Cloud technology is on the rise, and companies large and small are getting in on the action. According to Forbes, 52% of new apps and services were cloud-based rather than hosted on traditional infrastructure.
Austin-based A Cloud Guru, a startup focused on teaching people how to use the cloud through training courses, videos and hands-on labs announced it has acquired Keller-based multicloud training platform Linux Academy. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition came with a “significant investment” from Bain Capital Tech Opportunities, Elephant, Summit Partners and AirTree Ventures.
“We recognize that our mission to ‘teach the world to cloud’ does not just start with the novice learner or end with the most advanced engineer, but is a mission that meets customers where they are at and enables them to be successful at their particular stage in their journey,” said A Cloud Guru CEO Sam Kroonenburg in a prepared statement. “By bringing together our complementary strengths, customers will now have a single partner to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cloud technology.”
A Cloud Guru focuses on teaching people of all skill levels, while Linux Academy offers a more advanced training program. According to A Cloud Guru, the combination of the companies will create the world’s largest cloud computing training catalogue. The company also offers training in DevOps, cybersecurity, big data, machine learning and AI.
The company hopes its products will help both businesses and consumers by helping people learn and transition in careers, while getting qualified and skilled employees into the workforce. According to A Cloud Guru, the cloud services market is growing at nearly three times the pace of the overall IT market and that about 75% of organizations believe they have lost revenue due to a lack of cloud expertise.
"I’m thrilled for our students. They are the true winners in this combination of two best-in-class cloud training providers,” said Linux Academy CEO Anthony James in a prepared statement. “Our student-first missions are completely aligned, and we truly are better together.”
Linux Academy was founded in 2012. A Cloud Guru was launched in 2015. According to Crunchbase.com, A Cloud Guru has received about $40 million in total funding. Linux landed a $6.8 million Series A funding round in 2017, led by Arthur Ventures. The combined organization will be led by Kroonenburg, with James serving in an advisory capacity. A Cloud Guru said its revenues have been growing at a rate of nearly 100% per year and has about 400 employees across the U.S., Europe and Australia.
