Skillfactory
Skillfactory is a Russian online education platform offering two-year state-recognized master's degrees and professional retraining programs in IT, Data Science, and ML, co-branded with top Russian universities and serving 40,000+ individual students plus corporate B2B clients across four continents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersMoscow, Russia
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Skillfactory does
Skillfactory (legal entity OOO SKILLFAKTORI, founded 2016, headquartered in Moscow) is a Russian online education platform operating in the IT/Data Science vertical. The company delivers its offerings through a proprietary learning management system (LMS) providing 24/7 access to video lectures, simulators, tests, interactive materials, and mentor-supported project work, integrated with the Russian government services portal (Gosuslugi) for university admissions and entrance examinations. Core technical components include a Distance Learning Platform, a 24/7 Mentor and Coordinator Support System, an Online Examination and Admission System with Gosuslugi integration, and a Career Center service covering resume, interview prep, and job search tooling.
The product portfolio centers on two-year online master's degree programs (Онлайн-магистратуры) co-branded with leading Russian universities (МИФИ, МФТИ, РАНХиГС, УрФУ, ТГУ, Сеченов), awarding state-recognized diplomas and unlocking benefits such as military deferment and a 3% government-subsidized educational loan. Specialized tracks span Software Development (Java/Python/Go), Machine Learning with MLOps, Information Security (pentest/compliance), Data Science, and Digital Product Management. Adjacent offerings include Additional Professional Education (ДПО) retraining programs, individual short courses in Data Science/analytics/programming, a Career Center add-on, and a free preparatory course funnel.
Revenue mechanics combine per-semester tuition for master's programs (210,000 RUB/semester), subscription/installment pricing for DPO programs (from 180 RUB/month), B2B corporate training contracts with 10%+ volume discounts for teams of 10+, CPA affiliate commissions at 16% per sale, and barter/recruitment partnerships. Go-to-market spans direct-to-consumer website sales with personal managers, university channel partnerships, dedicated corporate field sales, and an affiliate/CPA network. The company serves 40,000+ cumulative students (1,500+ active master's), is a Skolkovo resident, holds IT activities accreditation from the Russian Ministry of Digital Affairs (Order 16.01, Oct 2022), and operates the Contented design school as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Skillfactory firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skillfactory
- Legal name
- OOO SKILLFAKTORI (ООО «СКИЛФЭКТОРИ»)
- Website
- https://new.skillfactory.ru
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Skillfactory is a Russian online education platform offering two-year state-recognized master's degrees and professional retraining programs in IT, Data Science, and ML, co-branded with top Russian universities and serving 40,000+ individual students plus corporate B2B clients across four continents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skillfactory industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Higher Education and Professional Training
- NAICS
- Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Computer Training (611420)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Interactive Practice & Skill-Building (Drills, Games, Mastery Practice) (EDAFACAC), Tools & Platforms Training (Jira, Azure DevOps, MS Project, Smartsheet, etc.) (EDABAHAH)
Keywords
Where Skillfactory is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Moscow
- HQ country
- Russia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Skillfactory business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations
Revenue model
- Higher Education Online Programs: Revenue from tuition fees for online master's programs in partnership with Russian universities (МИФИ, МФТИ, РАНХиГС, ТГУ, УрФУ, Сеченов). Programs run 2 years with per-semester pricing. Students can pay upfront or through government-supported educational loans at 3% interest rate.
- Additional Professional Education (DPO): Shorter professional development and retraining programs offering certificates of professional re-training. Pricing from 180 rubles/month in installments.
- Corporate Training: B2B training programs for company employees in Data Science, analytics, development, design, management, and marketing. Volume discounts available for teams of 10+ employees (10%+ discount).
- CPA and Affiliate Partnerships: Partners earn 16% commission on each sale they generate through referral links.
- Job Placement Guarantee Program: Employment assistance program with refund guarantee subject to conditions (course completion, all assignments done, 50+ job applications per month).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Online Master's Programs - Per Semester |
| Subscription | Monthly | Additional Professional Education (DPO) Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Training Teams (10+ employees) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | CPA Partnership Commission |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Preparatory Course |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Skillfactory product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skillfactory is an online education platform that sells state-recognized two-year online master's degree programs in IT and Data Science in partnership with leading Russian universities (MEPhI, MIPT, RANEPA, Ural Federal University, Tomsk State University, Sechenov University), shorter professional retraining (ДПО) programs, and corporate B2B training tracks. Programs blend 80% practical project-based learning with university-issued diplomas and offer benefits such as military deferment, government-subsidized 3% educational loans, and job-placement support.
Product overview
Skillfactory is an online education platform offering a portfolio of higher education programs and professional courses in partnership with leading Russian universities (МФТИ, МИФИ, УрФУ, РАНХиГС, ТГУ). The core products include two-year online master's programs (Онлайн-магистратуры) providing state-recognized diplomas with benefits like military deferment, and Additional Professional Education (ДПО) programs for faster professional retraining. Sub-products include specialized master's tracks in Software Development (Java/Python/Go), Machine Learning, Information Security, Data Science, and Digital Product Management. The platform also offers corporate training services, a career center, and individual courses in Data Science, analytics, and programming. Programs feature 80% practical focus with simulators, hackathons, and real business projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Online Master's Programs (Онлайн-магистратуры) Two-year online master's degree programs in partnership with top Russian universities (MEPhI, MIPT, RANEPA, UrFU, TGU, Sechenov) offering state-recognized diplomas with benefits like military deferment and government education loans at 3% interest rate; intended for career changers and professionals seeking IT credentials.
- Software Development Master's (Разработка программного обеспечения) Online master's program in software engineering at MEPhI focusing on Java (primary), Python and Go programming, covering full development lifecycle from business idea to production deployment.
- Machine Learning Master's (Машинное обучение) Online master's in machine learning at MEPhI covering ML from basics to advanced level, including two career tracks: ML and MLOps specializations.
- Information Security Master's (Информационная безопасность) Online master's in information security at MEPhI with two specializations: penetration testing or compliance, preparing students to protect corporate IT infrastructure.
- Data Science Master's (Науки о данных) Master's program in data science covering Python/SQL programming, machine learning methods, data engineering, and data storage systems with intensive practical training.
- Digital Product Management Master's (Управление цифровым продуктом) Master's in digital product creation and management in partnership with RANEPA, focusing on IT product development and management skills.
- Additional Professional Education (ДПО) Professional retraining and advanced training programs in shorter formats than master's degrees, offering university and Skillfactory diplomas upon completion with intensive practical focus; pricing from 180 rubles/month in installments.
- Corporate Training (Корпоративное обучение) Corporate training programs for business employees covering Data Science, analytics, design, management, development, and marketing with 80% practical focus and volume discounts for teams of 10+ employees.
- Data Science Courses Standalone courses in machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and data engineering offered through the corporate training catalog.
- Data Analytics Courses (Аналитика данных) Standalone courses in SQL, Google Sheets, Python analytics, Power BI, and product analytics for data analysis skills development.
- Programming Courses (Программирование) Standalone courses in algorithms, data structures, DevOps, frontend development, QA engineering, ethical hacking, and Python testing.
Quantifiable outcome
- Students can obtain military deferment during studies
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Skillfactory
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Skillfactory technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
Skillfactory partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NIYaU MIFI (National Research Nuclear University MEPhI)coreStrategic partnership for joint online master's programs in software development, machine learning, and information security. MIFI is a leading technical university ranked 4th in RAEX and 3rd by salary level (SuperJob). Programs include full-cycle development, ML engineering, and cybersecurity tracks.
- MFTI (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology)coreJoint online master's programs in Data Science, machine learning, and neural networks. MFTI is one of Russia's leading physics and technology universities.
- RANKhiGS (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration)coreJoint programs including 'Creation and Management of IT Product'. RANKhiGS is a leader in management and business education, supporting digitalization specialists training.
- UrFU (Ural Federal University)coreJoint online master's programs in data sciences and machine learning. UrFU is a leading Siberian university.
- TSU (Tomsk State University)minorFirst university of Siberia, teaching engineering tasks in healthcare, ecology, human development and society.
- Sechenov UniversityminorLeading national center for medical training and professional development. Ranked #1 in RAEX for medicine and healthcare.
- CPA PartnersminorAffiliates promoting Skillfactory courses and earning 16% commission per sale.
- Skolkovo Innovation CenterminorRegistered resident of Skolkovo innovation cluster, providing access to Russian tech ecosystem.
- Business Partner CompaniesminorPartner companies providing real business cases for student projects, hackathons, and internships. Includes Sony (mentioned in graduate project), and other industry partners.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Skillfactory competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Coursera: Global online learning platform partnering with top universities to deliver courses, certificates, and degree programs. Comparable on university-credentialed online learning model, though operating at global scale with broader subject coverage and English-language delivery rather than Russian-focused.
- Udemy: Global marketplace for online professional courses spanning technical, business, and creative skills. Comparable on broad catalogue of self-paced professional upskilling courses, though Udemy operates as a marketplace without university credentials or the same corporate-training vertical depth.
- edX: Global online university-level education platform founded by Harvard and MIT offering degrees, certificates, and courses from top institutions. Comparable on the model of partnering with elite universities to deliver recognised online credentials, but at significantly larger scale and broader scope than Skillfactory's Russian-focused master's programs.
Direct peers
- Skillbox: One of Russia's largest online education platforms, part of the VK/Skillbox-Netology holding, offering courses in programming, data science, design, and marketing. Closely comparable on product breadth, target customer (Russian career changers), and GTM via CPA affiliates, with overlapping corporate training offerings.
- Geekbrains: Russian IT-education platform owned by VK/Mail.ru offering programming, data science, and digital marketing courses with a strong corporate training arm. Directly overlaps Skillfactory's data science, analytics, and corporate training product lines for Russian learners and enterprises.
- Netology: Major Russian online education platform, merged with Skillbox, focused on digital professions and professional retraining. Comparable on DPO/professional retraining programs, B2B corporate training, and target demographic of working Russian adults seeking career upgrades.
- Otus: Russian online education platform specialising in advanced IT training for working professionals, with strong presence in DevOps, data engineering, and software architecture. Comparable on advanced technical upskilling for employed Russian IT specialists, competing in the same corporate B2B segment.
- ProductStar: Russian online school focused on product management, analytics, and data science, with strong presence in CIS markets. Directly comparable to Skillfactory's digital product management and analytics tracks on audience (Russian-speaking PMs and analysts) and delivery format.
- LoftSchool: Russian online bootcamp for web development, JavaScript, and related digital skills. Comparable niche overlap with Skillfactory's programming tracks, serving career changers in the Russian market with similar project-based learning methodology.
- Yandex.Practicum: Yandex's online bootcamp-style platform offering data science, ML, and software development tracks to Russian learners. Directly competes with Skillfactory's professional and DPO courses on curriculum, target audience (career changers in Russia), and pricing, though it lacks state-recognised master's degree credentials.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Skillfactory social profiles
Digital presenceSkillfactory financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skillfactory leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Skillfactory subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Skillfactory funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skillfactory 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 Skillfactory
What does Skillfactory do?
Skillfactory is an online education platform that sells state-recognized two-year online master's degree programs in IT and Data Science in partnership with leading Russian universities (MEPhI, MIPT, RANEPA, Ural Federal University, Tomsk State University, Sechenov University), shorter professional retraining (ДПО) programs, and corporate B2B training tracks. Programs blend 80% practical project-based learning with university-issued diplomas and offer benefits such as military deferment, government-subsidized 3% educational loans, and job-placement support.
Is Skillfactory a public or private company?
Skillfactory is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Skillfactory founded?
Skillfactory was founded in -1. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Skillfactory based?
Skillfactory is headquartered in Moscow, Russia, in the Europe region.
How does Skillfactory make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Higher Education Online Programs are the primary driver. The others are additional Professional Education (DPO), corporate Training, CPA and Affiliate Partnerships and job Placement Guarantee Program.
Who are Skillfactory's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Coursera, Udemy and edX. Direct peers are Skillbox, Geekbrains, Netology, Otus, ProductStar, LoftSchool and Yandex.Practicum.
Does Skillfactory have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skillfactory.
What industry is Skillfactory in?
Skillfactory's product category is Online Higher Education and Professional Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPACANAB, Technical & Digital Skills Training, with a secondary code of EDAFACAC, Interactive Practice & Skill-Building (Drills, Games, Mastery Practice). Its NAICS code is 61142 and its SIC code is 8200.