Level Up

Collection
Design Strategy (MBA) | Design Division

Course
Spring 2019Venture StudioRobert von Goeben, Brett Hazlett, Joan BodensteinerDSMBA-608-02
Venture project
Student(s)
Anna Ibrahim, Laurel Adams, Wan-Jou Lee, Elizabeth Demakos
Description
Level Up is a platform for expert, independent trainers to empower HR professionals with the right tools to create truly equitable and inclusive workplaces.

The workforce is becoming more diverse than ever, yet our workplace culture is failing to keep up. Proactive, values-driven and “trailblazing” HR professionals hungrily seek specialized trainings to tackle cultural change, but might never find the perfect lead or word-of-mouth recommendation. Meanwhile, talented trainers have the right message but can’t connect with potential customers. In a market dominated by corporate training companies, these independent entrepreneurs struggle for new business.

In an industry first, we match Trailblazers with Trainers, creating partnerships to spark and sustain real change. Level Up grants access for Trailblazers and empowers them with the right tools to create truly diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. Our Trainers grow their businesses and promote trainings on race, inclusion, equity, harassment and gender identity in ways that are dynamic, interactive and intersectional.

We focus on Trailblazers in the non-profit sector (as well as B-corps and social enterprises) who make training a priority and will pay what it takes. We deliver value through three core products and services: (1) a curated portfolio of independent Trainers that Trailblazers can book directly; (2) app-based microprompts to extend training learnings, and; (3) white glove account management for paying customers to receive hands-on assistance with research and implementation. An industry analysis shows robust competition and strong desirability, but no competitor in the market benefits both Trailblazer and Trainer with our dual-sided business model.

To capitalize on this growth opportunity, we welcome an investment of $150,000 from a values-driven donor. This would allow us to kickstart our growing network, expand our Trainers’ reach and galvanize our Trailblazers’ impact on national workforce culture.

Links to resources


Details

  • Owner: Elizabeth Demakos
  • Collaborators: Wan-Jou Lee, Anna Ibrahim, Elizabeth Demakos, Sarah Gilbert, Laurel Adams
  • Collection: Design Strategy (MBA) Program
  • Version: 1 (show all)
  • Status: Live