Singapore Sparks Interview: Elisha Tan of Learnemy

You got your start really young. Has that helped you as an entrepreneur?
Yes, people don’t feel intimidated by me, plus I benefit from youthoriented events and schemes such as StartupMalaysia and free co-working space at SCAPE.

What are the biggest differences between Singapore and Silicon Valley?
People in Silicon Valley have a cando spirit. Singapore has not seen much big acquisition and people have no reason to take bigger risks. But with the recent Viki acquisition for $200 million, I believe that there are bigger things to come.

What are some of the most unique lessons offered on Learnemy?
A dating class by an expert coach from LunchActually, a cheerleading class from a competitive cheerleader with seven years of experience, and a clay-sculpting class by a miniature-food artist.

Where do you see Learnemy in the next 10 years?
I see it transforming education. Just imagine this: someone wants to learn to be a designer. He can schedule a web design class in the morning, logo design in the afternoon and a marketing class in the evening. There’s no need to take on a full bachelor’s degree at university. That’s the world I want to live in.