TeachMe.To, a sports coaching platform tailored for novice athletes, has successfully secured $2 million in seed funding, which the company exclusively revealed to TechCrunch. This funding injection is earmarked for expanding the platform, introducing a new app for students, and broadening its range of sports offerings.
Founded in late 2021 by CEO Nick O’Brien and Chairman Tyler Maloney, TeachMe.To’s primary aim is to simplify the process of booking sports and skill lessons, making it more accessible for consumers to embrace new hobbies or master a new sport.
O’Brien shared his vision with TechCrunch, stating, “Learning something new can be intimidating, which is why many of us hesitate to begin. TeachMe.To exists to drastically simplify the process of trying out a new skill or sport.”
TeachMe.To provides access to local lessons in over 100 U.S. cities, connecting students with qualified coaches specializing in sports like pickleball, tennis, golf, surfing, and boxing. These lessons are customized to each student’s goals and preferences, with the added perks of complimentary insurance and a “Love Your Lesson” money-back guarantee.
The platform currently facilitates more than 100 lessons daily.
Additionally, TeachMe.To is committed to assisting instructors in building their client base or starting their teaching careers. For instance, former D1 tennis players can apply to TeachMe.To to earn money by coaching kids and beginners. However, only 10% of applicants are accepted.
Notably, TeachMe.To offers free filming sessions for all coaches to create a “Vet ‘Em Video.” These videos help aspiring students learn about the coaches’ experience, qualifications, teaching philosophies, and motivations.
O’Brien emphasized, “Starting your own coaching business typically costs upwards of $10,000, and many coaches struggle to break through and succeed. What’s remarkable about TeachMe.To is that we eliminate that cost entirely. We handle all the business aspects, allowing our coaches to focus solely on teaching.”
When coaches initially sign up on TeachMe.To, the platform charges a one-time matchmaking fee based on demand and location, along with a 20% commission on earnings.
Top instructors on the platform are currently earning $5,000 per month. O’Brien anticipates that by the end of 2023, which marks TeachMe.To’s first full year of operation, coaches will collectively earn over $2,000,000.
While TeachMe.To already offers an app for coaches to manage lessons, it plans to launch a separate app for learners next month. The student app will enable users to track their progress between lessons and receive video feedback from coaches, among other features.
“We plan to create a Duolingo-like learning experience to accelerate students’ progress,” O’Brien added.
In 2024, TeachMe.To intends to expand its repertoire of skills for people to learn, including boxing, piano, and other hobbies. The platform is currently in the testing phase for fitness and dance classes. Over the next five years, the company envisions adding more skills and expanding to additional locations.
The funding round was led by 1984 Ventures, with participation from Common Metal, Alumni Ventures, and angel investors such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Vivek Patel (former CPO of Yelp), Brent Turner (president of Rover), and Ben Lauzier (former VP of product and growth at Thumbtack).
Shortly after its inception, TeachMe.To raised approximately $500,000 in angel funding. The recent funding round brings the total amount raised to approximately $2.5 million.
While platforms similar to TeachMe.To, such as CoachUp and Athletes Untapped, exist, 1984 Ventures founder Ramy Adeeb pointed out that “sport-specific, localized platforms are typically geared towards advanced players—those aiming to excel in golf, tennis, or competitive sports. TeachMe.To, on the other hand, is democratizing sport, making it accessible to everyday individuals seeking health and wellness through sports and activities.”
Adeeb elaborated, saying, “Many Americans aren’t focused on mastery; they simply want the confidence to start playing a sport, and that’s precisely what TeachMe.To provides.”
