MasterClass Expands to Los Angeles, Hires Matthew Rutler to Lead Talent Team

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Jul 21, 2016, 09:44 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterClass, the online learning platform making it possible for anyone to learn from the best, announces the addition of Matthew Rutler as the company's Senior Vice President of Talent. Rutler, who began with MasterClass as an investor, will play a new important role in the company's development and expansion of talent recruitment. He will also head MasterClass' new office in Los Angeles. The new Los Angeles office will work with the company's San Francisco headquarters, led by co-founders David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen, to expand MasterClass' roster of world-renowned instructors and the platform's reach.

MasterClass' current roster of courses includes Werner Herzog (filmmaking), Aaron Sorkin (screenwriting), Christina Aguilera (singing), Kevin Spacey (acting), Usher (performance), Serena Williams (tennis), James Patterson (writing), and Dustin Hoffman (acting). Since launching in May 2015, the MasterClass team has doubled in size, expanded their course offerings by adding instructors to their platform, and raised a $15 million Series B fundraising round led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA).

Rutler brings a wealth of entertainment and technology experience to the team, having worked in film production and investment for 6 years before founding MX, a production/investment company focused on entertainment and media. MX works closely with Lionsgate Entertainment, and Rutler serves as an executive producer for several TV properties, in addition to managing over 20 portfolio companies. MX also invests in mobile and content-based technology companies. Rutler joins the MasterClass team along with Talent Manager Olivia Lubeck, formerly of Lionsgate and TalentWorks.

"MasterClass has given people the incredible opportunity to consume educational content, and I am honored to be joining the team. I look forward to growing this already impressive roster of instructors and finding more ways to give people access to learn from their experiences," said Matthew Rutler, SVP of Talent at MasterClass.

"Matthew has earned himself an incredible reputation as a partner to both entertainment and technology companies. Before joining our team full time, he was an early investor and played a critical role in helping us build relationships with several of our instructors. His passion for entertainment and technology will be essential as we grow our business," said David Rogier, co-founder and CEO of MasterClass.

"Matthew is an adept and valuable addition to our team. We liked his manner and style from the moment we met him and are very excited to have him heading up our LA office," said Aaron Rasmussen, co-founder, creative director, and CTO of MasterClass. "Since our launch in 2015, we've grown our platform, raised funds, and with Matthew's help, recruited world class talent. Our new office will allow us to further scale talent recruitment efforts to make it possible for everyone to learn from the world's best."

To date, MasterClass has raised $21.3 million. Its investors include NEA, Javelin Venture Partners, Harrison Metal, Bloomberg Beta, Novel TMT Ventures, Advancit Capital, Downey Ventures, and Usher. The company's advisors include Bill Guttentag (two time Oscar-winning filmmaker, You Don't Have to Die, Twin Towers), Bob Myman (Partner, Myman Abell Fineman Fox Greenspan Light LLP), Jay Roach (filmmaker, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery), Ken Hertz (Senior Partner, Hertz Lichtenstein & Young LLP), Linda Lichter (Partner, Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler & Feldman), and Jay Brown (Co-Founder/CEO, Roc Nation).

About MasterClass:
San Francisco-based MasterClass was founded by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen on the idea that everyone should have access to genius. MasterClass makes it possible for anyone with an Internet connection to learn from the best through immersive online classes from the world's greatest authors, actors, performers, athletes, filmmakers, and more. For more information, please visit www.masterclass.com.

CONTACT: Leesa D'alto, 516-524-7913, [email protected]

SOURCE MasterClass