2U, Inc. (TWOU): Business Model Canvas

Key Partnerships

2U, Inc. has established several key partnerships that are crucial to its business model. These partnerships help the company deliver high-quality educational programs to students around the world.

• University partnerships for program offerings: 2U collaborates with top universities to offer online degree programs in various fields such as business, healthcare, and technology. These partnerships allow the company to leverage the academic expertise of partner institutions and provide students with a reputable and valuable education.
• Corporate collaborations for workforce development: In addition to university partnerships, 2U partners with corporations to provide workforce development programs. These collaborations help companies upskill their employees and stay competitive in the ever-changing business landscape.
• Technology partners for platform enhancement: 2U works with technology partners to enhance its online learning platform and provide students with a seamless and engaging learning experience. These partnerships help the company stay at the forefront of educational technology innovation.
• Content providers for specialized course material: To offer a diverse range of course offerings, 2U partners with content providers to deliver specialized course material. These partnerships help the company cater to the unique needs and interests of students across different disciplines.

Key Activities

Developing online program curriculums: One of the main activities of 2U, Inc. is developing online program curriculums for universities and colleges. This involves working closely with academic institutions to design and create high-quality online courses that meet the needs of both students and faculty. The company's team of instructional designers, subject matter experts, and technologists collaborate to ensure that the curriculum is engaging, interactive, and aligned with the latest industry standards.

Platform management and improvement: Another key activity of 2U, Inc. is the ongoing management and improvement of its online learning platform. The company invests in cutting-edge technology to provide students with a seamless and user-friendly learning experience. This includes regular updates and enhancements to the platform's features, functionality, and usability. The platform is designed to support a variety of teaching methods, such as live lectures, group discussions, and interactive assignments.

Partner acquisition and relationship management: 2U, Inc. works tirelessly to acquire new university and college partners to expand its reach and offer a diverse range of online programs. The company's team of business development professionals cultivates relationships with academic institutions to understand their needs and aspirations. By forging strong partnerships, 2U, Inc. is able to collaborate closely with its partners to develop customized online programs that align with their goals and values.

Marketing and student acquisition: In order to attract students to its online programs, 2U, Inc. invests in marketing and student acquisition efforts. The company employs a range of digital marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization, social media advertising, and email campaigns, to promote its programs and attract prospective students. By targeting the right audience with the right message, 2U, Inc. is able to generate leads and convert them into enrollments.

Key Resources

Proprietary technology platform: 2U, Inc. relies heavily on its proprietary technology platform to deliver high-quality online education programs. This platform allows for seamless integration of various tools and resources that enhance the learning experience for students and educators alike.

Academic and corporate partners: 2U, Inc. has built strong relationships with a wide range of academic institutions and corporate partners. These partnerships provide access to top-notch faculty members, industry experts, and resources that help create innovative and relevant online education programs.

Expert staff in education technology: The company boasts a team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in education technology. This team is instrumental in developing, implementing, and continuously improving the online education programs offered by 2U, Inc.

Brand reputation in online education: 2U, Inc. has established itself as a trusted leader in the online education space. Its strong brand reputation helps attract top-tier academic institutions, corporate partners, and students to its platform.

Value Propositions

2U, Inc. (TWOU) offers a range of value propositions that cater to both universities and students seeking online education.

• For Universities: 2U, Inc. provides universities with the ability to offer online degree and non-degree programs. This allows universities to reach a wider audience and provide more flexible options for students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programs. By partnering with 2U, universities can expand their reach and tap into the growing market of online education.
• For Students: 2U, Inc. offers students flexible, high-quality online education. With 2U's platform, students can access top-tier programs from universities around the world without having to physically attend classes on campus. This flexibility allows students to balance their education with work, family, and other commitments, making it easier for them to pursue their academic goals.
• For Workforce Development: In addition to traditional degree programs, 2U, Inc. supports workforce development by offering tailored training programs. These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of employers and help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen field. By partnering with 2U, companies can provide their employees with access to high-quality training programs that can improve their performance and contribute to organizational success.
• Advanced Technology: 2U, Inc. leverages advanced technology to enhance learning outcomes for both universities and students. By incorporating tools such as interactive learning platforms, virtual labs, and artificial intelligence, 2U is able to create engaging and effective online learning experiences that rival traditional classroom settings. This focus on technology allows 2U to stay at the forefront of online education and continuously improve the quality of its offerings.

Customer Relationships

2U, Inc. focuses on building strong and personalized relationships with its customers through various channels. By providing exceptional support and services, the company aims to create a positive and engaging experience for all users.

Here are some key aspects of 2U's customer relationships:

• Personalized student support and services: 2U offers personalized support to each student, ensuring that their needs are met throughout their academic journey. This includes access to academic advisors, success coaches, and tutoring services to help students succeed in their courses.
• Partner support teams for university clients: 2U works closely with its university clients to provide ongoing support and assistance. Partner support teams are assigned to each university to address any issues or concerns that may arise, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership.
• Ongoing tech support for users: The company offers tech support services to assist users with any technical issues they may encounter while using 2U's platform. This includes troubleshooting, software updates, and assistance with online learning tools.
• Community engagement through forums and networking events: 2U encourages community engagement among its users through online forums and networking events. This allows students, faculty, and staff to connect with each other, share ideas, and build a strong sense of community within the platform.

Channels

Website: 2U, Inc. operates primarily through its website, which serves as the main channel for students to access information about courses offered, enrolment processes, and FAQs. The website is user-friendly, with easy navigation and clear information.

Social Media: The company also utilizes social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for marketing purposes and engaging with current and potential students. Through these channels, 2U, Inc. provides updates on new courses, success stories from students, and interactive content to keep the audience engaged.

Online Webinars and Virtual Open Days: To further engage with prospective students, 2U, Inc. organizes online webinars and virtual open days. These events allow interested individuals to interact with instructors, ask questions about courses, and get a feel for the learning experience. It also provides a platform for the company to showcase their offerings and highlight the benefits of enrolling in their programs.

Direct Outreach: In addition to online channels, 2U, Inc. also conducts direct outreach through emails and partnerships with educational institutions and organizations. By collaborating with schools and other entities, the company is able to reach a wider audience and attract students who may be interested in furthering their education.

• Website
• Social Media
• Online Webinars and Virtual Open Days
• Direct Outreach

Customer Segments

2U, Inc. serves a variety of customer segments in the education and workforce training sectors. These segments include:

• 2U partners with traditional universities to help them offer online degree programs and courses to reach a broader student population.
• This segment includes both public and private institutions looking to leverage technology to enhance their educational offerings.

• 2U provides a platform for students to pursue online degrees in a variety of disciplines, as well as professional development courses to enhance their skills.
• These students are typically working professionals or non-traditional learners looking for flexible, convenient educational opportunities.

• 2U partners with corporations and organizations to provide workforce training solutions tailored to their specific needs.
• This segment includes companies looking to upskill their employees or provide specialized training programs in areas such as technology, business, and healthcare.

• 2U offers online education options for international students seeking to study at top U.S. universities from abroad.
• Lifelong learners also benefit from 2U's offerings, which allow them to continue their education and personal development throughout their lives.

Cost Structure

Development and maintenance of the tech platform: 2U, Inc. invests heavily in developing and maintaining its technology platform to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for students, partners, and clients. This includes costs associated with software development, infrastructure maintenance, and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.

Marketing and promotional expenses: In order to attract new partners and clients, 2U allocates a significant portion of its budget towards marketing and promotional efforts. This includes digital advertising, social media campaigns, events, and other initiatives to increase brand awareness and generate leads.

Partner and client support operations: 2U provides ongoing support to its partners and clients through dedicated account management teams. These teams are responsible for ensuring client satisfaction, addressing any issues that arise, and fostering strong relationships with partners. The costs associated with these support operations include salaries, training, and technology tools.

Content creation and curriculum development costs: 2U collaborates with universities and other content providers to create high-quality curriculum for its online programs. This process involves hiring subject matter experts, instructional designers, and multimedia specialists to develop engaging and interactive course materials. The costs associated with content creation include personnel expenses, software licenses, and production equipment.

Overall, 2U's cost structure is designed to support its mission of delivering innovative, high-quality online education solutions to its partners and clients while ensuring a sustainable business model for long-term growth and success.

Revenue Streams

2U, Inc. generates revenue through a variety of sources that contribute to its overall business model. Here are the main revenue streams:

• 2U partners with universities and colleges to offer online degree programs, where students pay tuition fees to enroll in these programs. These fees contribute a significant portion of 2U's revenue stream.
• In addition to degree programs, 2U also offers non-degree programs such as short courses and certificates, where students pay fees to access the content and certification provided by these programs.

• 2U provides a platform for universities to deliver online education, and in return, universities pay licensing fees to utilize this platform. These licensing fees serve as a steady revenue stream for 2U.

• 2U partners with corporations to provide online training programs for their employees. Corporations pay fees for these customized training programs, which cater to their specific needs and objectives.

• 2U offers specialized courses for professionals looking to advance their skills and knowledge in specific areas. These courses come with a fee structure that generates revenue for 2U while providing valuable learning opportunities for individuals seeking professional development.