As the workplace becomes increasingly digital and employees are scattered across the globe, maintaining a strong sense of community and purpose within organizations has never been more challenging or critical. Dunbar, a platform that harnesses the science of human connection to revolutionize how companies foster personal development, team cohesion, and long-term success. By focusing on small, intentional communities or “Circles” where every member is connected by a common purpose, Dunbar creates an environment where personal growth and professional development are nurtured through close-knit, supportive relationships.
Revolutionizing the World of Education
Markus Moberg’s journey in education began with his first company, Veritas Prep, a pioneer in live-online learning, which he founded straight out of Yale University in 2002. Traditionally, students were limited to the tutors available in their local area. Veritas Prep shattered this limitation, allowing students to access the best teachers worldwide, regardless of location. The combination of talented educators and innovative technology proved to be a winning formula. Sixteen years and 300,000 students later, Markus sold the company in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of educational innovation.
Identifying the Missing Link in Corporate Training
The inspiration for Dunbar struck last summer while Markus was vacationing with a close friend, who also happened to be the president of a large NYSE-listed company. His friend shared a common frustration: despite spending significant sums on leadership training for senior managers, the impact seemed to fade quickly after the seminars ended. “They learn a ton during a two-week course and give the experience 10 out of 10 in post-training surveys,” his friend remarked, “but as each day passes, their retention and application of what they learned just plummets. We need a way to deliver microlearning and keep our people motivated over the long run, turning these leadership skills into lasting habits.” That conversation planted the seed for what would eventually become Dunbar.
Masterclass Meets TikTok
Markus found the solution in an unlikely place. “Platforms like TikTok and Instagram create mind-numbing addictions that offer little value, but their ability to tap into our primal psychology is undeniable,” Markus explained. “I wanted to see if we could harness that same habit-forming technology for good – to create positive habits instead.” Dunbar blends the talents of inspiring educators with the way people consume media today, focusing on ease of access, instant gratification, and community. Instead of scheduling time to read long chapters or watch lengthy videos, Dunbar users can engage in microlearning during moments of downtime. “No lesson ever lasts more than 60 seconds, so users can literally learn something new while waiting for their coffee or during a short elevator ride,” says Markus.
Launching New Corporate Learning
This year, Dunbar’s tech team, led by CTO Ian Turner, developed the Dunbar app for both Apple and Android. Their first pilot program is launching with, a global company with 80,000 employees. Dunbar, which seamlessly filled this gap by delivering the microlearning that they needed. An early tester of the app noted, “The daily challenges kept me engaged and constantly thinking about how I could apply what I learned to my team. I’ve never experienced such a practical and ongoing approach to leadership development.”
Expanding Horizons with CVX
“We’re incredibly excited to fine-tune Dunbar through our pilot program with a global company over the coming months,” Markus shared. “But we’re also eager to bring on 3-5 additional pilot programs across different industries, company sizes, and cultures before our official launch in early 2025.” This expansion is being facilitated by CVX, whose network of partners provided Markus with a unique opportunity to present Dunbar to a diverse audience. “After my presentation to the CVX community, we were approached by dozens of partners who saw the value of Dunbar and wanted to get involved. After many conversations, we selected four standout partners to join Dunbar’s Advisory Board.”
Collaborating with CVX
“It’s been amazing working with CVX,” Markus said. “They’ve connected me with a remarkable group of people, truly listened to our needs, helped us pitch Dunbar, and offered invaluable advice that helped us establish our Advisory Board.” Markus’s approach to building his company’s culture is straightforward: “Don’t do it seriously. Do it sincerely.” He elaborates, “Since I spend most of my waking hours on this, it’s crucial to be surrounded by people I genuinely enjoy working with. Intelligence, kindness, and a proactive mindset are the qualities I value most.” The board members Mads Hein, Sonia Crifling, Brian Søgaard, and Brian Hansen exemplify these traits. Together, they’re helping to identify and invite select companies to participate in Dunbar’s pilot programs ahead of the official launch early next year.
Brian Hansen encapsulated the significance of Dunbar perfectly: “As remote work becomes the norm and employees continue to experience feelings of isolation, the need for platforms that can recreate the sense of belonging found in traditional office settings is growing.
Dunbar steps into this gap by offering a solution that is as much about authentic connection as it is about learning. The platform’s emphasis on small groups ensures that each employee feels seen and valued, while the micro-learning format caters to the shortened attention spans of today’s workforce.”
Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible process! We at CVX are excited to see the impact this new platform will have and can’t wait to watch it grow and reach new heights. We’re proud to have been a part of this facilitation!
Are you interested in gaining competent advisors or board members for your company? Contact Oscar Thybo at ot@cvx.vc.
