Meet Shmoop: Silicon Valley EdTech startup that relocated to Greater Phoenix

Published: 09/05/2019
Updated: 05/17/2021

As a region, we’re on a relentless pursuit of innovation and technology, and companies here are committed to changing the game. It’s all about people, place and tech in Greater Phoenix. Learn why Shmoop chose this region to build their EdTech company. 

What city in Arizona is your company located in? 

Scottsdale 

Tell us about your company:

Shmoop offers hundreds of thousands of pages of original content. Its online courses, test prep, teaching guides, learning guides, and interactive study tools are written by teachers and experts that balance a teen-friendly, approachable style with academically rigorous concepts. Shmoop sees 8 million unique monthly web visitors across desktop and mobile platforms. The company has won numerous awards from EdTech Digest, Tech & Learning, Tech Breakthrough and the Association of Educational Publishers. Launched in 2009, Shmoop makes the magic happen based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. 

How did your company get started? 

Shmoop is a Silicon Valley EdTech startup created by one of the founding executives of Yahoo and her husband, who met in the graduate program at Stanford University. Disappointed with the state of online educational resources, the couple wanted to make learning fun and educational to return joy to learning and teaching. 

Explain why you chose Greater Phoenix to build your company:

To really build and grow the business, we wanted to hire talented and affordable employees. That wasn’t possible in the Silicon Valley. We like the great quality of life and amazing weather in Arizona. 

What makes your product unique and different? 

Shmoop is the most comprehensive suite of test prep materials available through any provider, including content on every Advanced Placement exam. More than 10,000 humor-filled, engaging videos covering everything from math, science and literacy to life skills and career readiness. We speak student.  

What is the best thing about having your business in Greater Phoenix? 

It’s a desirable place to live. We have been able to recruit employees locally and relocate talented individuals to the city. 

In your opinion, why should someone build a career in Greater Phoenix? 

Proximity to Arizona State University and its focus on innovation is important in growing your career, regardless of educational background. The university provides access to professional growth through their programs and community. 

What are three words you would use to describe the business community in Greater Phoenix? 

Thriving, Growing, Diverse 

Are you currently hiring? If so, what types of positions do you need filled now? What about in the future? 

Yes! You can see our job openings here.

Find out more about Shmoop on Facebook and Twitter. 

  

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