Simplilearn acquires Silicon based Market Motive for $10bn

BANGALORE, INDIA: Simplilearn has announced a $10 million deal to acquire Market Motive, a Silicon Valley-based digital marketing training company that counts Google’s Digital Marketing Evangelist, Avinash Kaushik as a co-founder.

The merged company is turning its attention to an expanded presence in the U.S. where it can offer a turnkey solution to working professionals and college graduates who are trying to advance in their careers.

With the acquisition of Market Motive, Simplilearn augments its offerings in the booming digital marketing field -- where the global digital advertising spend is projected to reach $278 billion in 2019 -- with courses in Social Media Marketing, Digital Advertising Web Analytics, and Marketing Automation.

Market Motive will continue to operate as an independent arm of Simplilearn with co-founder Michael Stebbins staying on as CEO along with his entire team. Michael will also join Simplilearn as the Chief Innovation Officer and work alongside the company’s Director of U.S operations, Prashant Parmar in strengthening Simplilearn’s presence further in North America.

Based in Silicon Valley, Market Motive was co-founded in 2007 by Michael Stebbins, John Marshall and Avinash Kaushik. It builds curriculum that trains professionals on digital marketing, and has delivered web-based certification programs to Fortune 500 companies.

In April 2015, Simplilearn raised $15 million in Series C funding led by Mayfield, with participation from Kalaari Capital and Helion Venture Partners to expand rapidly in the U.S and other primary markets.