Los Angeles is a big place, and while that might not be great for commuting, it does mean there's a good chance you can find what you're looking for. When it comes to self-improvement, there are plenty of resources available to Angelenos. Here are 11 LA-headquartered tech startups that want to help you improve yourself.
What they do: Originally started as a way for surfers to crowdsource local surf conditions, GoFlow has grown to become a marketplace where users can seek out outdoor sports experts for lessons.
What you'll learn: Surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding...the options are endless with GoFlow. However, this doesn't mean you won't have to fall a couple of times in the process.
What they do: For the weekend warriors amongst us, Sportsy has created a platform where users can find interesting new drills to run. The site has hundreds of videos from professional athletes depicting how they train and offering advice.
What you'll learn: Struggling to make a drop pass? Can't get the movement on your curveball? Upload a video and Sportsy's coaches will help you remedy the situation.
What they do: Cooking, by and large, isn't particularly difficult, but for those chefs out there looking for insight and even a little more inspiration, there's Bakespace. The community has created the perfect environment for users to learn and share all things culinary.
What you'll learn: How to become the cook your family will always insist handles Thanksgiving.
What they do: MoonFrye is a network of DIY enthusiasts, and the site is home to a number of fun DIY projects for any occasion. Does the name sound familiar? One of the founders is none other than Soleil Moon Frye, who once played Punky Brewster.
What you'll learn: How to make a sponge ball that will devastate everyone at your family's next pool party.
What they do: Santa Monica-based ProProfs.com has created a massive repository of quizzes and tests, based on hundreds of topics. The site specializes in brain games, allowing users to test themselves as they have more fun than they probably should be.
What you'll learn: How exactly Sudoku works.
What they do: Another Santa Monica-based startup, Chromatik has developed an innovative music learning platform previously unavailable. The iPhone and iPad apps allow you to download sheet music from thousands of songs.
What you'll learn: How Jimmy Page went from playing a six string guitar to a 12 stringer so quickly on "Stairway to Heaven."
What they do: For those who feel they learn better with some hands on coaching, Reverb Lessons has created a marketplace where users can seek out teachers to help them learn something more complicated than "Smoke on the Water."
What you'll learn: How to use the whammy bar on your guitar to impress your friends.
What they do: Looking to build out your professional skill set? Beach Coders Academy has a number of locations where you can get hands-on training from tech professionals on things like CodeWave and UX design.
What you'll learn: Advanced CSS, Balsamiq and tons of other wacky sounding programs.
What they do: Code District has a simple goal: provide the classes you need to become a better-rounded professional. The Torrance-based organization provides classes to help professionals diversify what they bring to the table, meaning you can get a pay raise while also bragging to friends about your newly-acquired abilities.
What you'll learn: Angular 2.
What they do: One of a number of programs in Southern California dedicated to helping professionals foster their careers, Sabio.la was designed to help people learn the skills they need to take the next step in their careers. Featuring a number of different programs, the company is both affordable and effective.
What you'll learn: What it takes to be a full-stack developer.
What they do: Whether you're looking for a little financial guidance or you need to build your credit, Lenny has created a system that gamifies all of it. The two-year-old company features a platform that rewards positive financial decisions, inevitably leading to a solid credit score.
What you'll learn: What it takes to get a 720 credit score.
Photos via Facebook and Shutterstock
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