Fast Crimes at Lambda School (sandofsky.com)

Article summary

Lambda School, a coding bootcamp, raised $120 million in funding with its innovative income share agreement model, but was later found to have falsified job placement rates and exploited its students. The company's founder, Austen Allred, was accused of lying about the program's success and targeting vulnerable individuals. The article explores the rise and fall of Lambda School and the consequences of its actions. The company's demise serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of accountability in the tech industry.

Main themes

• Coding bootcamps
• Income share agreements
• Startup culture
• Education and ethics
• Venture capital and funding
• Accountability in tech

What commenters say

• The idea that anyone can become a proficient coder in a short period is unrealistic and sets students up for failure.
• Calculus and other mathematical prerequisites are not necessary for a career in programming and may be a barrier to entry for some students.
• The value of a coding education lies not in the specific skills taught, but in the development of problem-solving abilities and tenacity.
• The tech industry's emphasis on rapid growth and profit can lead to the exploitation of students and the prioritization of quantity over quality in education.
• The failure of Lambda School is a result of its flawed business model and the lack of accountability in the tech industry, rather than any inherent flaw in the concept of coding bootcamps.
• The importance of math and science literacy in computer science education is overstated, and other skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking are more valuable.
• The rise and fall of Lambda School is a symptom of a broader problem in the tech industry, where companies are often more focused on making money than on providing value to their customers.
• The concept of income share agreements can be beneficial for students, but it requires transparency and accountability to ensure that it is not exploitative.