<div><em>Coursera says that it plans to use the funds to source new content and expand its global reach. <strong>Simar Singh </strong>reports</em><br><br>In the first closing of its Series C funding, online open learning giant, Coursera, has raised $49.5 million and expects the figure to swell to $60 million by the second closing. The round was lead by venture capital firm, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), one of the company’s original investors. Joining in among other investors was Bennett and Coleman’s (BCCL) subsidiary, Times Internet, as a first time investor.</div><div> </div><div>Apart from the investment angle, Times Internet and Coursera announced a strategic partnership in which the former will provide marketing, advertising, and strategic support to create awareness about the platform in India.</div><div> </div><div>Satyan Gajwani, CEO of Times Internet, said, "Coursera is the gold standard for the emerging wave of education technology companies. We are excited to bring Times Internet's growth capabilities behind such a strong product, and bring high quality, affordable digital education to millions of Indians."</div><div> </div><div>Coursera says that it plans to use the funds to source new content and expand its global reach. The company currently has ambitious plans for international expansion, with a focus on emerging economic regions like India, China and Latin America, where there is a demand for accessible, high quality learning.</div>