“Knowable is building the first platform for audio-first learning. Great courses with top instructors, delivered screen-free, so you can learn when and how you want. So excited by this idea and team — folks from NPR, Washington Post, and Masterclass — that I’m part of the first course on building a startup.“ - Alexis Ohanian

Knowable launched on Product Hunt yesterday with a novel idea — it’s like Masterclass, but just with audio. The idea is to tap into the set of podcast listeners who want to learn new skills in their ears versus watching a video. 🎧

“Our team loves podcasts and audiobooks, but neither format is made specifically for education, and neither takes advantage of the smart devices they’re delivered through (both are static, one-way experiences). Meanwhile, most online courses are delivered through video, which limits when and how you can learn” - Knowable co-founder Warren Shaeffer

Instead, Knowable combines the “listenability of podcasts, the authority of audiobooks and the structure of online courses” for a new way to learn. The platform is launching with six eight-hour courses to start — you can learn the skills it takes to launch a startup, start a podcast, sleep better, speak with confidence, become a climate change hero or invest in real estate. The classes also include a downloadable textbook and summary notes that get delivered to your inbox after each lesson. There’s no ads and each course will run you $100.



Some early reactions:

“My wife gave me a Masterclass two years ago that I've yet to 'watch' because I don't want to sit in front of my computer for 10 hours. This format is a great shift.” - Matt

“Knowable is a great idea combined with great execution. The courses are extremely well-planned, well-hosted, and well-produced.” - Adam

“I have really enjoyed Knowable audio class on start-ups. As a founder of a real estate tech platform I wish I had this info earlier. It would have saved me and my team a lot of time and money.” - Ryan

Knowable also raised a $3.75 million seed round from Andreessen Horowitz, Upfront, First Round and Initialized. The market is reportedly ripe for a startup like Knowable, with 32% of Americans listening to podcasts monthly and the e-learning industry projected to grow to $300 billion in the face of steep costs for higher education.

Let us know what you think of Knowable here. 👈

P.S. Members of the PH community get 20% off their first course (use the code producthunt).