CreativeLive is a technology company.
CreativeLive has raised $59.0M across 3 funding rounds.
CreativeLive has raised $59.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
CreativeLive has raised $59.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
CreativeLive's investors include Accel, Amasia, Bond, Calibrate Ventures, FirstMark Capital, First Round Capital, Footwork, FPV Fund, Gotham Gal Ventures, Greylock, Grishin Robotics, GSV Acceleration.
CreativeLive is an online education platform offering live and on-demand courses in creative fields like photography, design, videography, music, crafting, business, and entrepreneurship.[1][2][3][6] It serves creative professionals, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and aspiring creators worldwide through a freemium model—live classes are free, with paid access to recordings and resources—solving the problem of accessible, high-quality skill-building from top experts without geographic or cost barriers.[1][3][5][6] Backed by $54.5M in funding and now operating under Fiverr following its 2021 acquisition, it has grown to over 10 million students, 1,500+ classes, and 650+ instructors, with strong momentum evidenced by reported $137.4M revenue and expansions like acquiring Wildist for outdoor photography courses.[2][3][4]
CreativeLive was founded in 2009–2010 by photographer, director, and artist Chase Jarvis and entrepreneur Craig Swanson in Seattle, Washington, with offices also in San Francisco.[1][2][3][4] The idea emerged from their desire to democratize access to workshops by top creatives, starting with experiments like a December 2009 Jason Hoppe Photoshop class that trended on Twitter and validated demand.[3] Early traction came from this freemium live-stream model, attracting investors like Greylock Partners and Social+Capital; Jarvis remains CEO.[1][2] Pivotal moments include scaling to 1,500+ curated classes by around 2016 and the 2021 acquisition by Fiverr, which allowed standalone growth while integrating with freelance ecosystems.[2][3][4]
CreativeLive rides the explosion of online learning and creator economy trends, accelerated by remote work and digital tools post-2020, positioning it amid platforms like Skillshare and Pluralsight in a market hungry for specialized creative upskilling.[2][6] Timing aligns with AI-driven content creation and freelance booms, amplified by its Fiverr acquisition, which merges education with gig services to empower solopreneurs.[2][4] Market forces like demand for affordable, expert-led alternatives to traditional education favor its model, influencing the ecosystem by nurturing 10M+ creators who drive content innovation and entrepreneurship.[1][3]
CreativeLive's integration with Fiverr positions it for hybrid growth, blending education with freelance tools amid rising AI-assisted creativity and lifelong learning demands. Expect expansions in emerging areas like AI-enhanced design or entrepreneurship, leveraging its 10M+ community to dominate niche creative edtech. As creator tools evolve, its influence could deepen by powering the next wave of digital hustlers, solidifying its role from skill-builder to ecosystem enabler—echoing its founding mission to unlock the creator in everyone.[3][6]
CreativeLive has raised $59.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $25.0M Series B in May 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2017 | $25.0M Series B | Accel, Amasia, Bond, Calibrate Ventures, FirstMark Capital, First Round Capital, Footwork, FPV Fund, Gotham Gal Ventures, Greylock, Grishin Robotics, GSV Acceleration, Long Journey Ventures, Looking Glass Capital, M13, Meritech Capital Partners, NextView Ventures, Hans Tung, Saban Capital Group, SignalFire, Spero Ventures, Summit Partners, Tectonic Capital, The Finger Group, Torch Capital, Tribe Capital, True Ventures, Y Combinator, Konstantin Othmer | |
| Nov 1, 2013 | $26.0M Series B | Accel, Matt Ocko, DST Global, Five Sigma, Footwork, General Catalyst, Greylock, GSV Acceleration, Meritech Capital Partners, NextView Ventures, Hans Tung, Quiet Capital, Reach Capital, Renegade Partners, Saban Capital Group, Shasta Ventures, SignalFire, SV Angel, Torch Capital, Tribe Capital, Uncork Capital, Uprising, David Jeske, Jason Citron, Joe Greenstein, Julian Shapiro | |
| Oct 1, 2012 | $8.0M Series A | Accel, Greylock, Meritech Capital Partners |