Shaq, Sam Altman-backed college startup Campus taps former Meta AI head as CTO

Campus, an innovative startup aimed at transforming the college experience, has announced the appointment of Jerome Pesenti, the former Vice President of AI at Meta, as its Chief Technology Officer. This strategic move comes alongside Campus's acquisition of Pesenti's AI-driven educational platform, Sizzle AI, although the financial details remain undisclosed. The integration of Sizzle AI will enhance Campus's ability to tailor educational content to individual student preferences, a significant leap forward that Tade Oyerinde, the founder and chancellor of Campus, describes as a "game changer." This acquisition is expected to accelerate the company's technological advancements by two to three years. Founded with the mission to revolutionize the community college system, Campus aims to provide accessible, high-quality education. Its offerings include accredited associate degrees delivered by experienced adjunct professors from prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Princeton, and New York University. Currently, the platform serves over 3,000 students, charging an annual fee of $7,320 while also accepting Pell Grants. In addition to its educational programs, Campus equips students with essential resources, including laptops, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, personal success coaching, and round-the-clock tutoring access. Professors involved in the program can earn upwards of $8,000 per course, reflecting the startup's commitment to attracting top teaching talent. To date, Campus has secured over $100 million in funding from notable investors, including Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, General Catalyst, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, and venture capitalists like Joe Lonsdale and Figma CEO Dylan Field.