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Microsoft announced that it acquired TakeLessons, an online platform for students to connect with tutors that specializes in different areas such as academic subjects, music lessons, professional training, language learning, and hobbies.

The platform is also used by tutors to book and organize all of the lessons they provide to students, and they can do it online and in person.

Microsoft Now Owns TakeLessons

In January, Microsoft stated that its online collaboration platform Microsoft Teams was used by more than 100 million students around the world. This prompted Microsoft to launch support for macOS to reach more users.

Last year, Microsoft even launched a series of new features for its users as Teams competed with Zoom in online video chatting.

The increased engagement is due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced schools to close down and have students attend classes at home.

The software company decided to acquire TakeLessons to expand its position in the education system, according to CNBC. 

Also Read: Microsoft Teams Chat Bubbles To Arrive On MacOS, Windows 10: Expect Easier Conversation Flows-How Does It Work?

The terms and conditions of the deal were not disclosed to the public. TakeLessons is a San Diego-based company that has raised more than $20 million from individuals and firms like Uncork Capital, LightBank, and Crosslink Capital so they can reach out to more students.

The company posted a note on its website that confirmed the report about Microsoft purchasing the rights to the platform.

The note stated that it will still operate the same way for now, although it may make some changes in the near future as it plans to expand to a wider audience.

TakeLessons did not reveal how many active students and tutors it has on its platform, according to ZDNet. 

A similar company called GoStudent raised $244 million in funding this year, and it is valued at $1.7 billion, so it is safe to say that TakeLessons may be in the same ballpark.

Other online tutoring platforms like Brainly are also raking in hundreds of millions in funding.

The company's acquisition means that it is equipped with Microsoft's infrastructure and tools to set up an aggressive play in marketing online education. The software company may even go head-to-head with bigger platforms once everything is finalized.

TakeLessons Beginnings

The platform began as an online tutoring platform for students who take music lessons. Eventually, the company expanded its scope and took in academic subjects, languages, test prep, crafts, computer skills, and more.

The company has been operating since 2006, and it got its start as a platform for students to connect with experienced tutors.

At first, it only offered in-person lessons, but it eventually evolved into online lessons, according to TechCrunch.

The timing was also right because every single lesson became online when the pandemic began, thus increasing the number of interactions on the platform.

All of the lessons are offered one-on-one, but if students want to be a part of a group lesson, they can sign up for it via the platform's Live feature.

The shift to online classes is one of the reasons why Microsoft grabbed the opportunity to acquire such a platform.

Microsoft has been pushing hard to make Microsoft Teams a leader in online learning platforms, which helped a lot of students in remote learning, especially during the lockdowns and quarantines last year. These learning platforms were used by families, colleagues, educators, and students.

Related Article: Can You Use Microsoft Teams as a WhatsApp Alternative?

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Written by Sophie Webster

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