Brilliant

Series CRaised Since Featured

Learn by doing

Interactive STEM learning platform with bite-sized lessons on math, science, computer science, and AI.

Founded October 2012San Francisco, CA~116 people$92.6M raisedFeatured at Series B

EdtechStemInteractive LearningMathComputer ScienceAi Education

About

Brilliant is an interactive learning platform that teaches STEM subjects through hands-on problem solving rather than passive video lectures. Founded in 2012 by Sue Khim and Silas Hundt, the platform offers 70-90 courses covering mathematics, science, computer science, and data analysis. Brilliant's pedagogy emphasizes learning by doing — users work through visual, interactive problems that build intuition before introducing formal concepts. The platform has grown to over 10 million users worldwide and expanded into AI and data science education. Brilliant was acquired by CV-Library in October 2022 and continues to operate independently, expanding its course catalog and reaching learners across five continents.

DailyDropout Take

Brilliant has quietly become one of the most effective STEM learning platforms by rejecting the lecture-video model in favor of interactive problem solving. With 10M+ users and a strong subscription business, they're well-positioned to be the go-to platform for AI and data science education.

Discovery signal: Strong user growth, unique pedagogy, expansion into AI education

What Makes Them Unique

Brilliant's interactive, problem-first pedagogy sets it apart from video-based learning platforms. Users learn by solving visual, hands-on problems that build intuition before formal concepts — a method proven to improve retention and understanding compared to passive instruction.

10M+

Users

Monthly App Users

70-90

Courses

$5-10M/yr

Revenue (est.)

Target Markets

StudentsProfessionalsLifelong Learners

Founders

Sue Khim

Co-Founder & CEO

CEO and co-founder of Brilliant since 2012. Previously founded Alltuition. Named Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education (2012). Studied mathematics at the University of Chicago.

LinkedIn 𝕏Twitter

Silas Hundt

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer

Co-founder and CPO of Brilliant, leading product development for the interactive learning platform.

Brilliant is hiring!

Team size: ~116

View Open Roles

Funding History

Seed$3M

Aug 16, 2012

Lead: Social+Capital Partnership

Social+Capital Partnership500 StartupsKapor CapitalLearn CapitalHyde Park Angels

Series A$4.67M

Jul 1, 2013

Lead: Social+Capital Partnership

Social+Capital PartnershipKapor CapitalLearn Capital

Series B$40M

Aug 31, 2021

Lead: Next47 & Celesta Capital

Next47Celesta CapitalResideo TechnologiesAugust CapitalPeak State VenturesGaingelsMiramar Ventures

Investors

Firms

Next47(Lead — Series B)Celesta Capital(Lead — Series B)Social+Capital Partnership(Lead — Seed)Kapor Capital500 StartupsLearn CapitalHemisphere VenturesPritzker Group

Individual Investors

Chamath Palihapitiya

CEO, Social Capital

Press & News

Backed By Social+Capital, Brilliant.org Is Finding And Challenging The Brightest, Technical Talent In The World

TechCrunch·Aug 11, 2013

Competitive Landscape

Khan Academy CodecademyMasterClassOutschool

All Startups Visit Brilliant

Last updated: Feb 15, 2026