Lynda Weinman, American businesswoman and author

Lynda Susan Weinman, born on January 24, 1955, is a distinguished American entrepreneur, pioneering computer instructor, and prolific author whose indelible mark on digital education is largely defined by her co-founding of the groundbreaking online software training platform, lynda.com. Alongside her husband, Bruce Heavin, a renowned designer and creative director, Weinman established this visionary venture, which would ultimately revolutionize access to professional digital skills training globally.

Launched in 1995, lynda.com began as a free web resource for Weinman's students, quickly evolving into a subscription-based online learning powerhouse. It provided a vast library of high-quality, expert-led video tutorials covering a wide array of creative and technical software, from graphic design and web development to video editing and business skills. The platform's success culminated in its monumental acquisition by the global online business network, LinkedIn, in April 2015. This landmark deal, valued at an impressive $1.5 billion, transformed lynda.com into what is now known as LinkedIn Learning, significantly expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a premier resource for professional development and continuous skill acquisition in the digital age.

Weinman's journey to becoming a preeminent figure in tech education is particularly notable for her self-taught mastery of computer skills during a nascent period of digital technology. Prior to her entrepreneurial endeavors, she forged a significant career in the burgeoning film industry as a special effects animator, contributing to visual advancements in cinema. Her expertise and passion for teaching led her to prestigious academic appointments. She became a highly respected faculty member at several esteemed institutions, including the Art Center College of Design, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the American Film Institute (AFI), and San Francisco State University's pioneering multimedia studies program. In these roles, she educated countless students in cutting-edge disciplines such as computer graphics, animation, interactive design, and motion graphics, shaping the next generation of digital creatives and technologists. Beyond her teaching and business acumen, Weinman has also authored several influential books, widely regarded as foundational texts in the fields of web design and digital media, further cementing her legacy as an educator and thought leader.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lynda Weinman and Lynda.com

Who is Lynda Weinman?
Lynda Weinman is an influential American entrepreneur, computer instructor, and author, best known as the co-founder of the highly successful online software training platform, lynda.com, which was later acquired by LinkedIn.
What was lynda.com?
Lynda.com was a pioneering online learning platform co-founded by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin in 1995. It offered a comprehensive library of video tutorials for creative, business, and technology skills, taught by industry experts, accessible via a subscription model.
When was lynda.com founded and acquired?
Lynda.com was founded in 1995. It was acquired by LinkedIn in April 2015 for approximately $1.5 billion.
What did lynda.com become after its acquisition?
After its acquisition by LinkedIn, lynda.com was integrated and rebranded as LinkedIn Learning, continuing its mission to provide professional development and skill-building resources to a global audience.
What was Lynda Weinman's professional background before founding lynda.com?
Before co-founding lynda.com, Lynda Weinman was a self-taught computer expert who worked as a special effects animator in the film industry. She also served as a faculty member at prominent institutions like Art Center College of Design, UCLA, American Film Institute, and San Francisco State University, teaching various digital media disciplines.
What subjects did Lynda Weinman teach?
Lynda Weinman taught cutting-edge subjects including computer graphics, animation, interactive design, and motion graphics at leading academic institutions.