Meta AI Chief Joins Altman-Backed Campus to Revolutionize Personalized Learning

Sam Altman-backed edtech startup Campus appoints Jerome Pesenti, former Meta AI Vice President, as its new Chief Technology Officer. The company also acquires Pesenti's AI learning platform, Sizzle AI, for an undisclosed sum, aiming to accelerate its technological advancements and enhance personalized learning experiences.

Pesenti's Role and the Acquisition of Sizzle AI

Jerome Pesenti, who previously led Meta's AI efforts, now heads the technology division at Campus. This move brings his expertise in artificial intelligence to the forefront of the startup's mission to make education more accessible and tailored to individual student needs.

As part of the deal, Campus integrates Sizzle AI, a platform already used by 1.7 million people. Tade Oyerinde, founder and chancellor of Campus, states that this acquisition advances their engineering roadmap by two to three years. 'This is a game changer,' Oyerinde tells CNBC.

Campus: A Disruptive Force in Education

Founded with the goal of disrupting the community college system, Campus offers accredited associate degrees taught by adjunct professors from prestigious institutions like Stanford, Princeton, and New York University. The platform currently enrolls over 3,000 students and charges $7,320 per academic year, accepting Pell Grants to ensure financial accessibility.

Students receive a laptop, mobile Wi-Fi pack, personal success coach, and 24/7 tutoring access. Professors earn upwards of $8,000 per course, making it an attractive option for both educators and learners.

Investor Support and Future Outlook

Campus has raised over $100 million from high-profile investors, including Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, General Catalyst, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale, and Figma CEO Dylan Field. With such robust backing and the addition of Pesenti, the company aims to revolutionize the way education is delivered and accessed.

The integration of Sizzle AI into Campus's platform promises to provide a more personalized and effective learning experience, catering to the unique needs of each student. As the edtech landscape continues to evolve, Campus positions itself at the forefront of innovation, driven by a commitment to democratizing quality education.

References

• Shaq, Sam Altman-backed college startup Campus taps former Meta AI head as CTO