Desire2Learn Strengths, Domain Expertise, and Key Differentiators
D2L’s strengths lie in its comprehensive product portfolio and commitment to innovation. The flagship product, Brightspace, is a cloud-based LMS that supports mobile learning and integrates seamlessly with third-party tools, making it adaptable to diverse learning environments. The company’s focus on accessibility is evident in offerings like the D2L Accessibility Bundle, which combines tools like ReadSpeaker and YuJa Panorama to ensure inclusive learning experiences. D2L’s AI features, particularly D2L Lumi, leverage generative AI to automate content creation, provide predictive analytics, and enhance learner engagement. Creator+, enhanced by the H5P acquisition, provides interactive content creation capabilities, while Performance+ offers analytics-driven insights to personalize learning experiences. Other products include D2L for Business, D2L for Associations, and D2L Achievement+, which supports competency-based learning. Its domain expertise in LMS, combined with a user-centric product development process that incorporates continuous customer feedback, sets it apart in the competitive EdTech market.
Desire2Learn Recent Developments
D2L’s trajectory in 2024–2025 is marked by both leadership evolution and robust financial growth. In April 2025, founder John Baker resumed the CEO position, succeeding Stephen Laster, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and operational excellence.
Key product launches include D2L Lumi, an AI-powered package that has significantly enhanced content creation, assessments, and activities, leading to over 100% increase in course completions for some customers and a 30% reduction in course development time. D2L also introduced D2L for Business and D2L for Associations, tailored solutions for corporate and professional learning, respectively.
Desire2Learn Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Activities
D2L's growth strategy centers on targeted acquisitions that enhance its cloud-native learning platform and support its focus on delivering comprehensive education solutions. The acquisition of H5P Group strengthened its Creator+ suite with interactive content and AI-powered features, while the spin-out of SkillsWave enabled greater focus on core offerings and workforce upskilling. Previous acquisitions, including Connected Shopping Ltd. and Bayfield Design, added e-commerce functionality and K–12 digital curriculum resources, respectively. Collectively, these moves have deepened D2L’s capabilities in content creation, distribution, and monetization across diverse education and training markets.
Desire2Learn Customers in ARTW Customer Database
Leveraging a rigorous data-centric research methodology, APPS RUN THE WORLD asks the simple question: Who’s buying Desire2Learn applications and why? And we provide the answers – supported by decades of research – to our clients around the world. Our Customer database has over 100 data fields that detail company usage of Desire2Learn and other enterprise apps by function, customer size, industry, location, implementation status, partner involvement, Line of Business Key Stakeholders and IT decision makers contact details. List of Verified Brightspace LMS customers.
Desire2Learn Overview
137 Glasgow Street Suite 560
Kitchener, ON, N2G 4X8, Canada
1 519-772-0325
Ownership: - TSE: DTOL
Number of Employees: 1000
Functional Markets: Analytics and BI, HCM,
Key Verticals: Automotive, Communication, CPG, Education, Government, Manufacturing, Media, Non Profit, Professional Services, Retail, Transportation, Utility,
Desire2Learn Key Enterprise and Cloud Applications
Brightspace LMS
Desire2Learn Revenues, $M:
| Type/Year | 2023 | 2024 | YoY Growth, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenues, $M | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| Enterprise Applications Revenues, $M | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| Cloud Applications Revenues, $M | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
* Enterprise Applications Revenues = License + Support & Maintenance + SaaS
** All revenue figures are estimates based on public records, Cloud and Non-Cloud business models in Apps Run The World's vendor database, and annual survey results including vendor feedback.
Desire2Learn Revenue Breakdown By Type, $M:
Desire2Learn Enterprise Applications Revenues By Functional Markets, $M:
Desire2Learn Enterprise Applications Revenues By Verticals, $M:
Desire2Learn Revenues By Region, $M
| Region | % of Total Revenues | 2024 Total Revenues, $M | 2024 Enterprise Applications Revenues, $M | 2024 Cloud Applications Revenues, $M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| EMEA | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| APAC | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| Total | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
Desire2Learn Direct vs Indirect sales
| Type | Direct Sales | Indirect Sales | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type % | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
| Revenues, $M | Subscribe | Subscribe | Subscribe |
Desire2Learn Customers - Breakdown by Geo, Size, Vertical and Product
List of Verified Desire2Learn Customers
No. of Desire2Learn Customers: 1300
No. of Desire2Learn Enterprise Applications Customers: 1300
No. of Desire2Learn Cloud Customers: 1300
No. of Desire2Learn Cloud Subscribers: 18 million
D2L supports over 1,300 corporate and educational clients across more than 40 countries, with its learning platform reaching more than 18 million users. It holds the second-largest market share in North American higher education by enrollment. The D2L Lumi tool, part of Creator+, has improved course completion rates and reduced development time for users, enhancing the quality and efficiency of learning experiences. Notable clients include a wide range of academic institutions and organizations such as Michigan State University, University of Waterloo, TAFE Queensland, the University of Guelph, and the Virginia Department of Education.
Desire2Learn Market Opportunities, M&A and Geo Expansions
D2L is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth through its cloud-based platform and AI-driven innovations like D2L Lumi. Horizontal opportunities include further integration of generative AI to enhance personalization and efficiency in learning experiences, as well as potential exploration of IoT for smart learning environments, though this remains speculative.
Vertically, D2L can deepen its presence in existing markets like K-12, higher education, and corporate learning while expanding into new sectors such as government training, healthcare education, and vocational training.
Geographically, regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present untapped potential, despite D2L already having customers in over 40 countries. The company’s expansion into Mexico with a new legal entity in 2024 signals its intent to grow in emerging markets.
Desire2Learn Risks and Challenges
D2L faces both internal and external risks in its pursuit of growth. Internally, the company must manage the integration of acquired entities like H5P Group and ensure operational efficiency while scaling. Dependence on a few key products or customers could pose challenges, as could the need to continuously innovate in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, particularly in AI and cloud computing. Externally, competition from established LMS providers like Blackboard and Canvas, as well as new entrants, remains intense. Economic downturns could impact education budgets, reducing demand for LMS solutions. Regulatory changes in data privacy and accessibility standards also pose risks, given the sensitive nature of educational data.
Desire2Learn Ecosystem, Partners, Resellers and SI
D2L’s ecosystem is a key driver of its market success. The company employs a mix of direct and indirect sales channels, with direct sales to educational institutions and businesses complemented by indirect sales through a robust partner network.
Research Methodology
Data used in research reports are derived from publicly available documents, continuous surveys of applications vendors, customers, resellers, Independent Software Vendors, systems integrators and other verifiable sources.
Vendor shares and market forecast results are based on a combination of existing databases as well as demand side and supply side research conducted throughout the year with validation from vendors, customers, channel partners and documentations such as earnings releases and 10Q and 10K filings, vertical industry studies, regional and country-level statistics from public and private institutions(i.e. colleges, universities, government agencies and trade associations).
For additional information on our methodologies, here's the link:
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