Invest Like Warren Buffett: MasterClass Wants to Teach You
*By Madison Alworth*
MasterClass has raised an additional $80 million in funding, cementing the online learning platform's mission to make school "excite you again," said the co-founder and CEO.
"School often sucked the life out of us," David Rogier said Friday in an interview on Cheddar.
The latest round will be used to expand offerings in new categories and improve the student experience everywhere, beyond the U.S.
"We're going to launch in other countries, and we're going to launch classes in fields that we are not in yet, like business and politics," Rogier said.
MasterClass released its first three classes in 2015 and has since grown to offer 39 classes. Subscribers can take courses led by bestselling author James Patterson, famed journalist Bob Woodward, or chef Gordon Ramsay, among other giants of industry.
With its Series D funding, the company hopes to grow to 50 course offerings by the end of the year.
When conceiving new classes, Rogier said MasterClass relies on many parties. New instructors are added to the docket after the company polls MasterClass students, employees, and current instructors.
And, of course, there are always some teachers that MasterClass is eyeing for its "dream list."
"I would love to take a class from Warren Buffett. I would love to take a class from J.K. Rowling," Rogier said.
For the CEO, MasterClass would ideally be able to adapt in tandem with digital technology.
"The thing that I am most excited about, that we are just beginning to explore, is AR and VR. Imagine if you're going to learn a dance from Usher, how neat would it be to see where to put your feet," he said.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/masterclass-raises-additional-80-million-in-series-d).
U.S. markets opened lower as disappointing Meta earnings dragged down the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Today, investors will be watching for Amazon's Q4 earnings report set for release after the market close. Greg Swenson, Founding Partner, Brigg Macadam joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Johan Grahn, Head of ETF Strategy at Allianz Investment Management, breaks down the major risks to the markets including how the FED may react to upcoming CPI data.
Markets opened mostly higher led by gains in the tech sector on strong Q4 earnings. It comes after a tumultuous January which saw stocks suffer one of their worst months since the early days of the pandemic. Jim Worden, Chief Investment Officer, Wealth Consulting Group joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss early market activity.
Adam Coons, Portfolio Manager at Winthrop Capital Management, talks about the last jobs data, and breaks down the future of social media and tech platforms.
Women's health company Organon will give its over 9,000 employees a paid day off on International Women's Day.
The move comes as the company aims to recognize the growing health inequities women have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kevin Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Organon joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
CLMBR is hoping to become the next big thing in connected fitness. The brand offers a high intensity, low impact workout with on-demand, instructor-led classes. Avrum Elmakis, CLMBR's CEO and founder, joined Cheddar to discuss where the company is heading next.
Peloton is reportedly drawing interest from multiple suitors. According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon is considering acquiring the exercise bike company as it looks to expand into the health and wellness technology industry. Hatem Dhiab, managing partner at Gerber Kawasaki, joined Cheddar to discuss Peloton's future and which company might be its best bet as a buyer.
Amazon shares jumped north of 13 percent in after-hours trading as the E-commerce giant posted a beat on earnings in its fourth quarter. Amazon saw particular success in its cloud computing business, as well as its stake in EV startup, Rivian after its massive IPO. Deren Baker, CEO, Edge by Ascential joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
After a seven-year hiatus, Nissan is returning to the Super Bowl action-packed, star-studded commercial. Allyson Witherspoon, Nissan's Chief Marketing Officer, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss the concept of the ad campaign and how it gives clues into where the brand is heading next.
Google parent company Alphabet reporting a beat on its Q4 earnings report, with revenue up 32%. The company's strong quarter was thanks to success in its cloud and advertising businesses, which both saw solid year-over-year growth. Angelo Zino, Senior Industry Analyst, CFRA Research joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss the tech giant's blowout results.