims to provide effective upskilling solutions on a global scale.