Literati (book club)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Subscription service, Children's books |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Jessica Ewing |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
| Products | Children's book subscription packages |
Literati is a children's book subscription service headquartered in Austin. The company delivers monthly packages containing five books tailored by age and reading proficiency, catering to young readers from infancy up to 12 years old. Established in 2016, Literati was co-founded by CEO Jessica Ewing.
History
Since its inception in late 2016, Literati has operated on a subscription basis, providing carefully selected children's literature each month. In October 2019, the company raised $12 million during its Series A funding round, followed by a $40 million Series B investment in January 2021 aimed at broadening its market reach.
Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Literati contributed thousands of books through collaborations with both local and national organizations, distributing them at AISD meal distribution points to assist families affected by school shutdowns.
Luminary Book Clubs
In August 2020, Literati debuted adult book clubs curated by prominent figures known as “Luminaries” — distinguished authors and thought leaders. Early participants in the Luminary program included Richard Branson, Susan Orlean, Malala Yousafzai, Stephen Curry, and the Joseph Campbell Foundation, boosting Literati's visibility through these notable alliances.
Great Minds Edition
The “Great Minds” edition was launched by Literati in November 2018, showcasing book selections curated by influential public personalities such as Sheryl Sandberg, Melinda Gates, Sundar Pichai, Amy Tan, B. J. Novak, Anjali Forber-Pratt, Steven Pinker, and Maria Popova. This project utilized renowned intellectuals to enhance the company's positioning within the children's book subscription industry.