LearnVest's Journey and Acquisition by Northwestern Mutual

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LearnVest was founded in 2009 by Alexa von Tobel, with the goal of providing financial planning and investment advice to women.

The company's early success was fueled by its focus on serving the financial needs of women, a demographic that was often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

LearnVest's services included financial planning, investment management, and education, all delivered through a user-friendly online platform.

By 2015, LearnVest had grown to over 200 employees and had served more than 1 million users.

LearnVest History

LearnVest was founded in New York and has an Expert Hub in Phoenix.

The company made a big splash in 2009 by being selected as a TechCrunch50 Company and debuting at the TechCrunch50 conference in San Francisco in September of that year.

LearnVest's headquarters are still in New York.

In 2015, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. acquired LearnVest, with the company continuing to operate as a separate unit under founder and Chief Executive von Tobel.

Related reading: New Century Financial

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The acquisition was seen as an attempt by traditional financial services firms to adapt to new digital technologies.

Northwestern Mutual expects the technology to encourage more adviser-client interaction and create a more rewarding experience for customers and advisers.

On May 3, 2018, LearnVest discontinued its financial planning offering for consumers and its LearnVest@Work program for businesses.

Northwestern Mutual's Decision

LearnVest's financial planning tools and services were so impressive that Northwestern Mutual, a large financial services company, decided to acquire the firm in 2015 for a reported $250 million.

This acquisition marked a significant milestone for LearnVest, allowing it to expand its reach and offerings to more customers.

The acquisition was a strategic move by Northwestern Mutual to tap into LearnVest's expertise in financial planning and investment management.

LearnVest's CEO, Alexa von Tobel, remained at the helm after the acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition and continued innovation.

The acquisition also enabled LearnVest to leverage Northwestern Mutual's resources and expertise to further develop its financial planning tools and services.

Mergers and Acquisitions

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LearnVest's success can be attributed to its strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions.

The company made its first major acquisition in 2015, purchasing Next Advisor, a financial planning and investment management firm. This move significantly expanded LearnVest's capabilities and client base.

LearnVest's growth continued with its acquisition of Planning for Women, a financial planning firm catering to women. This strategic move helped LearnVest tap into a previously underserved market.

The acquisition of Next Advisor also brought new investment management capabilities to the table, further enhancing LearnVest's services.

Alfred Blanda

Senior Writer

Alfred Blanda has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of banking information, offering readers clear, concise, and comprehensive insights into the financial sector. His articles are known for their depth and clarity, making complex financial concepts accessible to a wide audience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for educating, Blanda continues to be a trusted voice in financial journalism.

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