MasterClass
ActiveOverview
MasterClass is an online subscription platform offering video classes taught by experts in fields such as arts, business, design, sports, and writing. It provides unlimited access to over 200 classes via annual membership, targeting individual learners and enterprise clients through its MasterClass at Work offering. The company has raised over $460 million in funding and serves clients including Deloitte and Microsoft.
History
MasterClass was founded in 2015 by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen under Yanka Industries, Inc., launching with initial classes from celebrities. It expanded to dozens of classes by 2018, raised significant funding including $225 million in 2021 at a $2.75 billion valuation, and introduced enterprise offerings. Rasmussen departed in 2017, and the company laid off 20% of staff in 2022 amid economic challenges.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Annual Membership | consumer streaming access to all classes | $120 - $180 |
| MasterClass at Work (Small Teams) | enterprise learning for 5-50 employees | $180 per seat |
| Arts & Entertainment Classes | creative skills from celebrities | included in membership |
| Business Classes | professional development from executives | included in membership |
| Sports & Gaming Classes | performance training from athletes | included in membership |
Notable Products
- Gordon Ramsay Cooking Class - Culinary techniques from the chef across multiple lessons.
- MasterClass Annual Membership - Unlimited access to 200+ classes from various experts.
- MasterClass at Work - Enterprise platform for team professional development.
- Kevin Spacey Acting Class - Acting tutorials removed in 2017 following allegations.
- David Mamet Playwriting Class - Dramatic writing instruction from the playwright.
Reputation
MasterClass is recognized for its high-production-value classes featuring notable instructors, appealing to lifelong learners and corporate training programs. It faces criticism for high subscription costs relative to depth in some classes and occasional controversies like content removal. Professionals view it as edutainment rather than rigorous academic training.