TL;DR: Transforming Coding Education for 1.5 Million Learners
From a small startup idea to a platform educating over 1.5 million developers, Per Borgen's journey with Scrimba is a story of innovation in tech education.
Scrimba has redefined how people learn to code, focusing on interactive and project-based teaching that keeps users engaged and makes learning fun.
Scrimba's Journey: From Experiment to Essential Platform
Scrimba wasn’t built in a day. Per and his team started with a simple goal: to make online coding education more effective.
They quickly realised that traditional video tutorials weren’t enough, leading them to develop Scrimba’s unique interactive video format. This shift empowered learners to code directly within the video, turning passive watching into active learning.
Along the way, Scrimba faced challenges, including a complete rewrite of the platform (V2) to boost performance.
The key to their success? Constant user feedback, community engagement, and a dedication to project-based learning.
"We reinvented the video format from scratch."
Building a Profitable EdTech Business
Per’s strategy for Scrimba has always focused on sustainability. Unlike many startups, Scrimba didn’t rely heavily on venture capital. Instead, they prioritized revenue and user satisfaction. Highlights from Scrimba’s business journey include:
Project-based Learning: The heart of Scrimba’s curriculum, helping learners build practical skills.
Imba Language: A fast, elegant programming language powering the platform.
Y Combinator Support: A crucial boost, although Scrimba has raised less than most peers.
Profit-First Mindset: Focus on profitability over quick funding.
Insights on the Future of Learning Platforms
Per offered valuable thoughts on the future of online learning:
AI Integration: Exploring how AI can personalize and improve learning experiences.
Backend Support: Expanding to full-stack development, making Scrimba a one-stop shop.
Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with learners through social media and feedback loops.
What Makes Scrimba Different?
"I don’t just teach coding, I make coding accessible for everyone," Per shared during the conversation. Here are some of the standout features:
Interactive Format: Code and learn simultaneously, a first in the industry.
Personalization: Focus on user projects to boost engagement and motivation.
Community-Driven Approach: Strong emphasis on feedback and user needs.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring EdTech Founders
Innovate Where It Matters: Scrimba’s success is rooted in transforming the video format.
Listen to Your Users: Feedback has been instrumental in shaping the platform.
Bootstrap with a Purpose: Focus on revenue early, and avoid funding for the sake of it.
Be Prepared for a Long Journey: Scrimba’s path to success has been anything but quick.
Resources Worth Exploring
For those who want to dive deeper into Scrimba’s story:
Check out Scrimba’s latest courses and explore their interactive format.
Follow Per Borgen's journey on LinkedIn and X for insights on tech education.
K.O.O’s Note
The Scrimba story is truly inspiring, embodying the entrepreneurial ethos of "scratch your own itch." Perhaps you, too, can attract 1.5 million users or more by addressing an itch you've identified.
Share this post