AIkido Pharma Inc. announced that the Company has secured an early equity interest in privately-held Yanka Industries, Inc., doing business as MasterClass . MasterClass is self-described as the “streaming platform where the world’s best come together so anyone, anywhere, can access and be inspired by their knowledge and stories. With an annual membership, members get unprecedented access to 150+ instructors and classes across a wide variety of fields, including Arts & Entertainment, Business, Design & Style, Sports & Gaming, Writing and more.”
In a December 21, 2021 article entitled “30 Startups We Think Could Go Public in 2022,” Crunchbase news stated, “it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see San Francisco-headquartered MasterClass dipping a toe in the public markets in coming months. The online education platform offers courses on a broad array of topics and features well-known figures including Malala Yousafzai, Spike Lee, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Ringo Starr. It reportedly had a valuation around $2.75 billion in May, more than tripling in value in the course of a year.”
HAnthony ayes, CEO of Aikido, stated, “The extraordinary content provided by MasterClass truly reflects its name. We are amazed by the broad spectrum of topics and sheer number of prominent and renowned experts who have recorded the lectures provided by MasterClass’s service. We are thrilled to be a part of this exceptional company, especially considering the potential it provides for value creation for our shareholders. As some sectors of the market begin to slow down, we are constantly looking for opportunities that will augment shareholder value.”
In its news announcements, MasterClass has described itself as follows:
“Founded in 2015, MasterClass makes it possible for anyone to learn from the best. With MasterClass, step into Anna Wintour’s office, Timbaland’s recording studio, and Neil Gaiman’s writing retreat. Improve your serve with Serena Williams, perfect your pitch with Shonda Rhimes, and leave the atmosphere with Chris Hadfield. Hundreds of video lessons from 85+ of today’s most brilliant minds are available anytime, anywhere on iOS, Android, desktop, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku devices with the All-Access Pass ($180/year). Subscribe to greatness with MasterClass.”