News
In Brief
- Coursera and Udemy will combine in an all-stock transaction valued at $2.5 billion.
- The new entity merges AI-powered skills development and university-backed courses for global learners and enterprises.
- Business leaders gain access to broader workforce training tools but must evaluate integration benefits and potential cost synergies.
Two of the largest online learning platforms are joining forces as AI reshapes how enterprises develop workforce skills.
Coursera and Udemy entered into a definitive merger agreement to bring Udemy under the Coursera name in an all-stock transaction today. Based on Dec. 16 closing prices, the implied equity value of the combined company is approximately $2.5 billion.
The merger aims to address global talent transformation, accelerate AI-powered innovation and achieve operating efficiencies. The combined entity projects pro forma annual revenue exceeding $1.5 billion and anticipated annual run-rate cost of $115 million within 24 months.
The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Coursera CEO Greg Hart will continue as CEO of the combined company, and Coursera Chairman of the Board Andrew Ng will remain Chairman of the combined board.
Through this combination with Coursera, we will create meaningful benefits for our learners, enterprise customers and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the substantial upside potential of the combined company.
— Hugo Sarrazin, CEO of Udemy
Udemy's Strategic Evolution
The merger follows an aggressive transformation of the Udemy workforce development platform through AI-powered innovations and strategic partnerships aimed at embedding learning into daily workflows. In July 2025, the company launched its Model Context Protocol Server to integrate learning content directly into AI workplace tools like Claude and ChatGPT. On Dec. 11, Udemy partnered with Workera to integrate AI-powered skills verification with expert-led learning.
The second half of 2025 saw rapid expansion through multiple partnerships. Following the appointment of Ramji Sundararajan as President of Consumer in August, Udemy's Q3 2025 results showed subscription revenue rising 8% year-over-year to $143.9 million. Between November and December, the company announced AI-centric alliances including a compliance training partnership with Emtrain, a responsible AI curriculum collaboration with Mila, and a distribution deal with LG CNS targeting Korea's enterprise market.
For its part, 2025 saw Coursera go through two notable leadership changes, with Hart stepping in as CEO in February and the appointment of Anthony Salcito as general manager, Enterprise in October. It also entered into partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic, becoming one of the first online learning platform embedded directly in ChatGPT in October and entering a content partnership with Anthropic in November.
AI-Powered Workforce Development Context
AI-driven workforce platforms are reshaping enterprise upskilling by combining skills intelligence, personalized learning and measurable outcomes. Organizations face mounting pressure to close capability gaps as AI transforms business operations and renders existing skills obsolete.
Leading platforms are moving beyond standalone course libraries toward integrated ecosystems. Corporate buyers are shifting away from rigid course frameworks toward fluid, adaptive learning experiences. AI-driven platforms are replacing traditional HR systems by continuously analyzing skills and driving internal mobility.
Coursera Background
Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, both Stanford University computer science professors, founded Coursera in 2012 as a massive open online course provider. The company partners with over 350 universities and industry leaders to offer courses, specializations, professional certificates and full degrees. Its catalog spans high-demand fields including generative AI, data science, technology and business, targeting individual learners seeking flexible, job-relevant education and organizations aiming to upskill or reskill their workforce at scale.
The company provides a consumer marketplace with on-demand courses and degree programs, as well as enterprise solutions including Coursera for Business, Coursera for Campus and Coursera for Government. According to its Q3 2025 financial results, the platform serves over 191 million learners and more than 1,700 enterprise customers.
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Udemy Background
Eren Bali, Gagan Biyani and Oktay Caglar founded Udemy in 2010 as a massive open online course provider. Since then, the skills-focused learning platform targets individual professionals seeking flexible, job-relevant training and organizations aiming to upskill or reskill their workforce at scale. The company provides a consumer marketplace with on-demand video courses and an enterprise solution, Udemy Business. The platform serves over 70 million learners and more than 16,000 enterprise customers.
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