The college startup Campus, which has received backing from Sam Altman, announced it has appointed Jerome Pesenti, Meta's former Vice President of AI, as its new head of technology. The company also confirmed its acquisition of Pesenti's AI learning platform, Sizzle AI, for an undisclosed sum, a move expected to significantly accelerate its technological development.
Key Takeaways
- Jerome Pesenti, Meta's former AI VP, is now the technology head at Campus.
- Campus acquired Sizzle AI, an AI learning platform with 1.7 million users.
- The acquisition is projected to advance the company's technology roadmap by two to three years.
- Campus, backed by investors like Peter Thiel and Shaquille O'Neal, has raised over $100 million.
Strategic Hire and Acquisition Details
Campus has made a significant move by bringing Jerome Pesenti onto its leadership team. Pesenti previously led artificial intelligence efforts at Meta, giving him extensive experience in a highly competitive technology sector. His new role as technology head places him in charge of steering the technical direction of the education-focused startup.
In a related development, Campus has purchased Sizzle AI, the artificial intelligence learning platform founded by Pesenti. While the financial terms of the deal were not made public, the acquisition includes integrating Sizzle AI's technology into the Campus platform. Sizzle AI is known for its personalized educational content generated by AI and has already attracted a substantial user base of 1.7 million people.
Who is Jerome Pesenti?
Jerome Pesenti is a prominent figure in the artificial intelligence community. Before his role as VP of AI at Meta, he was the CEO of BenevolentTech and previously co-founded and led the AI company Geometric Intelligence, which was acquired by Uber. His career has focused on the practical application of advanced AI systems.
Accelerating Personalized Learning
The integration of Sizzle AI's technology is a cornerstone of this strategic expansion. Tade Oyerinde, the founder and chancellor of Campus, stated that this acquisition will significantly shorten the company's development timeline. The move is expected to fast-track the company's technological roadmap by an estimated two to three years.
"The acquisition advances the company's 'roadmap' by two to three years and helps the platform cater learning toward individual student needs," said Tade Oyerinde, Campus founder and chancellor.
The primary goal is to leverage Sizzle AI's capabilities to offer highly individualized learning experiences. By tailoring educational content to the specific needs and learning styles of each student, Campus aims to improve academic outcomes and engagement on its platform.
The Campus Model for Higher Education
Campus was established with the mission to disrupt the traditional community college system. According to its website, the company aims to "maximize access to world-class education." It provides accredited associate degrees online, creating an alternative pathway for students seeking higher education.
To achieve this, Campus employs adjunct professors from highly respected universities, including Stanford, Princeton, and New York University. This approach allows students to access high-caliber instruction without the high cost and geographical limitations of traditional institutions.
Campus by the Numbers
- Student Enrollment: Over 3,000 students
- Annual Tuition: $7,320 per academic year
- Professor Compensation: Upwards of $8,000 per course
- Total Funding: Over $100 million raised
Student Support and Affordability
A key part of the Campus model is its focus on affordability and comprehensive student support. The annual tuition of $7,320 is positioned as a competitive alternative to traditional college costs. Furthermore, the platform accepts Pell Grants, making it accessible to students from lower-income backgrounds.
Beyond academics, Campus provides students with essential resources designed to foster success. Every enrolled student receives a suite of tools and support, including:
- A laptop computer
- A mobile Wi-Fi pack for internet access
- A personal success coach for guidance
- 24/7 access to tutoring services
This all-inclusive package is designed to remove common barriers to online learning and ensure students have the support structure needed to complete their degrees.
High-Profile Financial Backing
The company's ambitious goals are supported by significant financial investment from a diverse group of high-profile backers. To date, Campus has successfully raised over $100 million in funding.
The list of investors highlights confidence in the company's vision from both the technology and entertainment industries. Key investors include:
- Founders Fund: The venture capital firm founded by Peter Thiel.
- General Catalyst: A prominent venture capital firm with a broad portfolio.
- Shaquille O'Neal: The renowned NBA star and businessman.
- Joe Lonsdale: A venture capitalist and co-founder of Palantir.
- Dylan Field: The CEO of the design software company Figma.
This strong financial foundation and strategic leadership position Campus to continue its expansion and further develop its AI-driven educational platform.