Biggest changeIn particular, risks associated with our business include, among others, the following, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects: • our historical growth may not be indicative of our future growth; • fluctuations in our quarterly and annual revenue and operating results could cause our stock price to fluctuate and the value of your investment to decline; • the evolution of our offerings coupled with our limited operating history makes it difficult to predict our future financial and operating results; • the nascency and market adoption of online learning solutions and generative AI, which may not grow or evolve as we expect, or lead to increased demand for our offerings; • changes in contractual terms with our educator partners, including with respect to pricing or contract length; • our ability to maintain and expand our partnerships with our educator partners; • our ability to attract and retain learners, including converting freemium learners to paid learners; • our ability to manage the growth of our business both in terms of scale and complexity; • changes in our contract terms, including our pricing models, for our offerings; • our ability to successfully expand our international operations, including growing our worldwide educator partner and learner base, and to manage the risks presented by such operations; • our ability to launch new offerings and services to learners to grow our business; • our ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future; • our ability to improve operational efficiencies and operating costs, including through restructuring and expense reduction initiatives; • our ability to attract and retain key personnel and manage leadership transitions; • our ability to generate sufficient revenue from new offerings to offset our costs of the offerings; • our ability to compete effectively; • the impact of potential changes in laws and regulations applicable to us, our educator partners, learners, and customers, including changes to government spending policies or budget priorities that impact our business; • our, and our educator partners’, ability to comply with international, federal, and state education laws and regulations, including applicable state authorizations for their programs; • our educator partners’ ability to obtain timely approval from applicable regulatory agencies to offer new programs, make substantive changes to existing programs, or expand programs into or within certain jurisdictions; • any changes to the validation or applicability of the United States (“U.S.”) Department of Education “Dear Colleague” Letter (“DCL”), on which our Degrees business model relies; • our educator partners’ ability to maintain institutional or programmatic accreditation for their programs; • any disclosure of sensitive information about our learners, customers, educator partners, or their employees, whether due to cyberattack or otherwise; • any failure to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce our intellectual property (“IP”) and proprietary rights and successfully defend against claims of infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of third-party IP; • any disruption or failure of our platform or operations, including as a result of geopolitical crises, natural disasters, public health crises, or other catastrophic events; • litigation or regulatory proceedings could adversely impact our business and financial condition, including exposing us to significant monetary damages or limiting our ability to operate our business; and 17 Table of Contents • risks related to our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation (“PBC”) or Certified B Corporation that may negatively impact our financial performance or reputation.
Biggest changeIn particular, risks associated with our business include, among others, the following, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects: • our historical growth may not be indicative of our future growth and our growth may be adversely impacted by macroeconomic conditions; • fluctuations in our quarterly and annual revenue and operating results could cause our stock price to fluctuate and the value of your investment to decline; • the evolution of our offerings coupled with our limited operating history makes it difficult to predict our future financial and operating results; • the nascency and market adoption of online learning solutions and generative AI, which may not grow or evolve as we expect, or lead to increased demand for our offerings; • the expected timing and realization of the expected benefits of our Merger with Udemy; • our ability to complete the Merger and the impact of such failure on our business and financial results and the price of our common stock; • the Merger Agreement contains contractual restrictions to pursue alternatives to the Merger and provisions that could require us to pay a termination fee or other amounts to Udemy; • business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Merger is pending; • the impact of lawsuits filed in connection with the Merger, if any, resulting in substantial costs and/or delaying or preventing the completion of the Merger; • changes in contractual terms with our content creators, including with respect to pricing or contract length; • our ability to maintain and expand our partnerships with our content creators; • our ability to attract and retain learners, including converting freemium learners to paid learners; • our ability to adapt and respond effectively to rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, and changing customer needs or requirements; • our ability to manage the growth of our business both in terms of scale and complexity; • changes in our subscription or contract terms, including our pricing models, for our offerings; • our ability to successfully expand our international operations, including growing our worldwide content creator and learner base, and to manage the risks presented by such operations; • our ability to launch new offerings and services to learners to grow our business; • our ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future; • our ability to improve operational efficiencies and operating costs, including through restructuring and expense reduction initiatives; • our ability to generate sufficient revenue from new offerings to offset our costs of the offerings; • our ability to compete effectively; • our ability to successfully execute acquisitions or other strategic transactions; • our ability to attract and retain key personnel and manage leadership transitions; • the impact of potential changes in laws and regulations applicable to us, our content creators, learners, and customers, including changes to government spending policies or budget priorities that impact our business, directly or indirectly, including through our content creators; • our, and our content creators’, ability to comply with international, federal, and state education laws and regulations, including applicable state authorizations; 18 Table of Contents • our, and our content creators’ ability to obtain timely approval from applicable regulatory agencies to offer new programs, make substantive changes to existing programs, or expand programs into or within certain jurisdictions; • our university partners’ ability to maintain institutional or programmatic accreditation for their programs; • any changes to the validation or applicability of the United States (“U.S.”) Department of Education “Dear Colleague” Letter (“DCL”), on which our degree programs rely; • any disclosure of personal, confidential, or otherwise sensitive information about our learners, customers, content creators, or their employees, whether due to cyberattack or otherwise; • any failure to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce our intellectual property (“IP”) and proprietary rights and successfully defend against claims of infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of third-party IP; • any disruption or failure of our platform or operations, including as a result of geopolitical crises, natural disasters, public health crises, or other catastrophic events; • litigation or regulatory proceedings could adversely impact our business and financial condition, including exposing us to significant monetary damages or limiting our ability to operate our business; and • risks related to our status as a Delaware public benefit corporation (“PBC”) or Certified B Corporation that may negatively impact our financial performance or reputation.
For example, there is a risk that AI-generated information may be inaccurate or misleading, or not appropriately attribute authors or creators for their work (including if used in the context of content creation), or that students may use generative AI to draft written assignments or for other projects, any of which, absent sufficient and cost-effective methods to detect and prevent such risks, may devalue or undervalue the certificates and other credentials offered through our platform due to the actual or perceived threat of increased plagiarism or cheating, concerns of academic integrity, or appropriate and permissible use of AI.
For example, there is a risk that AI-generated content or information may be inaccurate or misleading, or not appropriately attribute authors or creators for their work (including if used in the context of content creation), or that students may use generative AI to draft written assignments or for other projects, any of which, absent sufficient and cost-effective methods to detect and prevent such risks, may devalue or undervalue the certificates and other credentials offered through our platform due to the actual or perceived threat of increased plagiarism or cheating, concerns of academic integrity, or appropriate and permissible use of AI.
Our growth strategy is dependent upon increasing sales of our Enterprise offerings to these entities, which we offer on a subscription basis. Changes to our subscription and pricing models could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain Enterprise customers, resulting in adverse impact to our revenue and financial condition.
Our growth strategy is dependent upon increasing sales of our Enterprise offerings to these entities, which we offer on a subscription basis. Changes to our pricing models could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain Enterprise customers, resulting in adverse impact to our revenue and financial condition.
There have been, and from time to time, there may continue to be, changes in our senior management team and key employees, which could disrupt our business. Some of senior management members have been with us for a short period of time, and we continue to develop key functions within various aspects of our business.
There have been, and from time to time, there may continue to be, changes in our senior management team and key employees, which could disrupt our business. Some senior management members have been with us for a short period of time, and we continue to develop key functions within various aspects of our business.
We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations worldwide that differ among jurisdictions and affect our operations in areas including, but not limited to: higher education; IP ownership and infringement; tax; import and export requirements; anti-corruption; data privacy requirements; consumer protection; employment and labor laws; and accounting and financial reporting.
We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations worldwide that differ among jurisdictions and affect our operations in areas including, but not limited to: higher education, IP ownership and infringement, tax, import and export requirements, anti-corruption, data privacy, consumer protection, employment and labor, and accounting and financial reporting.
Bribery Act, as well as other similar anti-bribery, anti-kickback laws, and anti-money laundering regulations. These laws and regulations generally prohibit companies, their employees, and their intermediaries from authorizing, offering, providing, and accepting improper payments or benefits for improper purposes. These laws also require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions.
Bribery Act, as well as other similar anti-bribery, anti-kickback, and anti-money laundering regulations. These laws and regulations generally prohibit companies, their employees, and their intermediaries from authorizing, offering, providing, and accepting improper payments or benefits for improper purposes. These laws also require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions.
Acquisitions involve many risks, including the following: • an acquisition may negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition because it may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, may cause adverse tax consequences or unfavorable accounting treatment, may expose us to claims and disputes by third parties, including IP claims and disputes, or may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition; • we may encounter difficulties or unforeseen expenditures in integrating the business, technologies, products, personnel, or operations of any entity or business that we acquire, particularly if key personnel of the acquired entity or business decide not to work for us; • an acquisition may disrupt our ongoing business and distract our management; • an acquisition may result in a delay or reduction of customer purchases for both us and the entity or business we acquired due to customer uncertainty about continuity and effectiveness of service; • an acquisition may involve entry into geographic or business markets in which we have little or no prior experience or where competitors have stronger market positions; • we may face challenges inherent in effectively managing an increased number of employees in diverse locations; • we may experience strain on our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures; • our use of cash to pay for acquisitions would limit other potential uses for our cash; • if we incur debt to fund such acquisitions, such debt may subject us to material restrictions on our ability to conduct our business; • we may incur impairment charges related to potential write-downs of acquired assets or goodwill; and • to the extent that we issue a significant amount of equity or equity-based securities in connection with an acquisition, existing stockholders may be diluted.
Acquisitions involve many risks, including the following: • an acquisition may negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition because it may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, may cause adverse tax consequences or unfavorable accounting treatment, may expose us to claims and disputes by third parties, including IP claims and disputes, or may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition; • we may encounter difficulties or unforeseen expenditures in integrating the business, technologies, products, personnel, or operations of any entity or business that we acquire, particularly if key personnel of the acquired entity or business decide not to work for us; • an acquisition may disrupt our ongoing business and distract our management; • an acquisition may result in a delay or reduction of customer purchases for both us and the entity or business we acquired due to customer uncertainty about continuity and effectiveness of service; • an acquisition may involve entry into geographic or business markets in which we have little or no prior experience or where competitors have stronger market positions; • we may face challenges inherent in effectively managing an increased number of employees in diverse locations; • we may experience strain on our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures; • our use of cash to pay for acquisitions would limit other potential uses for our cash; • if we incur debt to fund such acquisitions, such debt may subject us to material restrictions on our ability to conduct our business; 33 Table of Contents • we may incur impairment charges related to potential write-downs of acquired assets or goodwill; and • to the extent that we issue a significant amount of equity or equity-based securities in connection with an acquisition, existing stockholders may be diluted.
In the EU, data protection authorities may impose large penalties for violations of the data protection laws, including potential fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is greater. The authorities have shown a willingness to impose significant fines on businesses and issue orders preventing them from processing personal data.
In the EU, data protection authorities may impose large penalties for violations of the data protection laws, including potential fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is greater. Data protection authorities have shown a willingness to impose significant fines on businesses and issue orders preventing them from processing personal information.
Any decreased use of our platform or limitation on our ability to export or sell our platform would adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial results. We are also subject to various domestic and international anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K.
Any decreased use of our platform or limitation on our ability to export or sell our platform would adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial results. We are also subject to domestic and international anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K.
The European Commission issued an adequacy decision in respect of the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (the “Framework”) on July 10, 2023, permitting transfers of personal data from the EU to U.S. organizations certified under the Framework, without additional transfer mechanisms. The Framework also applies to transfers from the UK to the U.S. as of October 12, 2023.
The European Commission issued an adequacy decision in respect of the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (the “Framework”) on July 10, 2023, permitting organizations certified under the Framework to transfer personal information from the EU to U.S. without additional transfer mechanisms. The Framework also applies to transfers from the UK to the U.S. as of October 12, 2023.
Bribery Act; • creation and distribution of content that may be misaligned with U.S. or foreign country interests, cultural norms, or regulations; • increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; • risks associated with foreign tax regimes, trade tariffs, foreign investment restrictions or requirements, or similar issues, which could negatively impact international adoption of our offerings; • adverse tax consequences, including corporate tax consequences, such as double taxation, transfer pricing burdens, taxation of dividends, value added taxes, digital services taxes, and withholding taxes; • difficulties in managing foreign business operations, including the potential need to localize our business infrastructure, translating our policies and information technology systems into the local language, and local challenges related to technology as well as internet speed and availability, among other challenges; and • regional, global, economic, and political conditions, including geopolitical tensions or hostilities within or beyond areas where we currently have, or may in the future have, international operations, such as the ongoing conflicts and unrest in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Bribery Act; • creation and distribution of content that may be misaligned with U.S. or foreign country interests, cultural norms, or regulations; • increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; • risks associated with foreign tax regimes, trade tariffs, foreign investment restrictions or requirements, or similar issues, which could negatively impact international adoption of our offerings; • adverse tax consequences, including corporate tax consequences, such as double taxation, transfer pricing burdens, taxation of dividends, value added taxes, digital services taxes, and withholding taxes; • difficulties in managing foreign business operations, including the potential need to localize our business infrastructure, translating our policies and information technology systems into the local language, and local challenges related to technology as well as internet speed and availability, among other challenges; and • regional, global, economic, and political conditions, including increases in anti-U.S. sentiment and geopolitical tensions or hostilities within or beyond areas where we currently have, or may in the future have, international operations, such as the ongoing conflicts and unrest in Ukraine and the Middle East.
As a result, our culture, information technology requirements, cybersecurity risk, and business operations could be adversely affected. Risks Related to Regulatory Matters and Litigation Laws and regulations can have a negative impact on our business.
As a result, our culture, information technology requirements, cybersecurity risk, and business operations could be adversely affected. Risks Related to Regulatory Matters and Litigation Laws and regulations could have a negative impact on our business.
In addition, we face risks in doing business internationally, including risks associated with sales to international governments and entities that could constrain our operations, increase our cost structure, compromise our growth prospects, lead to escalating enforcement actions, and damage our reputation, including: • the need to localize and adapt online credentialing programs for specific countries, including language translations and ensuring that these programs enable our educator partners to comply with local education laws and regulations; • local laws restricting learners from pursuing certifications, degrees, or other credentials through online education platforms such as ours or limiting the availability of financial aid to finance online education; • different data privacy and protection laws, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure”; • difficulties in staffing and managing employees and contractors in foreign countries, including in countries in which workers based outside of the U.S. may become part of labor unions, employee representative bodies, workers’ councils, or collective bargaining agreements, and challenges relating to labor shortages, government shutdowns, work stoppages, such as labor strikes or lockouts, or slowdowns; • risks related to employee travel, including illness or accident, detention by foreign authorities, poor transportation infrastructure or services, kidnapping, natural or manmade disasters, or the outbreak of hostilities or war; • different pricing environments, longer sales cycles, longer accounts receivable payment cycles, restrictions on remitting payments to the U.S. or converting local currency into U.S. dollars, difficulties in adopting and supporting new and different payment preferences, increased credit risk, levels of payment fraud, and non-payment from customers; • new and different sources of competition and practices, which may favor local competitors; 23 Table of Contents • weaker protection for IP and other legal and contractual rights than in the U.S., and practical difficulties in enforcing IP and other rights outside of the U.S., including legal and contractual rights, and differing expectations regarding ongoing contractual obligations in the face of changed circumstances; • compliance and operational challenges related to the complexity of multiple, conflicting, and changing laws and regulations addressing, but not limited to, employment, tax, privacy, data protection, consumer protection, foreign investment restrictions or requirements, economic sanctions, export controls, advertising, boycotting, money laundering, supply chain transparency, modern slavery, bribery, and corruption, such as the U.S.
In addition, we face risks in doing business internationally, including risks associated with sales to international governments and entities that could constrain our operations, increase our cost structure, compromise our growth prospects, lead to escalating enforcement actions, and damage our reputation, including: • the need to localize and adapt online credentialing programs for specific countries, including language translations and ensuring that these programs enable our content creators to comply with local education laws and regulations; • local laws restricting learners from pursuing certifications, degrees, or other credentials through online education platforms such as ours or limiting the availability of financial aid to finance online education; • different data privacy and protection laws, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure;” 25 Table of Contents • difficulties in staffing and managing employees and contractors in foreign countries, including in countries in which workers based outside of the U.S. may become part of labor unions, employee representative bodies, workers’ councils, or collective bargaining agreements, and challenges relating to labor shortages, government shutdowns, work stoppages, such as labor strikes or lockouts, or slowdowns; • risks related to employee travel, including illness or accident, detention by foreign authorities, poor transportation infrastructure or services, kidnapping, natural or manmade disasters, or the outbreak of hostilities or war; • different pricing environments, longer sales cycles, longer accounts receivable payment cycles, restrictions on remitting payments to the U.S. or converting local currency into U.S. dollars, difficulties in adopting and supporting new and different payment preferences, increased credit risk, levels of payment fraud, and non-payment from customers; • new and different sources of competition and practices, which may favor local competitors; • weaker protection for IP and other legal and contractual rights than in the U.S., and practical difficulties in enforcing IP and other rights outside of the U.S., including legal and contractual rights, and differing expectations regarding ongoing contractual obligations in the face of changed circumstances; • compliance and operational challenges related to the complexity of multiple, conflicting, and changing laws and regulations addressing, but not limited to, employment, tax, privacy, data protection, consumer protection, foreign investment restrictions or requirements, economic sanctions, export controls, advertising, boycotting, money laundering, supply chain transparency, modern slavery, bribery, and corruption, such as the U.S.
The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects. 49 Table of Contents Risks Related to Intellectual Property Any failure to obtain, maintain, protect, or enforce our IP and proprietary rights could impair our ability to protect our proprietary technology and our brand and could materially harm our business.
The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects. 47 Table of Contents Risks Related to Intellectual Property Any failure to obtain, maintain, protect, or enforce our IP and proprietary rights could impair our ability to protect our proprietary technology and our brand and could materially harm our business.
These laws, rules, and regulations may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, subject to differing interpretations, and may be interpreted to conflict with our practices. 48 Table of Contents Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal information, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters.
These laws, rules, and regulations may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, subject to differing interpretations, and may be interpreted to conflict with our practices. 46 Table of Contents Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal information, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters.
In addition, litigation expense and the timing of these expenses from period to period are difficult to estimate, subject to change, and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, litigation expenses and the timing of these expenses from period to period are difficult to estimate, subject to change, and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, we may be subject to additional fines and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept online payments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. 46 Table of Contents Our business depends to a significant degree on continued access to the internet and mobile networks.
If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, we may be subject to additional fines and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept online payments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. 44 Table of Contents Our business depends to a significant degree on continued access to the internet and mobile networks.
We must undergo a reassessment every three years to maintain our B Corp certification, and we last completed such assessment in 2022. B Lab’s certification requirements are subject to periodic changes and updates, including a recently-released proposed new framework, which if adopted in its present form, could make it more difficult to achieve certification.
We must undergo a reassessment every three years to maintain our B Corp certification, and we last completed such assessment in 2025. B Lab’s certification requirements are subject to periodic changes and updates, including a recently-released proposed new framework, which if adopted in its present form, could make it more difficult to achieve certification.
Our ability to effectively manage any significant increase in the rate or volume of learner enrollments and retention or in the volume of new content or programs will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to: • assist our educator partners in developing, launching, and maintaining an increased volume of engaging educational content that is accessible to a wide variety of learners; • successfully introduce new features and enhancements on our platform; • maintain a high level of functionality, cross-functionality, and technological robustness of our platform; and • deliver high-quality professional services and support (including training, implementation, and consulting services) to our educator partners, their employees, and learners on our platform.
Our ability to effectively manage any significant increase in the rate or volume of learner enrollments and retention or in the volume of new content or programs will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to: • assist our content creators in developing, launching, and maintaining an increased volume of engaging educational content that is accessible to a wide variety of learners; • successfully introduce new features and enhancements on our platform; • maintain a high level of functionality, cross-functionality, and technological robustness of our platform; and • deliver high-quality professional services and support (including training, implementation, and consulting services) to our content creators, their employees, and learners on our platform.
For example, in February 2025, Mr. Hart joined us as our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board member. The loss of one or more of our senior management members or other key employees, or the failure of our senior management team to work together effectively, develop strategies, and execute our plans, could harm our business.
For example, in February 2025, Gregory Hart joined us as our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board member. The loss of one or more of our senior management members or other key employees, or the failure of our senior management team to work together effectively, develop strategies, and execute our plans, could harm our business.
Any failure or claim of our failure to comply, or any failure by our third-party service providers to comply, could cost us substantial resources, result in liabilities, or force us to stop offering certain third-party payment services. In addition, as we grow our international leaner and customer base, we believe we will need to accommodate more local payment methods.
Any failure or claim of our failure to comply, or any failure by our third-party service providers to comply, could cost us substantial resources, result in liabilities, or force us to stop offering certain third-party payment services. In addition, as we grow our international learner and customer base, we believe we will need to accommodate more local payment methods.
If these service providers do not perform adequately, terminate their relationships with us, refuse to renew their agreements on commercially reasonable terms, or impose additional requirements, we may need to find alternate payment processors. We may not be able to secure similar terms or replace such payment processors in an acceptable timeframe.
If these service providers do not perform adequately, terminate their relationships with us, refuse to renew their agreements on commercially reasonable terms, or impose additional requirements, we may need to find alternative payment processors. We may not be able to secure similar terms or replace such payment processors in an acceptable timeframe.
The GDPR also provides individuals with various rights in respect of their personal data, including rights of access, erasure, portability, rectification, restriction, and objection. Complying with the GDPR remains an onerous and potentially costly obligation as interpretations of the specific requirements emerge through the courts, enforcement decisions, and regulatory guidance.
The GDPR also provides individuals with various rights in respect of their personal information, including rights of access, erasure, portability, rectification, restriction, and objection. Complying with the GDPR remains an onerous and potentially costly obligation as interpretations of the specific requirements emerge through the courts, enforcement decisions, and regulatory guidance.
Our ability to effectively manage the growth of our business will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to: • effectively recruit, integrate, train, and motivate new employees while retaining high-performing employees that help us effectively execute our business plan; • continue to improve our operational, financial, and management controls; • protect and further develop our strategic assets, including our IP rights; and • make sound business decisions in light of the scrutiny associated with operating as a public company.
Our ability to effectively manage the growth of our business will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to: • effectively recruit, integrate, train, and motivate new employees while retaining high-performing employees that help us effectively execute our business plan; • continue to improve our operational, financial, and management controls; 24 Table of Contents • protect and further develop our strategic assets, including our IP rights; and • make sound business decisions in light of the scrutiny associated with operating as a public company.
If we are unable to scale our platform, maintain and increase its interoperability, develop an increasingly robust mix of engaging content, or otherwise manage new offerings effectively, our ability to grow our business and achieve profitability would be impaired, and the quality of our solutions, access to learner information and progress, and the satisfaction of our educator partners, learners, and customers could suffer, or our educator partners could transition content hosted on our platform to other providers, while we continue to provide certain services.
If we are unable to scale our platform, maintain and increase its interoperability, develop an increasingly robust mix of engaging content, or otherwise manage new offerings effectively, our ability to grow our business and achieve profitability would be impaired, and the quality of our solutions, access to learner information and progress, and the satisfaction of our content creators, learners, and customers could suffer, or our content creators could transition content hosted on our platform to other providers, while we continue to provide certain services.
Although we do not directly collect, transmit, and store financial information, such as credit cards and other payment information, except in very limited circumstances related to Enterprise customers, we utilize third-party payment processors who provide these services on our behalf.
Although we do not directly collect, transmit, and store financial information, such as credit cards and other payment information, except in very limited circumstances related to Enterprise customers, we utilize third-party payment processors who provide payment processing services on our behalf.
A number of factors could impact our ability to compete, including: • the availability or development of alternative online education services that are, or are perceived to be, more compelling than ours; • changes in pricing policies and terms offered by our competitors or by us; • our ability to adapt to new technologies and changing requirements of our learners, customers, and educator partners; • learner and customer acquisition and retention costs; • the ability of our current and future competitors to establish relationships with businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations to enhance their services and expand their customer base; and • industry consolidation and the number and rate of new entrants.
A number of factors could impact our ability to compete, including: • the availability or development of alternative online education services that are, or are perceived to be, more compelling than ours; • changes in pricing policies and terms offered by our competitors or by us; • our ability to adapt to new technologies and changing requirements of our learners, customers, and content creators; • learner and customer acquisition and retention costs; • the ability of our current and future competitors to establish relationships with businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations to enhance their services and expand their customer base; and • industry consolidation and the number and rate of new entrants.
For example, if a natural disaster, power outage, connectivity issue, or other event occurred that impacted our employees’ ability to work remotely, it may be difficult for us to continue components of our business for a period of time.
For example, if a natural disaster, widespread fire, power outage, connectivity issue, or other event occurred that impacted our employees’ ability to work remotely, it may be difficult for us to continue components of our business for a period of time.
We do not have control over their operations or their facilities, and these facilities may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, cybersecurity attacks, terrorist attacks, power outages, and similar events or acts of misconduct. 45 Table of Contents If we do not maintain the compatibility of our learning management platform with third-party applications that our customers use, our revenue will decline.
We do not have control over their operations or their facilities, and these facilities may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, cybersecurity attacks, terrorist attacks, power outages, and similar events or acts of misconduct. If we do not maintain the compatibility of our learning management platform with third-party applications that our customers use, our revenue will decline.
Data subjects and consumer associations also have a right of action to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities, seek judicial remedies, and obtain compensation for damages resulting from violations of applicable data protection laws. In addition, privacy advocates and industry groups have regularly proposed, and may propose in the future, self-regulatory standards that may legally or contractually apply to us.
Individuals and consumer associations also have a right of action to lodge complaints with data protection authorities, seek judicial remedies, and obtain compensation for damages resulting from violations of applicable data protection laws. In addition, privacy advocates and industry groups have regularly proposed, and may propose in the future, self-regulatory standards that may legally or contractually apply to us.
Instructors and learners featured in video segments hosted on our platform may claim that we did not obtain proper assignments, licenses, consents, and releases for using their likenesses, images, or other contributed content. Although our educator partners are contractually required to secure these rights for their course material, we cannot be certain that they have done so.
Instructors and learners featured in video segments hosted on our platform may claim that we did not obtain proper assignments, licenses, consents, and releases for using their likenesses, images, or other contributed content. Although our content creators are contractually required to secure these rights for their course material, we cannot be certain that they have done so.
Conversely, a decline in employment opportunities or economic conditions may reduce employers’ willingness to sponsor adult learning opportunities for employees given a lack of employer need for enhanced skill sets or an inability to fund such programs.
Conversely, a decline in employment opportunities or economic conditions may reduce employers’ willingness to sponsor adult learning or workforce skilling opportunities for employees given a lack of employer need for enhanced skill sets or an inability to fund such programs.
In addition, as we develop and roll out new offerings, or expand existing offerings, we will need to develop pricing and contract models for these offerings that appeal to learners and customers over time, and we may not be successful in doing so.
In addition, as we develop and roll out new offerings, or expand existing offerings, we will need to develop pricing and access models for these offerings that appeal to learners and customers over time, and we may not be successful in doing so.
However, advances in computer capabilities, increasingly sophisticated tools and methods used by hackers and cyberterrorists, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other developments may result in our failure or inability to adequately protect sensitive information.
However, advances in computer capabilities, increasingly sophisticated tools and methods used by hackers and cyberterrorists, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other developments may result in our failure or inability to adequately protect this information.
The loss of or reduction in content and programs from these and other educator partners could negatively affect our ability to sustain or generate revenue or reach future profitability, and would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operation if we are unable to timely secure comparable educational content and credentialing programs at a favorable cost from other educator partners.
The loss of or reduction in content and programs from these and other content creators could negatively affect our ability to sustain or generate revenue or reach future profitability, and would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operation if we are unable to timely secure comparable educational content and credentialing programs at a favorable cost from other content creators.
Negative changes in the estimated fair value of private companies in which we invest could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 32 Table of Contents Our directors may encounter conflicts of interest involving us and other organizations with which they may be affiliated, including matters that involve corporate opportunities.
Negative changes in the estimated fair value of private companies in which we invest could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our directors may encounter conflicts of interest involving us and other organizations with which they may be affiliated, including matters that involve corporate opportunities.
If our strategy does not lead to expected growth or if we are ultimately unable to achieve results of operations at the levels expected by securities analysts and investors, our stock price would likely decline. Our results of operations could be adversely affected by natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, geopolitical crises, or other catastrophic events.
If our strategy does not lead to expected growth or if we are ultimately unable to achieve results of operations at the levels expected by securities analysts and investors, our stock price would likely decline. 35 Table of Contents Our results of operations could be adversely affected by natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, geopolitical crises, or other catastrophic events.
Additionally, the vast majority of our U.S.-based university partners participate in the federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (respectively, “Title IV” and “HEA”), and are subject to extensive regulation by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”), as well as various state agencies, licensing boards, and accrediting agencies.
Additionally, the vast majority of our U.S.-based university partners participate in the federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (respectively, “Title IV” and “HEA”), and are subject to extensive regulation by the DOE, as well as various state agencies, licensing boards, and accrediting agencies.
We must provide our learners with the ability to access our platform on a frequent and reliable basis, and our educator partners rely on the availability of our platform to offer their content online. Our platform is complex and relies on cloud infrastructure provided by third parties, and may contain defects, errors, or vulnerabilities, or may not perform as contemplated.
We must provide our learners with the ability to access our platform on a frequent and reliable basis, and our content creators rely on the availability of our platform to offer their content online. Our platform is complex and relies on cloud infrastructure provided by third parties, and may contain defects, errors, or vulnerabilities, or may not perform as contemplated.
If we cannot license or develop technology for any allegedly infringing aspect of our business, we would be forced to limit our service and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these results could harm our business. 50 Table of Contents Confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and proprietary information.
If we cannot license or develop technology for any allegedly infringing aspect of our business, we would be forced to limit our service and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these results could harm our business. Confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and proprietary information.
Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, partners, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosures. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds, and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions, and human rights.
Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, governments, investors, employees, and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosures. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds, and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions, and human rights.
Although we take precautions to prevent violations of these laws and regulations, our exposure to violations increases as our international presence expands and as we increase sales and operations in foreign jurisdictions. We may become involved in claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and other proceedings that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Although we take precautions to prevent violations of these laws and regulations, our exposure to violations increases as our international presence expands and as we increase sales and operations in foreign jurisdictions. 41 Table of Contents We may become involved in claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and other proceedings that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
These laws, rules, and regulations are constantly evolving, and we expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations, and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection, and information security in the U.S., the EU, and globally. 47 Table of Contents In the U.S., the California Consumer Privacy Act ( “ CCPA ” ) grants California consumers rights to access, delete, and opt out of the sale of their personal information, while imposing operational requirements on businesses.
These laws, rules, and regulations are constantly evolving, and we expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations, and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection, and information security in the U.S., the EU, and globally. 45 Table of Contents In the U.S., where applicable, the California Consumer Privacy Act ( “ CCPA ” ) grants California consumers rights to access, delete, and opt out of the sale of their personal information, while imposing operational requirements on businesses.
If such tax or other laws, rules, or regulations are amended, or if new laws, rules, or regulations are enacted, the results could increase our tax payments or other obligations, prospectively or retrospectively, subject us to interest and penalties, decrease the demand for our services if we pass on such costs to our learners, customers, or educator partners, result in increased costs to update or expand our technological or administrative infrastructure, or effectively limit the scope of our business activities if we decided not to conduct business in particular jurisdictions.
If such tax or other laws, rules, or regulations are amended, or if new laws, rules, or regulations are enacted, the results could increase our tax payments or other obligations, prospectively or retrospectively, subject us to interest and penalties, decrease the demand for our services if we pass on such costs to our learners, customers, or content creators, result in increased costs to update or expand our technological or administrative infrastructure, or effectively limit the scope of our business activities if we decided not to conduct business in particular jurisdictions.
Any such outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 41 Table of Contents We are required to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) for certain of our offerings, and failure to do so could harm our reputation and negatively affect our business.
Any such outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are required to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) for certain of our offerings, and failure to do so could harm our reputation and negatively affect our business.
The continued turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East could have a depressing effect on the global economy, which could dampen our business activity and reduce the demand for our online learning solutions. 34 Table of Contents In addition, pandemics or other public health crises could impact our business, key metrics, and results of operations.
The continued turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East could have a depressing effect on the global economy, which could dampen our business activity and reduce the demand for our online learning solutions. In addition, pandemics or other public health crises could impact our business, key metrics, and results of operations.
We have spent, and may continue to spend, substantial effort and management resources to secure new educator partners and to work with our existing educator partners to develop, launch, and maintain content and credentialing programs without any assurance that our efforts will result in a successful launch or revenue generation that will exceed our costs.
We have spent, and may continue to spend, substantial effort and management resources to secure new content creators and to work with our existing content creators to develop, launch, and maintain content and credentialing programs without any assurance that our efforts will result in a successful launch or revenue generation that will exceed our costs.
Further, if we were to lose a significant number of educator partners, especially those who provide a significant portion of the content and programs on our platform, or if we can no longer offer certain high-demand content or programs, our reputation, growth, and revenue would be materially and adversely impacted.
Further, if we were to lose a significant number of content creators, especially those who provide a significant portion of the content and programs on our platform, or if we can no longer offer certain high-demand content or programs, our reputation, growth, and revenue would be materially and adversely impacted.
These developments could also harm our reputation and make it more difficult for us to maintain our current content and credentialing programs and engage our educator partners for new course content or other offerings, which in turn may negatively impact our ability to expand our business and improve our financial performance.
These developments could also harm our reputation and make it more difficult for us to maintain our current content and credentialing programs and engage our content creators for new course content or other offerings, which in turn may negatively impact our ability to expand our business and improve our financial performance.
Our marketing efforts include the use of search engine optimization, paid search, and custom website development and deployment. We plan to continue investing in and expanding our Enterprise sales and marketing organization, both domestically and internationally. Identifying, recruiting, and training sales personnel requires significant time, expense, and attention.
Our marketing efforts include the use of search engine optimization, paid search, and custom website development and deployment. 28 Table of Contents We plan to continue investing in and expanding our Enterprise sales and marketing organization, both domestically and internationally. Identifying, recruiting, and training sales personnel requires significant time, expense, and attention.
Disruptions to the operations of one or more of our third-party service providers may adversely affect our business operations and financial condition. We, and our educator partners, rely on a variety of third-party service providers to support our operations by providing customer support, mobile network, internet, content production, platform integration, and other services.
Disruptions to the operations of one or more of our third-party service providers may adversely affect our business operations and financial condition. We, and our content creators, rely on a variety of third-party service providers to support our operations by providing customer support, mobile network, internet, content production, platform integration, and other services.
Litigation regarding IP rights is inherently uncertain due to the complex issues involved, and we may not be successful in defending ourselves in such matters. In addition, some of our competitors have extensive portfolios of issued patents and significant resources to enforce their IP rights.
Litigation regarding IP rights is inherently uncertain due to the complex issues involved, and we may not be successful in defending ourselves in such matters. 48 Table of Contents In addition, some of our competitors have extensive portfolios of issued patents and significant resources to enforce their IP rights.
If we cannot quickly and efficiently scale our technology and operations to handle increases in the volume and rate of learner enrollments and of new content or credentialing programs, our educator partners’, learners’, and customers’ experiences with our platform may suffer, which in turn could damage our reputation.
If we cannot quickly and efficiently scale our technology and operations to handle increases in the volume and rate of learner enrollments and of new content or credentialing programs, our content creators’, learners’, and customers’ experiences with our platform may suffer, which in turn could damage our reputation.
We believe that many of our new learners find us by word of mouth and other non-paid referrals from existing learners. If existing learners, customers. and educator partners are dissatisfied with their experience on our platform, they may stop accessing our content and may stop referring others to us.
We believe that many of our new learners find us by word of mouth and other non-paid referrals from existing learners. If existing learners, customers, and content creators are dissatisfied with their experience on our platform, they may stop accessing our content and may stop referring others to us.
Any claims successfully brought against us could subject us to significant liability for damages, and we may be required to stop using technology or other IP alleged to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We also might be required to seek a license for third-party IP.
Any claims successfully brought against us could subject us to significant liability for damages, and we may be required to stop using technology or other IP alleged to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We also might be required to license, or we may decide to forgo litigation and seek a license to, third-party IP.
Therefore, we may be subject to the possibility of increased derivative litigation, which would require management ’ s attention, and, as a result, may adversely impact our management’s ability to effectively execute our strategy. Additionally, any such derivative litigation may be costly, which may harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Therefore, we may be subject to the possibility of increased derivative litigation, which would require management’s attention, and, as a result, may adversely impact our management’s ability to effectively execute our strategy. Additionally, any such derivative litigation may be costly, which may harm our financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to hire, develop, and retain talented sales or marketing personnel, if our new sales or marketing personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time (including as a result of working remotely), if our sales and marketing programs are not effective, or if expected sales and marketing programs by our educator partners do not materialize or are not effective, our ability to broaden our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our platform could be harmed.
If we are unable to hire, develop, and retain talented sales or marketing personnel, if our new sales or marketing personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time (including as a result of working remotely), if our sales and marketing programs are not effective, or if expected sales and marketing programs by our content creators do not materialize or are not effective, our ability to broaden our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our platform could be harmed.
Our decisions and actions aimed at achieving long-term success and enhancing long-term stockholder value—such as improving platform trust and safety, altering community support delivery, strengthening relationships with learners, customers, educator partners, and employees, introducing new offerings and services, investing in social impact initiatives, and adapting to regulatory changes—may not yield the anticipated long-term benefits.
Our decisions and actions aimed at achieving long-term success and enhancing long-term stockholder value—such as improving platform trust and safety, altering community support delivery, strengthening relationships with learners, customers, content creators, and employees, introducing new offerings and services, investing in social impact initiatives, and adapting to regulatory changes—may not yield the anticipated long-term benefits.
We will need to continue to expand our relationships with businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations, enhance our platform and technology-enabled services, increase the volume of new educational content and credentialing programs developed by our educator partners, attract a higher volume of learners and customers in a cost-effective manner, deploy preferred local payment methods and pricing models, satisfy our existing educator partners’ requirements, respond to competitive challenges, and otherwise execute our business plan.
We will need to continue to expand our relationships with businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations, enhance our platform and technology-enabled services, increase the volume of new educational content and credentialing programs developed by our content creators, attract a higher volume of learners and customers in a cost-effective manner, deploy preferred local payment methods and pricing models, satisfy our existing content creators’ requirements, respond to competitive challenges, and otherwise execute our business plan.
To launch new educational content or a new credentialing program, whether synchronous or asynchronous, we may need to integrate our platform with the various learner information and other operating systems our educator partners use to manage functions within their institutions.
To launch new educational content or a new credentialing program, whether synchronous or asynchronous, we may need to integrate our platform with the various learner information and other operating systems our content creators use to manage functions within their institutions.
Although we view DeepLearning.AI Corp. as a valued educator partner and believe our agreement is on commercially reasonable terms, there may nonetheless be a perception of a conflict of interest. As a result of the foregoing, our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity particular opportunities or information should be presented.
Although we view DeepLearning.AI Corp. as a valued content creator and believe our agreement is on commercially reasonable terms, there may nonetheless be a perception of a conflict of interest. As a result of the foregoing, our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity particular opportunities or information should be presented.
Our learners, customers, and educators rely on access to the internet and mobile networks to access our platform. Internet service providers may choose to disrupt or degrade access to our platform or increase the cost of such access. Internet service providers or mobile network operators could also attempt to charge us for providing access to our platform.
Our learners, customers, and content creators rely on access to the internet and mobile networks to access our platform. Internet service providers may choose to disrupt or degrade access to our platform or increase the cost of such access. Internet service providers or mobile network operators could also attempt to charge us for providing access to our platform.
If we are not able to provide our customers and educator partners with the functionality to deliver a rewarding experience on mobile devices, their ability to attract learners to their programs may be harmed and, consequently, our business may suffer. As new mobile devices and features are released, we may encounter problems in developing or supporting apps for them.
If we are not able to provide our customers and content creators with the functionality to deliver a rewarding experience on mobile devices, their ability to attract learners to their programs may be harmed and, consequently, our business may suffer. As new mobile devices and features are released, we may encounter problems in developing or supporting apps for them.
In addition, sustained or recurring disruptions in our platform or its underlying technology could adversely affect our, or our educator partners’, compliance with applicable regulations and accrediting body standards. Further, if we fail to accurately predict the rate or timing of our platform growth, we may be required to incur significant additional costs to maintain reliability.
In addition, sustained or recurring disruptions in our platform or its underlying technology could adversely affect our, or our content creators’, compliance with applicable regulations and accrediting body standards. Further, if we fail to accurately predict the rate or timing of our platform growth, we may be required to incur significant additional costs to maintain reliability.
Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results include, but are not limited to, the following: • our ability to maintain existing customers and attract new customers, including businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations that subscribe to our Enterprise platform, as well as learners who access the content and credentialing programs available on our platform; • our ability to continue to offer compelling content and degrees or other credentialing programs created by our educator partners; • changes in, or trends affecting, subscriptions to our platform from businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations; • changes in, or trends affecting, learner enrollment and retention levels, including with respect to learners electing to access our paid offerings; • our ability to increase and manage the growth of our international operations, including our international learner and customer base, and our ability to manage the risks associated therewith; • the timing of costs we incur, the timing and amount of revenue generated, the pricing models, or the payment terms associated with launching new content or offerings; • trends and factors impacting the demand for, and acceptance of, online learning and credentialing programs and the prices consumers and businesses are willing to pay for such programs; • changes in, or trends affecting, the mix of educator partners, including academic institutions, offering open online courses only and those offering certification, degree, or other credentialing programs; • changes in the rate, volume, quality, and demand for new content and credentialing programs created and offered by our educator partners on our platform; • changes in the terms of our existing educator partner agreements and the timing and terms of any new educator partner agreements; • the timing and amount of our sales and marketing expenses; • the timing and breadth of platform subscription discounts and promotions; • costs necessary to improve and maintain our platform and compete on the basis of emerging technologies and functionality; 18 Table of Contents • changes in our key metrics or the methods used to calculate our key metrics; • revenue mix shifts between our segments and seasonality, including seasonal engagement patterns of learners and customers, which may vary from quarter to quarter or year to year, and seasonal operating practices or engagement patterns of educator partners resulting from academic calendars or fiscal years that may differ from our own; • changes in laws, regulations, or accounting principles that impact our business; and • general political, economic, or market conditions and events affecting any of the above, including the impact of inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations, labor strikes or other widespread work stoppages, the political environment, the impact of the election season, changes in government spending policies or priorities, geopolitical tensions or hostilities, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, public health crises, or other catastrophic events.
Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results include, but are not limited to, the following: • our ability to maintain existing customers and attract new customers, including businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations that subscribe to our Enterprise platform, as well as learners who access the content and credentialing programs available on our platform; • our ability to continue to offer compelling content and degrees or other credentialing programs created by our content creators; • changes in, or trends affecting, subscriptions to our platform from businesses, government organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations; 19 Table of Contents • changes in, or trends affecting, learner enrollment and retention levels, including with respect to learners electing to access our paid offerings; • our ability to increase and manage the growth of our international operations, including our international learner and customer base, and our ability to manage the risks associated therewith; • the timing of costs we incur, the timing and amount of revenue generated, the pricing models, or the payment terms associated with launching new content or offerings; • trends and factors impacting the demand for, and acceptance of, online learning and credentialing programs and the prices consumers and businesses are willing to pay for such programs; • changes in, or trends affecting, the mix of content creators, including academic institutions, offering open online courses only and those offering certification, degree, or other credentialing programs; • changes in the rate, volume, quality, and demand for new content and credentialing programs created and offered by our content creators on our platform; • changes in the terms of our existing content creator agreements and the timing and terms of any new content creator agreements; • the timing and amount of our sales and marketing expenses; • the timing and breadth of platform subscription discounts and promotions; • costs necessary to improve and maintain our platform and compete on the basis of emerging technologies and functionality; • changes in our key metrics or the methods used to calculate our key metrics; • revenue mix shifts between our segments and seasonality, including seasonal engagement patterns of learners and customers, which may vary from quarter to quarter or year to year, and seasonal operating practices or engagement patterns of content creators resulting from academic calendars or fiscal years that may differ from our own; • changes in laws, regulations, or accounting principles that impact our business; and • general political, economic, or market conditions and events affecting any of the above, including the impact of inflation, currency fluctuations, tariffs, government shutdowns, labor strikes or other widespread work stoppages, the political environment, changes in government spending policies or priorities, geopolitical tensions or hostilities, such as ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and other countries, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, public health crises, or other catastrophic events.
We have incorporated, and expect to continue to incorporate, AI in the content and credentials offerings from our educator partners, as well as in our AI-powered platform innovations and features. The incorporation of AI in our business and operations may become more significant over time.
We have incorporated, and expect to continue to incorporate, AI in the content and credentials offerings from our content creators, as well as in our AI-powered platform innovations and features. The incorporation of AI in our business and operations may become more significant over time.
New or existing companies in the online education industry provide or may in the future provide offerings similar to what we offer on our platform, and such companies may pursue relationships with our educator partners that may reduce the educational content our educator partners produce for our platform.
New or existing companies in the online education industry provide or may in the future provide offerings similar to what we offer on our platform, and such companies may pursue relationships with our content creators that may reduce the educational content our content creators produce for our platform.
Further, as we continue to expand internationally, we may become more exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Future agreements with international learners, customers, and educator partners may require payments to be denominated in local currencies. In such cases, fluctuations in the local currency value relative to the U.S. dollar could impact our operating results.
Further, as we continue to expand internationally, we may become more exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Future agreements with international learners, customers, and content creators may require payments to be denominated in local currencies. In such cases, fluctuations in the local currency value relative to the U.S. dollar could impact our operating results.
In addition, educator partners generally do not grant us exclusive rights to their content, and any such arrangements are of limited duration. As such, educator partners may choose to offer the same content on one of our competitors’ platforms or their own platform, which could limit the number of learners enrolled in such partner’s courses or programs on our platform.
In addition, content creators generally do not grant us exclusive rights to their content, and any such arrangements are of limited duration. As such, content creators may choose to offer the same content on one of our competitors’ platforms or their own platform, which could limit the number of learners enrolled in their courses or programs on our platform.
In addition, the use of AI technology has resulted in, and may in the future result in, cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal data of end users of AI applications.
In addition, the use of AI technology has resulted in, and may in the future result in, cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal information of end users of AI applications.
Further, if such certifications are obtained and maintained, but do not, or cease to, signal to learners and employers the high quality or reliability we, or our educator partners, intend to signal through such certifications, our business would be adversely affected. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, competitive position, and growth prospects.
Further, if such certifications are obtained and maintained, but do not, or cease to, signal to learners and employers the high quality or reliability we, or our content creators, intend to signal through such certifications, our business would be adversely affected. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, competitive position, and growth prospects.
We may be unable to provide learners and customers with the information and outcomes they seek if our educator partners do not contribute content that is helpful and reliable, if they remove content, or if supplemental or derivative materials are not reliable.
We may be unable to provide learners and customers with the information and outcomes they seek if our content creators do not contribute content that is helpful and reliable, if they remove content, or if supplemental or derivative materials are not reliable.
As a result of any of the foregoing, we may ultimately be unable to recover the full investment that we make in a new offering or achieve any level of profitability from such offering. If we pursue unsuccessful educator partner opportunities, we may forego more profitable opportunities, and our operating results and growth could be harmed.
As a result of any of the foregoing, we may ultimately be unable to recover the full investment that we make in a new offering or achieve any level of profitability from such offering. If we pursue unsuccessful content creator opportunities, we may forego more profitable opportunities, and our operating results and growth could be harmed.
If we cannot quickly and efficiently scale our sales, marketing, and technology teams, which includes the hiring and training of new employees, we may not be successful in attracting potential learners and customers to our platform, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue, and our educator partners could lose confidence in us.
If we cannot quickly and efficiently scale our sales, marketing, and technology teams, which includes the hiring and training of new employees, we may not be successful in attracting potential learners and customers to our platform, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue, and our content creators could lose confidence in us.
In addition, we believe that our status as a PBC and our commitment to providing global access to flexible and affordable world-class learning that supports personal development, career advancement, and economic opportunity distinguish us from our competitors and promote a relationship founded on trust among our learners, customers, educator partners, and employees.
In addition, we believe that our status as a PBC and our commitment to providing global access to flexible and affordable world-class learning that supports personal development, career advancement, and economic opportunity distinguish us from our competitors and promote a relationship founded on trust among our learners, customers, content creators, and employees.
In addition, the elimination of a particular medium or platform on which we advertise or changes in advertising practices or advertising spending fluctuations by our largest educator partners have had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on directing traffic to our offerings and recruiting new learners on a cost-effective basis.
In addition, the elimination of a particular medium or platform on which we advertise or changes in advertising practices or advertising spending fluctuations by our largest content creators have had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on directing traffic to our offerings and recruiting new learners on a cost-effective basis.
Our success depends on our ability to provide learners and customers with the information, outcomes, academic credit, and certifications they seek, which in turn depends on the quantity, quality, and format of the educational content provided by our educator partners.
Our success depends on our ability to provide learners and customers with the information, outcomes, academic credit, and certifications they seek, which in turn depends on the quantity, quality, and format of the educational content provided by our content creators.
Some of our third-party service providers, such as identity verification and payment processing providers, also regularly have access to personal data. In an effort to protect sensitive information, we rely on a variety of security measures, including encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties.
Some of our third-party service providers, such as identity verification and payment processing providers, also regularly have access to personal information. In an effort to protect personal, confidential, or otherwise sensitive information, we rely on a variety of security measures, including encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties.
In addition, our employees, our educator partners, or third parties acting at our direction may knowingly or inadvertently make use of social media in ways that could lead to the loss or infringement of IP, as well as the public disclosure of proprietary, confidential, or sensitive personal information of our business, employees, learners, customers, educator partners, or others.
In addition, our employees, our content creators, or third parties acting at our direction may knowingly or inadvertently make use of social media in ways that could lead to the loss or infringement of IP, as well as the public disclosure of proprietary, confidential, or sensitive personal information of our business, employees, learners, customers, content creators, or others.
We believe that focusing on the long-term best interests of our Company as a PBC and our consideration of all of our stakeholders, including our stockholders, learners, customers, educator partners, employees, the communities in which we operate, and other stakeholders we may identify from time to time, is essential to the long-term success of our Company and to long-term stockholder value.
We believe that focusing on the long-term best interests of our Company as a PBC and our consideration of all of our stakeholders, including our stockholders, learners, customers, content creators, employees, the communities in which we operate, and other stakeholders we may identify from time to time, is essential to the long-term success of our Company and to long-term stockholder value.