// startup autopsy
Yoga Works
Three decades of downward dog, one pandemic to break the pose.
external shockBankruptcy
Fatal mistake: YogaWorks over-expanded its physical studio footprint without building a digital revenue stream, leaving it fatally exposed when COVID-19 made in-person classes impossible.
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2020 |
| Country | USA |
| Sector | Marketplace |
50%
50%
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
YogaWorks founded in Los Angeles by Maty Ezraty and Chuck Miller, becoming one of the first major yoga studio chains in the United States.
FUNDING
Raised $13M to fuel national studio expansion, accelerating growth into New York, Boston, and other major markets.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
YogaWorks went public via a small IPO but struggled with profitability amid heavy lease obligations across 60+ studios.
REGULATORY ACTION
COVID-19 lockdowns forced all 60+ YogaWorks studios to close simultaneously, eliminating virtually all revenue overnight.
SHUTDOWN
YogaWorks filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidated all assets, ending 33 years of operations as a standalone yoga brand.