YOUNIVERSAL CENTER

What YOUNIVERSAL CENTER does

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER is a non-profit educational organization founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles that delivers interactive courses, workshops, and special events focused on the works of Persian mystic-poets Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, alongside like-minded Western mystics and philosophers. The organization serves two primary segments: adult learners seeking spiritual and philosophical development through classical Persian texts, and children introduced to Persian literary heritage through age-appropriate materials and a dedicated children's books line. The product surface includes semester-long courses (Intro to Rumi, Shahnameh Year 3), weekly sessions (Rumi Thursdays), workshop series (Stories from Masnavi, Hafez Summer Workshop 2026), and a publications catalog comprising titles such as A Year of Love, Dancing into the Light, The Heart's Garden, The Universe In You, The Donkey's Gone, and You Are Everything.

The technology stack is intentionally minimal: live online classes are delivered via Zoom, and the public-facing digital presence is a Google Sites website that organizes course information, publications, videos, and contact channels. There is no proprietary platform, mobile app, or AI-driven tooling. All classes are directed by a single instructor, Omid Arabian, making the organization effectively founder- and instructor-led.

Commercially, YOUNIVERSAL CENTER operates as a non-profit with revenue generated through course and workshop fees on a recurring/seasonal basis. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. The dual distribution model pairs Zoom-delivered global online access with in-person classes in Los Angeles, supported by a content marketing function centered on the website. No funding rounds, partnerships, institutional investors, or corporate structure beyond the non-profit entity are evidenced in the available data.

Name

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER

Legal name

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER

Website

https://youniversal.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER is a Los Angeles-based non-profit founded in 2014 that offers courses, workshops, events, and publications on Persian mystic-poets Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, delivered live online via Zoom and in-person to adult learners and children globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural and Spiritual Education Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Enrichment & Creative Arts Programs (EDAAAEAG)

Keywords

• Persian literature education
• Mystical poetry courses
• Spiritual philosophy workshops
• Rumi courses
• Cultural heritage education

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Course and Workshop Fees: The organization generates revenue through course registrations and workshop fees for educational programs in Persian literature, mysticism, and philosophy. Programs include semester courses, weekly classes, and seasonal workshops.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER is a non-profit educational organization that offers interactive courses, workshops, and special events on Persian mystic-poets Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, along with related Western mystics and philosophers. It publishes books and multimedia content for adults and children. Courses are delivered live online via Zoom and in-person in Los Angeles, with all classes directed by Omid Arabian.

Product overview

YOUNIVERSAL CENTER is a non-profit educational organization offering interactive courses, workshops, and publications focused on Persian mystic-poets Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, as well as like-minded western mystics and philosophers. The organization operates through two primary product lines: educational courses (offered live online via Zoom and in-person in Los Angeles) including Intro to Rumi, Shahnameh Year 3, Rumi Thursdays, Stories from Masnavi, and the Hafez Summer Workshop 2026; and a publications division producing books and written works such as A Year of Love, Dancing into the Light, The Heart's Garden, The Universe In You, The Donkey's Gone, You Are Everything, and a children's book line. All classes are directed by Omid Arabian.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Intro to Rumi - The Universe In You An introductory course exploring Rumi's teachings and the concept of the universe within, designed for beginners to engage with Persian mysticism and philosophy.
• Shahnameh Year 3 A third-year advanced course dedicated to studying Ferdowsi's epic Persian poem, the Shahnameh, examining its literary and philosophical significance.
• Rumi Thursdays An advanced-level ongoing class focused on deeper exploration of Rumi's poetry and spiritual teachings, held weekly on Thursdays.
• Stories from Masnavi A course examining the stories and spiritual lessons contained in Rumi's Masnavi, exploring their application to personal growth and understanding.
• Hafez Summer Workshop 2026 A seasonal workshop scheduled for summer 2026 dedicated to studying the poetry of Hafez and his contributions to Persian mystical literature.
• Books for Children A collection of educational materials and books designed for children, introducing them to Persian mystic-poets and philosophical concepts in age-appropriate formats.
• A Year of Love A published work exploring themes of love and spiritual connection through the lens of mystical poetry and philosophy.
• Dancing into the Light A publication examining the journey of spiritual awakening and enlightenment through poetic expressions and philosophical insights.
• The Heart's Garden A published work exploring themes of spiritual growth and inner exploration through contemplative writing.
• The Universe In You A publication examining the interconnection between the self and the universe, drawing from mystical and philosophical traditions.
• The Donkey's Gone A published work exploring spiritual themes through poetic narrative and philosophical reflection.
• You Are Everything A publication exploring themes of unity, interconnection, and the essential oneness of all existence through mystical teachings.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Sounds True: A multimedia publisher specializing in spiritual and contemplative content, including works featuring Rumi and Hafez. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER as a publisher and educator in the spiritual/philosophical content space, though at much larger scale across multiple traditions.
• Chopra Foundation: A non-profit organization offering educational programs, workshops, and content on spiritual well-being and contemplative traditions. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in non-profit educational structure and focus on spiritual/philosophical enrichment.

Others

• Acorn Television: A streaming service delivering curated educational and cultural content to niche global audiences. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in distributing specialized cultural content via digital channels, though focused on English-language drama and documentary.

Emerging players

• Inner Traditions / Bear & Company: A publisher of books on alternative spirituality, mysticism, and Persian/Sufi traditions. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in monographic publishing of Persian mystical content for a niche global audience.
• Shambhala Publications: A publisher of books on Buddhism, contemplative traditions, and world mysticism, including editions of Rumi's poetry. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER as a curated content provider blending publication with educational programs.

Regional players

• Saadi Foundation: A non-profit organization promoting Persian language, literature, and culture through educational programs. Comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in targeting Persian literary heritage, though focused on language and broader cultural programming.

Direct peers

• Threshold Society: A Sufi educational organization offering structured programs on Rumi's Masnavi and Islamic mysticism. Directly comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in delivering long-form, multi-year study of Rumi's works to a global audience.
• The Rumi Forum: A cultural and educational organization promoting dialogue inspired by Rumi and other mystics. Closely comparable to YOUNIVERSAL CENTER in mission, Rumi-centric programming, and event/community-driven educational model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat2 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youniversal-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YOUNIVERSAL CENTER