Stepful, an edtech startup, has raised $31.5 million in Series B funding to tackle the growing shortage of healthcare workers in the US. The company's AI-powered program trains workers for entry-level healthcare jobs like medical assistants and pharmacy technicians in just four months, at an average cost of $2,500.

Founded by Carl Madi, who previously worked at Uber and Handy, Stepful aims to provide a recession-proof career path for workers in the gig economy. The program has seen rapid growth, from 50 students in its first year to an expected 30,000 enrollees in 2024. Stepful's innovative approach combines flexibility and structure, with students learning asynchronously on their phones and attending weekly instructor-led classes.

The company's success is attributed to its high graduation rate of 75%, achieved through personalized AI-driven messages and human coaching. Stepful's partner clinics and hospitals also play a crucial role, providing hands-on training and potential job opportunities for students. With the US healthcare system projected to face a shortage of 3.2 million workers, Stepful's solution is poised to make a significant impact.