On Deck Series A Memo: The Future of Community and Education

On Deck Series A Memo: The Future of Community and Education

Introduction

As society evolves, the traditional pillars of community and education are undergoing significant transformations. The decline of organized religion has left a void in people's lives, leading them to seek fulfillment and meaning elsewhere. This search for meaning, identity, and community in modern life has found solace in online communities, such as On Deck. On Deck recognizes the importance of these needs and has built a platform that caters to them. By analyzing the common points between the On Deck community and the decline of organized religion, we can gain insights into the future of community and education.

The Power of Community

Community has always played a crucial role in human life. Whether it was the Sunday morning gatherings at church or synagogue, people have sought a sense of belonging and connection. However, as organized religion declines, individuals are turning to alternative avenues to fulfill these needs. Online communities, like On Deck, have become a haven for those searching for a sense of community and purpose.

On Deck's success lies in its ability to identify existing demands within its network and supply specific programs to meet those demands. By intertwining its founders, angels, and talent fellowships, On Deck creates a vibrant ecosystem where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together. This approach not only fulfills the need for community but also drives new member demand, enabling further investment in research and development, acquisition, and distribution.

Reimagining Education

The failure of the first generation of "ed-tech" initiatives, such as MOOCs, has taught us valuable lessons about the importance of community in education. On Deck has taken these lessons to heart and reimagined education by combining curriculum with community. The result is a peer-to-peer learning experience that is rewarding and personal.

Top Fellows in On Deck's programs exhibit strong "repeat buying" behavior, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. The integration of community and education creates a unique learning environment where individuals not only gain knowledge but also develop deep relationships and connections. This approach has garnered high Net Promoter Scores and led to a significant number of referrals, further solidifying the value of community in education.

Macro Waves and Tailwinds

On Deck is riding a series of macro waves and tailwinds that are reshaping the landscape of education and community. The decline of traditional higher education has paved the way for the rise of "ed-tech 2.0," which focuses on re-bundling virtual curriculum and community. Additionally, the shift to distributed living and working, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made location less important in hiring. On Deck's ability to adapt to these new norms positions it as "Silicon Valley in the Cloud."

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of community: Whether you're building a startup or seeking personal growth, recognize the importance of community in achieving success. Seek out like-minded individuals and foster connections that can help you grow and learn.

2. Combine curriculum with community: When designing educational programs, consider the integration of curriculum with community. Peer-to-peer learning experiences can enhance the educational journey and create lasting connections among participants.

3. Adapt to new norms: As the world changes, be open to embracing new norms and trends. Whether it's remote work or the reimagining of traditional institutions, staying nimble and adaptable will ensure you remain competitive and relevant.

Conclusion

The future of community and education lies in the integration of curriculum with community. As the decline of organized religion leaves a void in people's lives, online communities like On Deck are stepping in to fill that gap. By recognizing the common points between the decline of traditional institutions and the rise of alternative avenues, we can gain insights into the future of community and education. Through the combination of curriculum and community, On Deck has created a platform that not only fulfills the need for connection and meaning but also fosters personal and professional growth. Embracing the power of community, integrating curriculum with community, and adapting to new norms will ensure success in this evolving landscape.