Comcast NBCUniversal has purchased a majority ownership share in he online learning and ecommerce platform, Craftsy.com. In announcement today on the Craftsy website CEO John Levisay wrote, “I’m absolutely thrilled at this outcome. It will provide us tremendous resources and a massive distribution platform to further pursue our vision of becoming an iconic brand in the makerspace via ‘edutainment’, classes and supplies.”
Comcast NBCUniversal is a leading provider of information, entertainment, and communication products and services and own the television station, NBC, as well as the major film studio, Universal. The company also owns Universal Parks and Resorts, the third largest operator of theme parks in the United States.
According to Levisay’s announcement, this new investment allows Craftsy to have “aggressive growth plans” and they will be “hiring and investing accordingly.”
Craftsy will remain headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and Levisay has committed to staying on as CEO for at least four years.
This announcement comes on the heels of competitor Creativebug’s recent acquisition by JoAnn. Now that both companies are owned by larger and more established corporations it’s possible we’ll see an expansion of offerings and, at the same time, a possible realignment of values and missions.
I don’t know how to feel about this. I know there’s a crafting tv show coming soon, so maybe there’s a tie in. I’m glad to see crafts getting so much air time, but what does that mean for tiny little websites like mine? Between this and the rumors of Etsy being purchased by Walmart I’ve found myself rather depressed this week. Is it worth continuing as a small creator in a world where the mega corporations are taking over? My site traffic has absolutely tanked over the last couple of months, so maybe having crafts front and center on a National TV network will get people looking again.
You know I sad about hearing about this news. The big companies have to always get their share. I don’t purchase much on either of those stores. I do purchase Craftsy’s classes but if your not interested in precut items, I have a hard time finding yardage. I rather go to the small businesses, shop around and find more of what your looking for. So what I’m saying don’t let the big corporations run you off because there are plenty of women that want a business like yours. Wishing you the best of luck
Dee Wilcox
Anyone say MONOPOLY???
In what way?
I’ve been a subscriber for a number of years and given subscriptions as gifts to others. I have 59 Own Forever Classes in my library and want to continue to have complete access. What will be done to make this happen? When is Bluprint closing? Why haven’t subscribers received emails from NBCU informing us of this closing – I found out via Facebook!!! Please advise immediately, thx.
This is horrible, I love Craftsy/Bluprint. I have 87 classes and I hope I will still be able to access the instructions and info that comes with those classes. This makes me angry and sad. Why can’t people leave a good thing alone. Not happy with you Comcast NBCUniversal. I just found out about this today, would have liked to have more notice! Not a happy camper!!!!!!!
I’d just signed up and was going to do it with my daughter who’s already involved. I’m disappointed as it was going to be a great connecting point for us.Hope for continued access later with you. Nancy
I have several forever classes I’ve purchased on Craftsy/Bluprint. Please notify me when and how to access these classes. Thanks.