Hey Matt - thanks for the

Dave Schappell — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:14:50 -0400

Hey Matt - thanks for the post -- Dave (McClure) recommended that I reach out to you, but I've just been swamped -- am thrilled that you discovered us nonetheless! Hope to catch up sometime soon in person -- ping me anytime with any more questions.

Dave (Schappell)
TeachStreet founder and CEO

Teachstreet helps you find local classes, instructors

Venture Beat — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:42:02 -0400

TeachStreet, a company that seeks to helps people connect with local teachers, coaches and other instructors with the classes that fit their needs, launched today and announced it had raised $2.25 million in a first round of venture financing.

It starts with a focus on Seattle, including a guide to more than 25,000 Seattle-based teachers, classes, instructors, and schools. It plans to make money from targeted advertising and by charging premium services.

It’s the latest social networking site to target schools. Related services include DonorsChoose, which is different, letting people earmark money for certain schools and teachers, and TakeLessons.com, a website focused on connecting students and teachers, which is more of competitor.

The Seattle company is led by former Amazon executive Dave Schappell, and he’s getting his backing from local investors: The round was led by Madrona Venture Group and included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Expeditions and other angel investors from Amazon among others.

Melinda Lewison, of Bezos Expeditions, says the market has been underserved and that students and teachers outside of formal schooling have been forced to rely on coffeehouse posters and Craigslist postings.

John Cook of the Seattle PI has more details on the background.

The Industry Standard - Teachstreet helps you find local classes, instructors - Comments

Hey Matt - thanks for the

Teachstreet helps you find local classes, instructors