Dull thoughts in a sharp world.

Good friend of mine, Rahmin Sarabi, is launching a new startup, unclasses.com, this Tuesday. What is unclasses?

According to his blog, “Unclasses.com is a site to connect people who want to learn about a topic with those in their area who want to teach it. It’s basically a marketplace for matching interest with passion. The actual (un)classes can be whatever you want them to be. People in your area suggest things they want to learn, others join, and someone volunteers to teach. It’s that simple.”

So what? Startups launch all the time, most suck, and most cannot create/ride the necessary momentum to reach critical mass. Well let’s take a close look at three reasons why I’m excited.

3) ↑ Unemployment = ↑ Demand for more income + ↑ Need for new skills

Rising unemployment is forcing employees to seek additional skill sets and additional revenue opportunities.  I have no skills, so I won’t be teaching much, but think about all the skilled designers, engineers, or musicians who would love to teach.

2)  Part-time classes at accredited universities are expensive

30 days of instruction at UCSF costs over $1000.  The piece of paper stating you have a degree in “blank” has become less meaningful.  Would I have rather taken marketing 101 from a talented peer here in SF for $50 than from my professor for $2500?  Yes.

1)  Learning is fun.

Laugh it up.  But think back to ancient times when we were all in college and learning was a very social activity.  We met some of our best friends over a 25 lb text book.  Casual classes provides for the same opportunity to interact with peers with like interests.  The first unclass kegger is at my place.

I get pitched startup ideas all the time, but I am a believer.  I love the idea of self-organizing classes around passionate students and teachers.  Rahmin has great vision, and has recruited some smart partners.  Sign up if you’re interested in teaching or learning or shoot Rahmin some feedback at rsarabi@gmail.com.