Masterclass
Education
Founded: 2012
Last Round Valuation: $2.85B
MasterClass, a trailblazing streaming platform, brings together a diverse array of visionaries from design, entertainment, lifestyle, business, sports, and beyond, offering invaluable instruction and wisdom. Delivered seamlessly on mobile, desktop, and TV, MasterClass was established in 2012 by the visionary minds of David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen, with its headquarters situated in the vibrant city of San Francisco, CA.
Masterclass Overview:
MasterClass is an innovative online education platform that offers high-quality, video-based courses taught by world-renowned experts, celebrities, and industry leaders. Founded in 2012 by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen, the platform aims to democratize access to knowledge and empower individuals to learn from the very best in various fields.
Courses on MasterClass cover a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to arts and entertainment (acting, writing, music, filmmaking), sports and games (tennis, chess, basketball), cooking and culinary arts, business and entrepreneurship, photography, writing, science, and more. Each course is structured as a series of video lessons, with each lesson focusing on a specific topic or skill.
One of the defining features of MasterClass is the caliber of its instructors. The platform boasts an impressive roster of world-class experts and luminaries, ranging from Academy Award-winning actors like Natalie Portman and Helen Mirren to celebrated musicians like Carlos Santana and Hans Zimmer, and even sports legends like Serena Williams and Stephen Curry. These instructors share their personal insights, techniques, and experiences, providing an intimate glimpse into their creative processes and the secrets of their success.
The production value of MasterClass courses is exceptional, with high-definition videos and professional cinematography creating an immersive learning experience. The lessons often include supplementary materials such as downloadable workbooks and resources to enhance the learning journey.
MasterClass also emphasizes interactive elements, allowing students to engage with the material through assignments and exercises. While the courses are pre-recorded and self-paced, there is a sense of direct engagement with the instructors as they address common questions and challenges that learners may encounter.
The platform's user-friendly interface enables students to navigate through the content seamlessly, providing a smooth and intuitive learning experience. Learners can access MasterClass on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and smart TVs, making it convenient to study at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Beyond the individual courses, MasterClass offers an all-access pass subscription, allowing users to explore and enroll in any course on the platform. This subscription model encourages a comprehensive and diverse approach to learning, enabling students to explore different disciplines and gain insights from a broad range of experts.
MasterClass has garnered significant acclaim and popularity, attracting millions of students worldwide. Its unique combination of star-studded instructors, high-quality production, and a wide variety of topics has revolutionized the online education landscape, making learning from the world's best accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a desire to grow and excel in their chosen fields.
Founders:
Aaron Rasmussen
David Rogier
Top Investors:
01 Advisors
Advancit Capital
Atomico
Baillie Gifford
Balyasny
Bloomberg Beta
Downey Ventures
Eldridge
Endeavor
Evolution Media
Fidelity
GSV AcceleraTE
Harrison Metal Capital
IVP (Institutional Venture Partners)
Javelin Venture Partners
Lee Linden
MX Investments
NEA (New Enterprise Associates)
NextEquity
Novel TMT Ventures
Otter Rock Capital
Owl Ventures
Philip Krim
Samuel Lessin
Serena Ventures
UTA Ventures
Usher Raymond
Vectr Ventures
WME Ventures
Y Combinator
Yan-David Erlich
Funding History:
Date | Share Type | Amount Raised | Raised to Date | Issue Price | Post Money Valuation | Key Investors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 2021 | Series F | $225MM | $526.59MM | $31.88 | $2.85B | Fidelity, Baillie Gifford, Balyasny |
May 2020 | Series E | $149.37MM | $301.59MM | $12.08 | $912.29MM | Fidelity, Owl Ventures, 01 Advisors |
Sep 2018 | Series D | $89.56MM | $152.22MM | $6.97 | $442.31MM | Advancit Capital, Atomico, Evolution Media |
Mar 2017 | Series C | $40.39MM | $62.66MM | $4.44 | $190.52MM | Advancit Capital, Bloomberg Beta, GSV AcceleraTE |
Feb 2016 | Series B | $15.9MM | $22.27MM | $1.78 | $61.19MM | Advancit Capital, Bloomberg Beta, Downey Ventures |
Jun 2015 | Series A | $4.46MM | $6.37MM | $0.60 | $15.66MM | Harrison Metal Capital, Javelin Venture Partners |
Sep 2013 | Series Seed-1 | $1.5MM | $1.5MM | $0.43 | $8.62MM | Lee Linden, Y Combinator |
Sep 2013 | Series Seed | $410K | $410K | $0.24 | $8.62MM | Lee Linden, Y Combinator |