/Companies

OpenSesame

Portland, US · Founded 2011 · Delaware corporation · 5 known investors

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OpenSesame provides workforce learning through integrated software, curated and customizable course content, and expert services that embed into an organization's existing learning, HR, and work systems. It uses AI features such as translation, course creation, and coaching to help enterprises train employees at scale.

Founders & leadership

OpenSesame was founded in 2011 by Donald S. Spear and Thomas R. Turnbull.

DS
Donald S. SpearCo-founder
TR
Thomas R. TurnbullCo-founder
DDDeborah Dang
Deborah DangExecutiveDeborah Dang is an executive officer at OpenSesame who brings experience from finance and operations roles at public and private SaaS companies, with expertise in financial management, ERP implementation, compliance, and team leadership.
JBJosh Blank
Josh BlankPresident & CPOJosh Blank is President and Chief Product Officer of OpenSesame, a workforce learning platform that integrates software, course content, and services. He previously co-founded BlueVolt, a product training platform, and Pop Art, an internet services agency founded in 1997, and holds a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Southern California.

Board

JB
Jeffrey B. BakerBoard director
CB
Chris BoundsBoard director
NE
Nicolas El BazeBoard director
HN
Hodong NamBoard directorGeneral Partner at Altos Ventures

Investors · 5

Reported raises · per SEC filings

Form D private placements

$95.7M disclosed across 5 rounds · 2013–2021

▶$50MraisedJul 2021 · 18 investors · Business Services
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Thomas R. TurnbullExecutive Officer
  • Deborah DangExecutive Officer
  • Aaron BridgesExecutive Officer
  • Nicolas El BazeDirector
  • Donald S. SpearExecutive Officer, Director
  • Joshua D. BlankExecutive Officer
  • Christopher H. WinshipDirector
  • Chris BoundsDirector
  • Hodong NamDirector
  • Spencer ThorntonExecutive Officer
  • Hallie DozierExecutive Officer
  • Stuart FinnExecutive Officer
Offering amount
$50M
Amount sold
$50M
Minimum investment
$118.6K
First sale
Jul 2021
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗
▶$27.5MraisedMay 2019 · 8 investors · Business Services
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Christopher H. WinshipDirector
  • Hodong NamDirector
  • Deborah DangExecutive Officer
  • Nicolas El BazeDirector
  • Chris BoundsDirector
  • Thomas R. TurnbullExecutive Officer
  • Donald S. SpearExecutive Officer, Director
  • Joshua D. BlankExecutive Officer
Offering amount
$27.5M
Amount sold
$27.5M
Minimum investment
$83.3K
First sale
May 2019
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗
▶$9MraisedOct 2016 · 7 investors · Business Services
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Joshua D. BlankExecutive Officer
  • Donald S. SpearExecutive Officer, Director
  • Thomas R. TurnbullExecutive Officer
  • Jeffrey B. BakerDirector
  • Chris BoundsDirector
  • Nicolas El BazeDirector
  • Hodong NamDirector
  • Deborah DangExecutive Officer
Offering amount
$9.5M
Amount sold
$9M
Minimum investment
$50K
First sale
Sep 2016
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware, 2011
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗
▶$998KraisedMay 2016 · 2 investors · Business Services
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Jeffrey B. BakerDirector
  • Deborah DangExecutive Officer
  • Thomas R. TurnbullExecutive Officer
  • Nicolas El BazeDirector
  • Joshua D. BlankExecutive Officer
  • Donald S. SpearExecutive Officer, Director
  • Chris BoundsDirector
Offering amount
$1.5M
Amount sold
$998K
Minimum investment
$1K
First sale
Apr 2016
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware, 2011
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗
▶$8.2MraisedJan 2014 · 18 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Nicolas El BazeDirector
  • Donald S. SpearExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
  • Joshua D. BlankExecutive Officer, Promoter
  • Chris BoundsDirector
  • Thomas R. TurnbullExecutive Officer, Promoter
  • Jeffrey B. BakerDirector
Offering amount
$8.2M
Amount sold
$8.2M
Minimum investment
$37.2K
First sale
Dec 2013
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware, 2011
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗

Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.

Related companies · 2

Companies working in the same space as OpenSesame.

Acquisitions · 1

Early investors' stakes continue via these deals
Dotin

Oro develops an AI-powered assessment platform that evaluates professional strengths, resilience, and motivation using color-based personality science for workforce learning and development. The technology applies behavioral science and cognitive research to match learners to appropriate roles, teams, and personalized learning paths.

Frequently asked questions

What does OpenSesame do?
OpenSesame provides workforce learning through integrated software, curated and customizable course content, and expert services that embed into an organization's existing learning, HR, and work systems. It uses AI features such as translation, course creation, and coaching to help enterprises train employees at scale.
Who founded OpenSesame?
OpenSesame was founded by Donald S. Spear, Thomas R. Turnbull in 2011.
Who are OpenSesame's investors?
OpenSesame's investors include Beresford Ventures, FTV Capital, JMI Equity, Partech Ventures, Altos Ventures.
How much funding has OpenSesame raised?
OpenSesame has disclosed $95.7M raised across 5 rounds.
Where is OpenSesame headquartered?
OpenSesame is headquartered in Portland, US.