When did MasterClass officially launch its website?
The website debuted under the MasterClass name on the 12th of May 2015. The platform initially offered just three instructors and twelve classes to its first users.
Questions about MasterClass
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded MasterClass and when did they start working together?
David Rogier stood in a Stanford University classroom while still a student and asked Aaron Rasmussen to join him as co-founder and chief technology officer before the company officially launched. David Rogier continues to serve as chief executive officer today.
How much funding has MasterClass raised by May 2021?
MasterClass secured $225 million in Series F financing in May 2021, raising total funding to approximately $240 million. This milestone followed an $80 million investment in 2018 and a $15 million funding announcement in 2016.
What happened to Kevin Spacey's class on MasterClass in late 2017?
An acting class taught by Kevin Spacey was removed after multiple sexual assault allegations became public knowledge in late 2017. The decision reflected growing scrutiny around celebrity partnerships and ethical standards for educational platforms.
When did MasterClass announce layoffs affecting 20% of its staff?
Management announced layoffs affecting 20% of employees during June 2022 to reduce operational costs. These cuts followed years of aggressive hiring aimed at scaling content production and marketing efforts.