Drexel University has a rich history of fostering innovation, and ClassCut is the latest testament to this spirit. A brainchild of a group of enterprising undergraduates, ClassCut is revolutionizing the way students engage with course material. This innovative platform has not only captured the attention of the Drexel community but has also secured a coveted spot in the Spring Startups Fund.
A Student-Driven Solution
Founded by a team of primarily freshmen and sophomores, ClassCut offers a refreshing perspective on the challenges faced by both students and professors. By transforming lengthy lectures into concise, engaging video summaries, ClassCut empowers students to grasp key concepts efficiently through engaging short-form videos similar to TikTok’s.
The platform’s AI-powered teaching assistant is another game-changer. By facilitating seamless communication between students and professors, ClassCut streamlines the learning process and maximizes valuable study time.
For Anthony Deangelo, a rising sophomore and one of ClassCut’s founders, the idea started within a Drexel classroom. In a freshman class at Drexel, Anthony Deangelo and Elie Bibliowicz were tasked by Professor Ozlem Ogutveren-Gonul to come up with an idea that solves a problem. “This was one of the first classes we had taken, and we got extra credit if we pitched ClassCut at Startup Fest.”
The Drexel Advantage
ClassCut’s journey is a quintessential example of how Drexel University nurtures entrepreneurial talent.
Their pitch blew away all expectations. Although the pitch was just to earn extra credit, the team won a total of two awards at Startup Fest. This changed things.
“I called Ellie, I didn’t even have his phone number at the time, so I called him on Snapchat,” joked Anthony. “I barely knew the guy, but I told him ‘We just won this. Let’s try and make something out of it’.”
The team leveraged the university’s resources to the fullest, from mentorship programs to incubator spaces. The support and guidance of Close School’s faculty members, including Dean De Carolis and Vice Dean Sacco, was instrumental in their success.
“The Close School is like a family,” said Anthony Deangelo, a ClassCut co-founder. “Everyone is incredibly supportive, and it’s been a huge factor in our growth and how we got to where we are now.”
Overcoming Challenges and Securing Success
The path to success was not without its obstacles. Through perseverance, dedication, and the guidance of mentors, the ClassCut team transformed their initial idea into a promising startup. Winning multiple awards at Startup Fest, including a spot in the Spring Startups Fund, validated their vision and provided crucial financial backing to scale their startup.
“Winning the Startups Fund was a pivotal moment for us,” said Mohammed Rishan, ClassCut’s CTO. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the validation and the opportunity to grow.”
A Bright Future For Short-Form Education
With the infusion of funds, ClassCut is expanding its team and exploring new partnerships. ClassCut has been selected for several incubators, notably StartEd in New York, which they will use to network with heavy hitters within the education-tech community, like McGraw Hill. The funding from Startups Fund will help them pay for the incubators and retain their staff as they build out.
The platform is set to rebrand as Learnify to better reflect its mission. As the team continues to develop the platform, they are focused on creating an even more impactful learning experience for students and professors alike.
“Our goal is to change the way people learn,” said Anthony Deangelo. “We believe that ClassCut can be a game-changer in education.”
ClassCut’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. It’s a testament to the power of young entrepreneurs, market innovation, and the supportive ecosystem fostered by Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship
