Michał Lidzbarski, the founder of the educational platform Web To Learn, shares his journey from a home office in a small Polish town to building a business where creators have generated over 420 million PLN in sales. Now serving 1.2 million users, Lidzbarski is pivoting the company toward an "AI First" model, launching new startups like MultiTools and debunking myths about Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.
Building a Self-Funded Empire
The inception of Web To Learn stemmed from Lidzbarski’s personal passion for teaching and the lack of suitable platforms to host online courses. For years, the business was entirely bootstrapped, developed after hours while he worked a full-time job. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that the platform saw a massive surge in demand as schools and trainers moved online. The company operated without external funding until 2023, when an investor came on board to help capitalize on the emerging AI revolution.
The “AI First” Approach
Lidzbarski is currently restructuring the entire organization around an "AI First" philosophy. This integration occurs on multiple levels:
- Customer Service: Chatbots handle repetitive inquiries, freeing up human staff.
- Product Enhancement: AI assistants help students by analyzing their progress and explaining difficult concepts, acting as tutors rather than just tools.
- New Products: The startup MultiTools allows businesses to create AI agents and automate workflows.
Job Evolution, Not Elimination
Contrary to the fear that AI destroys jobs, Lidzbarski cites his own company as proof of the opposite. Since integrating AI, his team has grown from a handful of people to 26 employees. He argues that AI transforms roles rather than eliminating them; for example, graphic designers now manage AI generation tools. The company actively updates its internal processes whenever a new AI breakthrough occurs, requiring constant adaptation from the team.
Recruitment based on Passion
Operating out of Kościerzyna (population 25,000), Lidzbarski faced challenges finding specialized talent. His solution was to hire based on passion and technological enthusiasm rather than specific keywords in a CV. The company developed robust internal training and onboarding programs (now assisted by AI) to upskill local talent, proving that tech success is possible outside major metropolitan hubs.
Market Challenges and the Future
While Web To Learn competes with global giants by offering affordable, "all-in-one" solutions tailored to the local market, Lidzbarski notes a significant lag in AI adoption in Poland. Only about 6% of Polish SMEs utilize AI, placing the country near the bottom of European rankings. He views AI adoption as crucial for Polish businesses to survive rising regulatory costs and taxes. The company’s future focus is entirely on developing accessible AI tools that support non-technical entrepreneurs.
Mentoring question
considering the article’s evidence that AI transforms rather than eliminates roles, which specific repetitive tasks in your current workflow could be automated to free up your time for higher-value creative or strategic work?
Leave a Reply