Student’s run on Quizlet. The title doesn’t exactly reflect Sutherland’s heart for the product he founded but conveys the origins the flashcard flipping and sharing web and mobile app. As a junior in high school, Sutherland wanted to do better on a French test, so tackled this seemingly unsolvable problem with a group of friends once for us all.
With origins so humble and familiar, it’s startling that Quizlet has grown into a small company that helps tens of millions of students representing all ages prepare for their tests. That 15-year-old who aced French test brought his brilliant solution with him to MIT where it eventually became the small San Francisco company it is today.
Sutherland demonstrates that “nailing the problem” is what’s most important when growing an idea into a business. Quizlet remains focused on serving as many students as possible with a largely free software solution. Sutherland gave up the reigns of Quizlet to a new CEO a few years ago while staying on as CTO. Relenting your control on your business may be what’s best if you want your product to continue solving the problem serves to solve.
Today, Quizlet’s mission statement is to help students practice and master whatever they’re learning while providing students and teachers with the ability to create their own content for learning and teaching.
I am a huge fan and user of quizlet. It’s really cool to read about the way the website was created. Sutherland was in an all too familiar situation for students and instead of whining, he buckled down and created a solution. I have lots of respect for that, and how the website is mainly free. Hopefully their success will continue on the future.
Wow, I’ve been using quizlet for so long and I had no idea such a young kid was the mastermind behind it. Amazing!
I love quizlet. It has helped me so much throughout my tests and quizzes that I have had and it is one of the best ways to study. I loved learning about where it came from because I actually have always wondered where it came from. It is very impressive that he and the other people were able to create it.
I have also been using quizlet for years now! Really cool to hear the story behind it!
I have used quizlet several times and it is really cool to read about parts of its history. I agree “nailing the problem” is one of the most important part of the problem you need to solve. He found a need and built upon it. Great post!
Quizlet has been my best friend in high school and so far in college. It amazes me that such a young kid created something this successful that so many people need.
Quizlet is honestly amazing and to heat that it began with such a young individual is really inspiring.