KnowledgeAdvisors
KnowledgeAdvisors provides AI-powered feedback analytics and learning measurement software to higher education institutions and corporate HR departments, enabling survey collection, qualitative comment analysis, and L&D effectiveness measurement through its Blue, MLY, and Metrics That Matter platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What KnowledgeAdvisors does
KnowledgeAdvisors operates a feedback analytics and learning measurement software platform serving higher education institutions and corporate human resources departments globally. The product suite comprises Blue (course evaluation, 360-degree feedback, and employee engagement surveys), MLY (AI-powered qualitative analysis that processes open-ended comments at scale using NLP and machine learning), Metrics That Matter / MTM (learning and development effectiveness measurement for L&D leaders), and BlueX (an extended enterprise learning and feedback capability). The technology stack is anchored by purpose-built AI/ML models trained on a proprietary dataset of 2B+ survey data points and 500M+ completed survey forms, with integrations into LMS, HRIS, SIS, and CRM systems to pull data from clients' existing environments. SOC 2 Type 2, WCAG 2.2 AA, and ADA Section 508 compliance certifications support procurement in regulated contexts.
The company generates revenue primarily through enterprise SaaS subscriptions billed annually, complemented by professional services for implementation, integration, and optimization. Pricing is quote-based with no publicly disclosed tiers, reflecting a field-sales and inside-sales go-to-market targeting large universities and global enterprises. Distribution relies on direct enterprise sales motions, supported by content marketing (case studies, blog, video), social channels, and an annual proprietary conference (Explorance World). Named customers include Boeing, KPMG, T-Mobile, OpusVi in the enterprise segment and McGill, NYU, Stellenbosch, Liverpool John Moores, St. Gallen, Louisville, Boise State, and Newcastle Australia in higher education. Founded in 1999, headquartered in Chicago, with 51-100 employees, KnowledgeAdvisors was funded by Synetro Group in 2000 and is led by founder Kent Barnett as Founder, Chairman, and CSO.
KnowledgeAdvisors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KnowledgeAdvisors
- Legal name
- Explorance Inc.
- Website
- https://knowledgeadvisors.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- KnowledgeAdvisors provides AI-powered feedback analytics and learning measurement software to higher education institutions and corporate HR departments, enabling survey collection, qualitative comment analysis, and L&D effectiveness measurement through its Blue, MLY, and Metrics That Matter platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KnowledgeAdvisors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Learning and Development Analytics
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Educational Support Services (611710), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assessments, Quizzes & Learning Analytics Tools (MPACALAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Assessment & Quiz Item Authoring Tools (within course builders) (EDAFAHAG), Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate) (EDAFAAAA)
Keywords
Where KnowledgeAdvisors is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
KnowledgeAdvisors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Subscription (SaaS): Annual or multi-year subscription-based access to the Explorance software suite including Blue, MLY, Metrics That Matter, and BlueX platforms. Revenue generated through recurring subscription fees with professional services for implementation, integration, and optimization.
- Professional Services: Implementation, integration, and optimization support services delivered by Explorance experts working alongside customers globally.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
KnowledgeAdvisors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KnowledgeAdvisors provides learning and talent measurement software that enables organizations to measure the effectiveness of their learning and development programs. The company's flagship offering, Metrics That Matter (MTM), delivers data-driven insights for L&D leaders to demonstrate program value, secure budgets, and optimize training outcomes. KnowledgeAdvisors also distributes the Blue feedback analytics platform and the MLY AI-powered qualitative analysis engine as part of an integrated suite for course evaluations, employee engagement, and 360-degree feedback.
Product overview
Explorance is a feedback analytics software suite consisting of three core products: Blue (the primary platform for course evaluations, employee engagement, and 360-degree feedback), MLY (AI-powered qualitative analysis engine for processing open-ended comments at scale), and Metrics That Matter (MTM, focused on learning and development effectiveness measurement). The products work together within a unified ecosystem—Blue collects feedback data, MLY applies AI/ML to analyze qualitative responses, and MTM measures L&D program impact. BlueX extends the Blue platform with additional capabilities. The solution serves both higher education institutions and HR/enterprise clients, with a shared focus on closing the feedback loop to improve engagement, retention, and organizational growth.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Blue: Course evaluation and student feedback solution for higher education institutions.
- MLY
- Metrics That Matter (MTM)
- BlueX
Products and services
- Metrics That Matter (MTM) A learning and development effectiveness measurement platform that provides data-driven insights for L&D leaders to measure, evaluate, and optimize learning program effectiveness. The solution helps organizations demonstrate the value of training initiatives, secure L&D budget, and drive continuous improvement in organizational learning programs.
- Blue A comprehensive feedback analytics and course evaluation platform that enables higher education institutions and organizations to collect, analyze, and act on feedback from students and employees. Supports course evaluations, 360-degree feedback, employee engagement surveys, peer observations, and self-assessments for teaching effectiveness.
- MLY An AI-powered qualitative analysis platform that uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze open-ended feedback comments, survey responses, and other qualitative data at scale. Delivers insights, themes, sentiment analysis, and actionable recommendations from millions of feedback data points across student, employee, and customer feedback contexts.
Quantifiable outcome
- Exceeding 90% retention rate in nursing residency programs (OpusVi case study)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use KnowledgeAdvisors
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
KnowledgeAdvisors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability5 records
Feature5 records
KnowledgeAdvisors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
KnowledgeAdvisors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- EAB: Higher-ed research and analytics consultancy whose products and advisory services overlap with Blue's institutional analytics and student success positioning.
- Instructure (Canvas): Major higher-ed LMS with growing analytics tooling, similar buyer (university administrators) and overlapping course-evaluation scope with Explorance Blue.
- Blackboard: Established higher-ed LMS platform that bundles course evaluation and analytics capabilities, competing with Blue from inside the institutional LMS stack.
- Anthology: Higher-education platform combining SIS, LMS, and student success/analytics, intersecting directly with Explorance's higher-ed feedback and student journey offerings.
Direct peers
- Qualtrics: Experience management platform that competes directly with Explorance's Blue and MLY in student experience and employee engagement surveys, including higher ed and HR analytics.
- Medallia: Enterprise feedback and experience analytics platform serving similar customer segments, with overlapping capabilities in qualitative text analytics and large-scale survey intelligence.
- SurveyMonkey: Mature survey and feedback platform with broad adoption across higher ed course evaluations and corporate employee surveys, directly contesting Explorance's core use cases.
- Degreed: L&D and skill-development platform with measurement/analytics on training impact, overlapping with MTM's L&D effectiveness reporting for corporate buyers.
- CultureAmp: Employee feedback and engagement analytics SaaS competing head-on with Explorance's corporate HR segment and MTM-style measurement use cases.
- Microsoft Viva Glint: Microsoft's enterprise employee engagement analytics product, providing direct competition to Explorance for corporate HR buyers already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KnowledgeAdvisors social profiles
Digital presenceKnowledgeAdvisors compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
KnowledgeAdvisors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KnowledgeAdvisors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
KnowledgeAdvisors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KnowledgeAdvisors M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KnowledgeAdvisors
What does KnowledgeAdvisors do?
KnowledgeAdvisors provides learning and talent measurement software that enables organizations to measure the effectiveness of their learning and development programs. The company's flagship offering, Metrics That Matter (MTM), delivers data-driven insights for L&D leaders to demonstrate program value, secure budgets, and optimize training outcomes. KnowledgeAdvisors also distributes the Blue feedback analytics platform and the MLY AI-powered qualitative analysis engine as part of an integrated suite for course evaluations, employee engagement, and 360-degree feedback.
Is KnowledgeAdvisors a public or private company?
KnowledgeAdvisors is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was KnowledgeAdvisors founded?
KnowledgeAdvisors was founded in 1999. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is KnowledgeAdvisors based?
KnowledgeAdvisors is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does KnowledgeAdvisors make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Software Subscription (SaaS) is the primary driver. The others are professional Services.
Who are KnowledgeAdvisors's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are EAB, Instructure (Canvas), Blackboard and Anthology. Direct peers are Qualtrics, Medallia, SurveyMonkey, Degreed, CultureAmp and Microsoft Viva Glint.
Does KnowledgeAdvisors have an API?
No public API is recorded for KnowledgeAdvisors.
What industry is KnowledgeAdvisors in?
KnowledgeAdvisors's product category is Learning and Development Analytics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACALAK, Assessments, Quizzes & Learning Analytics Tools, with a secondary code of EDAFAHAG, Assessment & Quiz Item Authoring Tools (within course builders). Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.