1. Description of the Business
2U, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated as 2Tor Inc. in the State of Delaware in April 2008 and changed its name to 2U, Inc. on October 11, 2012. Under long-term agreements, the Company provides an integrated solution comprised of cloud-based software-as-a-service ("SaaS"), fused with technology-enabled services (together, the "Platform"), that allows leading colleges and universities to deliver high-quality online degree programs, extending the universities' reach and distinguishing their brands. The Company's SaaS technology consists of (i) a comprehensive learning environment ("Online Campus"), which acts as the hub for all student and faculty academic and social interaction, and (ii) a comprehensive suite of integrated applications, which the Company uses to launch, operate and support the Company's clients' programs. The Company also provides a suite of technology-enabled services optimized with data analysis and machine learning techniques that support the complete lifecycle of a higher education program, including attracting students, advising prospective students through the admissions application process, providing technical, success coaching and other support, facilitating accessibility to individuals with disabilities, and facilitating in-program field placements.
On September 30, 2015, the Company sold 3,625,000 shares of its common stock to the public, including 525,000 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option, at an issuance price of $34.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $117.1 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $5.5 million and other offering expenses of approximately $0.6 million.