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

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