An Exclusive Interview with Alexander Serebryakov, Founder of LearnFactory
Education is no longer confined by borders, yet many talented educators struggle to reach audiences beyond their home countries. Alexander Serebryakov, founder of the LearnFactory, has spent nearly a decade in the EdTech sector, witnessing both the expansion of online education and the barriers that prevent educators from going global. In this exclusive interview, we explore how his accelerator is empowering Russian-speaking experts to build sustainable, scalable businesses abroad—starting with the United States and extending to other high-potential regions worldwide.
Alexander, how did the idea for the LearnFactory come about? What problems in the education space are you hoping to solve?
Alexander Serebryakov: During my nine years in EdTech, I noticed that many course creators and online school owners excel locally but hesitate to expand into the U.S. market due to uncertainties about adaptation, platforms, legalities, and marketing. Recognizing this gap, I founded the EdTech accelerator to provide comprehensive support—from product adaptation and marketing to legal assistance and system building—helping experts successfully enter and thrive in the U.S. market.
What types of educational projects are currently part of the accelerator? Any success stories you can share?
We support diverse projects in coaching, psychology, and IT, primarily targeting the U.S. market. Notably, we assisted a Dubai-based coach in establishing a U.S. company, assembling a specialized team, and executing a market entry strategy, culminating in a successful seminar at Trump National Doral Miami with over 100 attendees and high-value training package sales. Additionally, we’ve helped experts like Alexandra Rybakova and numerologist Anael Mariana launch and scale their brands in the U.S., demonstrating that with the right strategy and support, global expansion is attainable for any expert.
What are the biggest challenges Russian-speaking educators face when entering international markets?
First, localization. Translating a course isn’t enough—you have to adapt it to the mindset and expectations of a different audience. Second, marketing. In Russia, personal branding and word-of-mouth are more influential. In the U.S., it’s about referral systems, partnerships, SEO, and paid traffic. Third, the legal foundation. Business registration, taxes, copyrights—these are essential. We solve these challenges holistically, walking our clients through each stage.
Aside from the U.S., what international markets look most promising for Russian-speaking EdTech entrepreneurs?
Latin America is booming—especially Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. There’s growing demand for online education in business, IT, and self-development. In the Middle East—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar—there’s strong interest in soft skills, coaching, and family education. Experts, especially women, have unique opportunities there. In Asia (Singapore, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand), short, practical formats are popular—languages, health, productivity. Most people learn on mobile. Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic) has large Russian-speaking and mixed-language communities that need programs in adaptation, mental health, and career growth.
How do you adapt courses for foreign audiences? What are the main differences between Russian and U.S. learning styles?
Russian learners are used to a more academic format. In the U.S., practical applicability is key. We help restructure courses to include more real-world cases, interaction, community engagement, and immediate problem-solving. That shift makes learning more relevant and engaging.
Tell us about your book, Evolution of Education. What inspired you to write it, and what message are you trying to convey?
I started asking myself: Why are humans uniquely capable of learning? We’re not the strongest or fastest species—but our ability to learn and pass on knowledge made us dominant. That led me to explore how learning evolved—from a biological, psychological, and societal standpoint. The key idea is that learning isn’t a tool—it’s part of who we are. And today, we’re on the edge of a new educational era, where learning becomes flexible, personalized, and digital.
Which historical periods in education inspire you the most?
The Roman Empire fascinates me—it gave education structure and system. Many of today’s principles were born then. The Industrial Revolution was another milestone—it democratized education and brought it to the masses. But the most exciting time is now. Digital transformation and AI are redefining everything. Knowledge is available to anyone, anywhere. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s starting to learn with us.
What trends will shape the future of education over the next 10–20 years?
AI is at the center. It’s transforming course creation, content adaptation, and personalized learning. Systems now adjust to each student’s pace and needs in real time. Education is becoming shorter and more focused. We’re moving away from one-size-fits-all programs toward tailored experiences. This will dominate business education, coaching, and training in the next decade.
How does AI change learning, and what risks do you see?
AI makes learning efficient and personalized. But the danger is losing critical thinking. We must balance automation with intentional, reflective learning.
When will your book be released and where can readers find it?
The book will be released later this year in print, e-book, and audiobook formats—available on Amazon and other global platforms.
You’re also part of the American Marketing Association. What does that mean to you?
It’s a chance to stay at the forefront of global marketing trends, exchange ideas with top professionals, and apply cutting-edge practices to educational projects.
What are the hottest topics in the U.S. marketing community right now?
AI in marketing, content personalization, creative storytelling, and trends in digital advertising—especially as algorithms evolve.
Tell us more about the AMA Marketing Awards. What projects are submitted, and how are they judged?
It’s a prestigious award focused on innovation, creativity, market impact, and smart use of technology. We’re seeing exceptional campaigns across various industries
What marketing strategies are most effective in EdTech today?
In the rapidly evolving EdTech landscape, several marketing strategies have proven particularly effective in engaging and retaining learners:
Community-Based Marketing
Building a community around your educational platform fosters a sense of belonging among users. Active forums, discussion groups, and collaborative projects encourage peer-to-peer interaction, enhancing user engagement and loyalty. For instance, platforms like Coursera have successfully implemented community features where learners can discuss course materials and share insights.
Value-Driven Content
Providing high-quality, informative content that addresses the specific needs and challenges of your target audience establishes your brand as a trusted authority in the field. This includes creating blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, and tutorials that offer real value, helping to attract and retain users.
Multimedia Formats
Utilizing various content formats such as videos, podcasts, and interactive platforms caters to different learning preferences and keeps the audience engaged. Incorporating multimedia elements can make complex topics more accessible and enjoyable, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience.
Print and Online Magazine Branding
Establishing a presence in both print and online educational magazines can significantly boost brand visibility and credibility.
Publishing articles, case studies, and advertisements in reputable industry publications helps reach a broader audience and positions your brand as a thought leader in the EdTech space.
Combining these strategies—fostering a vibrant community, delivering valuable content, leveraging diverse multimedia formats, and utilizing print and online magazine branding—creates a comprehensive marketing approach. This multifaceted strategy effectively attracts and retains learners in today’s competitive EdTech environment.
