Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


2U Acquires GetSmarter for $103 Million to Expand Non-Degree Alternatives

2U, an education tech company that partners with academic institutions to deliver degree programs and credit-bearing courses online, today unveiled plans to acquire Cape Town and London based education company GetSmarter for approximately $103 million. According to the announcement, the deal accelerates two of 2U’s strategic growth initiatives: expanding internationally and offering non-degree alternatives.

“With GetSmarter, 2U expects to strengthen its position as a leader in digital education,” said Christopher Paucek, CEO of 2U, in the announcement. “We also expect to accelerate our growth, extend our global footprint and provide a broader suite of services by matching up more students to the right programs at the right time as they further their professional and personal development.”

Founded in 2008, GetSmarter partners with college and universities to deliver short continuing education courses that allow working professionals to update their skills. Its portfolio includes more than 70 courses with partners like Harvard, MIT and the University of Cape Town. For example, a 10-week online course (90 hours) with Harvard’s online learning initiative HarvardX called Global Health and Delivery teaches individuals how to design and reimagine global health interventions.

GetSmarter’s platform is designed to keep online learners engaged with videos, quizzes and more in each module. One of its most popular features is a virtual course learning coach, which supports students and monitors progress throughout the whole course. Additionally, collaboration features enable learners to communicate with others in the course, asking them questions and receiving feedback.

Last year, GetSmarter earned $17 million, “primarily generated by students enrolled in the company’s existing programs with its legacy South African universities and one university in the United States,” the announcement said. Its user base includes more than 50,000 learners worldwide and the company has a goal to reach 1 million by 2030.  

2U is expected to close the acquisition during the third quarter of 2017 (subject to change).

To offer more details about the acquisition, 2U will host an audio webcast and conference call May 4 at 5 p.m. ET. Interested individuals in the United States can participate by dialing 1 (877) 359-9508. Individual outside of the U.S. can dial 1 (224) 357-2393. A recording will be made available on the 2U site following the event.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Abstract neural network 3D illustration

    Intel® AI EmpowerED: The AI-Ready Campus, Delivered

    Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, prompting institutions to rethink how they manage infrastructure, security, governance, and workforce readiness. Successful adoption requires a strategic, institution-wide approach that aligns AI initiatives with educational goals, faculty enablement, and scalable operational frameworks.

  • Minimalist binary data fragmentation

    Fragmented Data Is Quietly Undermining Student Success and Cybersecurity Hygiene

    Siloed tools, teams, budgets, and resources spread across departments and campuses generate massive amounts of data. However, fragmentation creates unnecessary exposure to security threats and inadvertently reduces student support because no one can see the whole picture.

  • broken digital lock and glowing chain

    Cybersecurity Researchers: AI Has Crossed into the Live Attack Chain

    AI is moving beyond assisting cybercriminals and beginning to operate within live attacks, according to a new report from Check Point Research. The technology is making sophisticated capabilities faster and more accessible while creating new security risks for businesses deploying their own AI systems.

  • Abstract background with digital shield made of data particles glowing blue blocking against cyber attacks

    Report: AI Attacks Push Organizations Toward Autonomous Cybersecurity Defense

    Artificial intelligence is raising the stakes of cyber conflict as attackers use the technology to accelerate reconnaissance, uncover vulnerabilities, and launch attacks faster than many security teams can respond.