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Tag: Edtech

  • Class ON: How It’s Revolutionising School Management with Innovative ERP Software Solution

    India’s education technology (EdTech) sector is booming, with a current valuation of $7.5 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a 25.8% annual rate, reaching $29 billion by 2030. Class ON App is making a significant mark in the expanding EdTech field with its innovative School ERP software solution. Designed to streamline and improve school management across India, the user-friendly platform is transforming school operations and driving growth in the sector.

    In this article, learn more about Class ON, its founder, its business and revenue model, challenges, growth, and more.

    Class ON – Company Highlights

    Company Name Class ON
    Headquarters Ludhiana, Punjab, India
    Sector EdTech
    Founder Milan Singh Hans
    Founded 2016
    Website classonapp.com

    Class ON – About
    Class ON – Industry
    Class ON – Founder and Team
    Class ON – Startup Story
    Class ON – Vision and Mission
    Class ON – Name, Tagline, and Logo
    Class ON – Products/Services
    Class ON – Business and Revenue Model
    Class ON – Launching Company Strategies
    Class ON – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
    Class ON – Marketing Strategy
    Class ON – Challenges Faced
    Class ON – Growth
    Class ON – Funding
    Class ON – Key Tools and Software
    Class ON – Awards and Achievements
    Class ON – Competitors
    Class ON – Future Plans

    Class ON – About

    Class ON App is the fastest-growing leading School ERP software solution specially designed for Indian schools to streamline school management. Developed by Smartway Media Pvt. Ltd., an ISO Certified company established in 2009, Class ON was launched in 2016 to address the growing need for efficient, digital solutions in education.

    The software is used by over 600 schools across India, offering over 90 modules, 4 mobile apps, and 30+ specialized services. These services cover everything from attendance tracking and fee management to online admissions and e-learning content, making it a one-stop solution for schools to manage all their operations. The software is cloud-based, ensuring data security and easy access from anywhere. It is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even non-technical staff to use it effectively.

    Class ON Evolution

    Class ON is a part of Smartway Media Pvt. Ltd., which initially focused on IT services like websites, logo designing, app development, and software development before pivoting to EdTech with the launch of Class ON.

    Class ON – Industry

    Class ON operates in the EdTech (Education Technology) industry, a rapidly growing sector that focuses on the use of technology to enhance educational practices and management.

    In India, there are over 1.5 million schools, and a significant portion of them are yet to adopt digital management solutions. This presents a massive opportunity for Class ON to grow its market share.

    As of August 2024, Class ON serves over 600 schools, positioning itself as one of the leading school ERP providers in India. While the exact market share is difficult to quantify, the company’s growth trajectory suggests a strong presence in the EdTech space.

    The EdTech industry in India is expected to continue its rapid growth over the next five years, driven by increasing demand for digital solutions, government initiatives, and the need for schools to adapt to new educational paradigms, especially post-pandemic. Class ON aims to be at the forefront of this growth, expanding its services and introducing new features to meet evolving needs.

    In the next 5-10 years, Class ON envisions itself not just as a national leader but as a global player in the school ERP market. The company plans to expand its footprint internationally, starting with neighboring countries and eventually targeting schools worldwide.

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    Class ON – Founder and Team

    Milan Singh Hans is the founder of Class ON.

    Milan Singh Hans

    Milan Singh Hans, Founder and CEO, Class ON
    Milan Singh Hans, Founder and CEO, Class ON

    Milan Hans is the Founder and CEO of Class ON. Milan has over 20 years of experience in IT and EdTech. He started his career in website design and software development before transitioning into the education sector. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by schools, combined with his technical expertise, has been the driving force behind Class ON.

    Kanwalpreet Singh (Technical & Finance Head)

    Kanwalpreet is the co-founder and CTO at Class ON. He brings a wealth of technical expertise to the team, with a background in IT and software development. He is responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of the Class ON platform and also manages the financial operations of the company, ensuring that Class ON remains financially healthy and can continue to invest in new features and services.

    Jashan Hans (Research & Technical Head)

    Jashan Hans is the co-founder and COO at Class ON. He brings a robust IT background to Class ON, with extensive experience in both technology and research. His role as the Research & Technical Head involves a multifaceted approach to module development and system enhancements.

    Harmanjot Sidhu (Marketing & Service Head)

    Harmanjot is the Marketing Head and CCO at Class ON. He is responsible for the company’s service, support, marketing, and branding efforts. He has successfully built the Class ON brand through strategic campaigns, partnerships, and customer engagement.

    Jashan Sidhu (SEO & SMM Strategist Head)

    Jashan leads the Graphics & Videos team and also heads the SEO team. He is well-versed in all aspects of digital marketing and is highly skilled in his field.

    Aman Hans (Data Analyst Head)

    Aman is responsible for monitoring team progress, work status, and overseeing all activities. She manages tasks and ensures smooth operation among the staff.

    Class ON Team with Kiran Bedi
    Class ON Team with Kiran Bedi

    The company has grown to over 100 employees, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity. The team is encouraged to take ownership of their projects, and there is a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development.

    Hiring Philosophy: Class ON looks for individuals who are not only technically proficient but also passionate about making a difference in the education sector. The company values creativity, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic.

    Class ON Advisors and Mentors

    Mr. Gobind S. Hans, Milan Hans’s father, is the Mentor and Advisor for Class ON. From the very beginning, Mr. Gobind S. Hans provided crucial financial and moral support to help start the company. Whenever any advice is needed or challenges arise, Milan always turns to his father first for guidance. Additionally, the Class ON team has benefited from the insights of industry experts and peers in the EdTech and IT sectors. These informal mentorships have played a vital role in shaping the company’s strategic decisions and have been key to overcoming the challenges of growing a tech-driven business in the education industry.

    Class ON – Startup Story

    In 2016, Milan Hans and Co-Founder Kawalpreet Singh were deep in discussion about a new project, well into the night, around 2 AM. They had previously worked on an e-commerce project called Zokasa, which didn’t achieve the success they hoped for. As they brainstormed, they recognized a significant gap in the market: there was no comprehensive, user-friendly solution for school-parent communication available across India. While larger schools had some solutions, these were often not user-friendly or affordable. Milan and Kawal were intrigued by the idea of creating an accessible, budget-friendly platform for all schools. After discussing the concept with Milan’s father, Mr. Gobind S. Hans, who endorsed the idea, they assembled their core team—Jashan Hans and Harman Sidhu—and began working on bringing their vision to life.

    Milan Hans undertook extensive research, including surveys and meetings with school leaders, principals, and directors, to understand their pain points. The research revealed that while schools had software for fee management, it lacked advanced features and often relied on outdated, offline solutions. A major challenge identified was the lack of reliable customer support; many software providers did not offer consistent updates or assistance after the initial installation. This feedback highlighted the need for a solution that not only addressed these gaps but also provided dependable, ongoing support.

    The initial response to the idea was positive, but the path forward was fraught with challenges. Despite 3-4 months of intensive marketing efforts, including on-site demos, the team faced numerous hurdles. Many schools were reluctant to adopt the new platform due to concerns about smartphone accessibility for parents and perceived high costs compared to offline software. However, after months of perseverance and addressing these objections, Class ON finally secured its first school client. This milestone marked the beginning of Class ON’s journey and set the stage for its expansion across India.

    Class ON – Vision and Mission

    Vision: Class ON aims to be a global leader in school ERP solutions by making every school 100% smart and digital. The long-term vision is to transform the way educational institutions operate, enabling them to become more efficient, transparent, and innovative. By focusing on continuous innovation, the company seeks to stay ahead of technological trends and provide schools with cutting-edge tools that simplify their operations.

    Mission: The core mission of Class ON is to digitalize and simplify the management processes in schools, thereby saving them time, money, and resources. The company is committed to providing schools with a comprehensive, user-friendly, and affordable ERP solution that can be easily adopted and scaled according to the institution’s needs.

    Core Belief: The company believes that education should be future-ready, accessible, and efficient. This belief drives their commitment to developing a solution that not only meets the current needs of schools but also anticipates future challenges.

    Motto: “Go Digital-Go Smart” encapsulates the company’s commitment to providing tools that help schools operate more effectively, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of educational standards.

    Class ON Logo and Tagline
    Class ON Logo and Tagline

    The name “Class ON” was meticulously chosen to represent the digital activation of education—essentially turning classrooms “on” to the vast possibilities offered by technology. This name embodies the company’s mission to empower schools by making them smarter and more efficient. The search for the perfect name took nearly a year, during which over 500 potential names were considered and evaluated. The goal was to find a name that was simple, easy to spell, and pronounce. Ultimately, “Class ON” emerged as the ideal choice, perfectly reflecting the essence of the School ERP project and aligning with its vision.

    The tagline “Go Digital – Go Smart” captures Class ON’s dedication to transforming school management through cutting-edge digital solutions. It highlights the shift from traditional, paper-based systems to a modern, efficient digital approach. This tagline underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and enabling schools to focus on delivering high-quality education. “Go Digital – Go Smart” also serves as a call to action, encouraging schools to fully embrace digitalization and become 100% smart and digital.

    The Class ON logo features a contemporary and clean design that integrates elements of both technology and education. The design process aimed to create a symbol that reflects the dual focus of the business: advancing digital solutions while supporting educational excellence. The logo’s modern aesthetics are intended to resonate with the tech-savvy and educational aspects of the company, reinforcing its brand identity.

    Class ON – Products/Services

    Class ON School Management Software
    Class ON School Management Software

    Class ON offers a complete School ERP software solution specifically designed for Indian schools to automate and simplify various school operations. The product includes over 90 modules covering everything from attendance, timetable management, live classes, device-less van tracking, gate pass, report card, ID card generator, certificate builder, and fee collection to more advanced features like online admissions, e-learning content, and real-time analytics.

    The software is cloud-based, allowing access from anywhere with an internet connection. Schools can select from a range of modules based on their specific needs, allowing for a customized solution. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that even non-technical staff can navigate easily. It integrates seamlessly with other tools such as SMS, WhatsApp, GPS, RFID, QR scanners, and biometrics, making it a versatile and comprehensive solution.

    Class ON addresses several key challenges faced by schools, including:

    • Inefficient Administrative Processes: Automates manual tasks, reducing the workload on administrative staff.
    • Poor Communication: Enhances communication between the school, parents, and students through integrated messaging systems.
    • Lack of Data Security: Provides a secure cloud-based system to protect sensitive student and school data.
    • Scalability Issues: The modular design allows schools to scale the solution as they grow.

    USP and Innovation

    Class ON’s unique selling points include its extensive range of modules, guaranteed monthly updates, and user-friendly interface. The software is also known for its robust customer support and continuous innovation, introducing new features regularly based on user feedback.

    Technology

    Class ON is built on a scalable cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and data security. The company employs the latest technologies in web development, database management, and cybersecurity to maintain the platform’s reliability and performance.

    Product Evolution

    The product has evolved significantly since its initial launch. Originally focused on basic administrative functions, Class ON expanded its offerings to include advanced features like live classes, online tests, and comprehensive analytics. This pivot was driven by user demand and the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

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    Class ON – Business and Revenue Model

    Class ON operates on a per-student subscription-based business model. Schools pay based on the number of students enrolled, which aligns the cost with the institution’s size and needs. The company offers a comprehensive package featuring over 90 modules to streamline various school operations. For institutions requiring a full suite of services, Class ON has introduced Class ON Prime, a premium package that includes additional features such as website development, ID card creation, and biometric systems. These packages cater to a wide range of schools, from small institutions to large educational organizations.

    Revenue is generated primarily through subscription fees, which are calculated on a per-student, per-month basis. Schools can choose from various billing cycles, including monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual payments. This flexible payment structure allows schools to select an option that best suits their financial planning and operational needs.

    Class ON – Launching Company Strategies

    At its inception, Class ON was introduced to the market through a targeted approach, leveraging the extensive network of Milan Hans in the education sector. This involved direct outreach to schools, where Milan’s established relationships and reputation helped in gaining initial traction.

    To secure its first 100 customers, Class ON employed a combination of direct marketing and personalized outreach. The company conducted webinars to showcase the software’s capabilities and benefits. Personalized demonstrations were arranged for interested schools, allowing them to experience the product firsthand. This approach helped in building relationships and trust, which were crucial for onboarding the initial schools.

    Class ON – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies

    Class ON focuses on continuous innovation to remain at the forefront of the School ERP market. The company ensures that it regularly updates its software with new features and improvements every month. Exceptional customer support is also a key component of the growth strategy, as it helps in retaining clients and resolving any issues promptly. This proactive approach to service and innovation keeps schools engaged and satisfied.

    Class ON – Marketing Strategy

    The company’s marketing efforts have included successful digital campaigns and content marketing, with a notable focus on webinars conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars educated schools on the importance of digital tools in enhancing educational management and adapting to remote learning. Content marketing strategies, including blog posts and social media engagement, have also played a role in reaching a broader audience.

    Most Successful Marketing Campaign

    The most successful marketing campaign for Class ON was the series of webinars conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars highlighted the urgent need for digital solutions in education, showing how Class ON could help schools manage remote learning and maintain administrative efficiency. Milan Hans played a key role by sharing practical, proven strategies through videos on how to increase school admissions without traditional advertising. His guidance on boosting school admissions resonated strongly with schools, leading many to adopt Class ON’s digital and smart solutions.

    This campaign not only increased Class ON’s visibility but also attracted a significant number of new clients. The focus on providing valuable, relevant information during a critical time helped Class ON build trust and significantly expand its customer base.

    Class ON – Challenges Faced

    One of the significant challenges faced by Class ON was convincing traditional schools to transition from paper-based systems to digital solutions. Many schools were resistant to change due to a lack of familiarity with technology and concerns about the complexity of digital tools.

    To address this challenge, Class ON offered free trials of their software, allowing schools to experience the benefits without any initial commitment. Personalized demonstrations were conducted to show how the software could be tailored to meet specific needs. The company also provided robust support during the initial implementation phase, which helped in building trust and easing the transition. By highlighting the tangible benefits and offering hands-on assistance, Class ON was able to overcome resistance and build confidence among its clients.

    Class ON – Growth

    As of August 2024, Class ON is a trusted partner for over 600 schools across India. The company’s user base continues to grow steadily, driven by positive feedback and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. Class ON is recognized for its comprehensive School ERP solutions, which simplify administrative tasks and enhance the learning experience. The company is also expanding its service offerings, introducing new features and updates monthly to meet the evolving needs of schools. The platform’s reliability and user-friendly interface have made it a preferred choice for educational institutions looking to go digital.

    Class ON serves a diverse range of schools, including some of the most prestigious institutions across various states in India. These schools rely on Class ON for efficient management of their operations, demonstrating the trust and credibility the platform has built within the education sector.

    Class ON – Funding

    Class ON has been primarily self-funded since its inception, with Milan Hans reinvesting profits back into the business to fuel growth and innovation. This approach has allowed the company to maintain control over its direction and priorities without external pressures.

    To date, Class ON has not actively sought external funding. However, the company remains open to exploring strategic partnerships that align with its mission and values. Such partnerships could potentially accelerate growth and bring additional resources to enhance the platform’s offerings.

    Class ON – Key Tools and Software

    Class ON leverages a range of cutting-edge tools to manage its operations efficiently. The platform is built on cloud-based technologies that ensure scalability and reliability. For software development, Class ON uses modern development frameworks and cloud hosting services to deliver a seamless user experience. Customer support is managed through dedicated platforms that allow for real-time communication and issue resolution. Additionally, the company utilizes CRM systems to track client interactions, manage sales pipelines, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. These tools collectively enable Class ON to deliver a robust and responsive service to its clients.

    Class ON – Awards and Achievements

    Class ON Honored with the FAP National Award
    Class ON Honored with the FAP National Award

    Class ON’s commitment to innovation and excellence has been widely recognized. The company was honored with the FAP National Award 2022 for its transformative impact on school operations through digital solutions. This prestigious accolade highlights Class ON’s role in enhancing educational administration with its cutting-edge technology.

    Additional Honors:

    • Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Mr. Milan Hans, Founder and CEO of Class ON, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from CIO Look India Online & Offline Magazine. This recognition celebrates his pivotal role in advancing educational technology and his vision that led to the creation and expansion of Class ON.
    • Innovation in Education Technology Award: At the Heritage Festival organized by the City Awareness Society in Malout in 2019, Mr. Milan Hans was awarded the Innovation in Education Technology Award by the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This award acknowledged his relentless efforts to revolutionize education through digital solutions with Class ON.
    • Digital Marketing Certification from Google (2020): Mr. Milan Hans earned a Digital Marketing Certification from Google, underscoring his expertise in digital strategies and further validating his contributions to the field.
    • Recognition at RKDx Talks: During an online conference organized by RKDx Talks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Milan Hans was invited to share his insights on digital education promotion and improving institutional rankings. His well-received YouTube videos on school promotion strategies have also contributed significantly to his recognition.
    • Youth Icon Award (2015): At the 3rd Heritage Festival, Mr. Milan Hans was honored as a Youth Icon by the City Awareness Society. This award celebrated his efforts to uplift his hometown, Malout, through technology and social initiatives.
    • Excellent Work Award (2012): At the International Conference held at RIMT-IET, Mandi Gobindgarh, Mr. Milan Hans received the Excellent Work Award 2012 from the Economic Growth and Research Association. This award recognized his outstanding contributions to the field of Information Technology.

    Class ON’s most significant achievement has been its rapid expansion from serving just a few schools to over 600 schools across India within a few years. This growth reflects the effectiveness of the platform and the trust schools place in Class ON for their educational and administrative needs. The company’s ability to scale efficiently while maintaining high service standards underscores its solid operational foundation and customer-focused approach.

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    Class ON – Competitors

    Some of the top competitors of Class ON are:

    • Fedena: Fedena is a well-established name in the school ERP market, known for its comprehensive features and strong presence in both domestic and international markets. It offers a wide range of modules catering to various aspects of school management, including attendance, examinations, and communication.
    • Entab: Entab is a prominent competitor that provides a robust ERP solution with modules focused on school administration, student management, and parent communication. It is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive support services.
    • Edunext: Edunext is another key player in the school ERP space, offering a diverse range of functionalities to streamline school operations. Its focus on integrating technology to improve educational outcomes and administrative efficiency makes it a strong competitor.

    Class ON – Future Plans

    Class ON’s plans for the next 1-2 years include:

    • International Expansion: Class ON aims to broaden its global footprint by entering new international markets. This expansion will involve adapting the software to meet various regional educational standards and languages, making it accessible to a wider range of schools globally.
    • Advanced Features Development: The company plans to enhance its platform with advanced features such as AI-driven analytics. This will provide schools with deeper insights into student performance, operational efficiencies, and predictive trends, helping them make more informed decisions.
    • Multilingual Support: To cater to a diverse audience, Class ON will introduce multilingual support. This will make the platform more accessible to schools in different linguistic regions, particularly targeting non-English-speaking areas.
    • Market Penetration in India: Class ON is focused on increasing its market share within India by reaching out to more rural and semi-urban schools. The company aims to address the specific needs of these schools with tailored solutions that improve educational management and operational efficiency.
    • Product Innovations: Continuous development of new features and modules will be a priority. This includes enhancing existing functionalities, integrating emerging technologies, and ensuring the platform remains at the cutting edge of educational technology.

    FAQs

    What is Class ON?

    Class ON is the fastest-growing leading School ERP software solution specially designed for Indian schools to streamline school management.

    Who is the founder of Class ON?

    Milan Singh Hans is the founder of Class ON.

    What is Class ON’s business model?

    Class ON operates on a per-student subscription-based business model. Schools pay based on the number of students enrolled, which aligns the cost with the institution’s size and needs.

    How does Class ON help schools?

    Class ON helps schools by providing over 90 modules for tasks like attendance, timetable management, live classes, van tracking, gate passes, report cards, ID card generation, fee collection, and more. It also offers advanced features like online admissions, e-learning content, and real-time analytics.

  • Innovating Education: The Gaurav Munjal Story

    Who is Gaurav Munjal?

    Gaurav Munjal is the co-founder and CEO of Unacademy, one of India’s leading online education platforms. Under his leadership, Unacademy has expanded its offerings, attracting significant investment and becoming a key player in India’s booming edtech industry. His vision of creating accessible and high-quality educational content has driven the platform’s growth and helped establish it as a prominent name in the field of online learning.

    Gaurav Munjal Biography

    Name Gaurav Munjal
    Birthplace Rajasthan, India
    Born 8 September 1990
    Nationality Indian
    Education B.Tech in Computer Science (NMIMS University, Mumbai)
    Position Co-founder and CEO, Unacademy

    Gaurav Munjal – Early Life and Education

    Gaurav Munjal completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. As a bright student right from his college days, signs of his becoming an entrepreneur were quite evident. While he studied B.Tech at NMIMS, Mumbai, he co-founded Flatchat with Himesh Singh in 2014.

    Flatchat links renters, seekers, potential owners, and persons searching for roommates. Munjal started Flatchat to assist individuals in finding compatible roommates. Munjal sold Flatchat to the real estate web portal CommonFloor in 2015 for $2.5 million.

    In 2010, Munjal started his YouTube channel where he presented Java tutorials and other coding concepts. This channel later transitioned into what we know as Unacademy. He also worked at Directi as a software developer.

    Gaurav Munjal – Unacademy

    Unacademy Founders - Roman Saini, Hemesh Singh, Gaurav Munjal
    Unacademy Founders – Roman Saini, Hemesh Singh, Gaurav Munjal

    Munjal found that their problem statement was the current state of the Indian education system. It is expensive and needs better placement options. To democratize education, Munjal, along with Hemesh Singh, Roman Saini, and Sumit Jain, officially founded Unacademy in 2015.

    What began its journey as a YouTube channel, Unacademy today is an edtech platform helping aspiring students to prepare for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, UPSC, Chartered Accountancy, GATE, UPSC NDA, CUET, Boards etc. 

    It launched Unacademy Plus, a paid subscription in 2019 where students could access live courses in 14 Indian languages apart from English.

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    Gaurav Munjal – Journey So Far

    It is a norm that Indian startups that have become unicorns generally have founders graduating from IITs and IIMs. Defying this norm, Munjal believes that a non-IIT background has helped him in his entrepreneurial journey. While answering a reader on Quora, Munjal explained why being a non-IITian worked for him. Here’s why:

    • “Sometimes IIT makes you complacent: Okay, avoiding all controversies here and not making a generalized statement, some IITians are very complacent about the fact that they are in IIT and for them that’s it, they want to get a good GPA and get placed. The fact that I was not in IIT and all my friends from school (Xavier’s Jaipur) were made me a little insecure and hence I struggled and worked hard a lot without being complacent.”
    • “Less Competition: Sometimes because of huge competition people get discouraged, for example, if I had started up at IIT, I would have been one of the many startups that year, and I may or may not have been noticed by the right guys. Whereas in my college we were the only ones running a startup, hence when an angel investor came to give a talk – we met and got along. The glass is always half full, never forget that.”
    • “There is no backup: Unlike IITs, we non-IITians didn’t have the backup of a good job. The only companies that came to our college were service companies offering packages of 3.2L per annum. I swore to myself in my second year that I would not join one of those and be a guinea pig. Thus, I struggled and worked hard a lot since I had no backup, the only way out was up.”

    Since the inception of Unacademy, Munjal and his team of educators have been bringing about a change in the way Indian students learn. Deeply focused on the quality of education, Unacademy launched Graphy in 2020. Graphy is a tool that helps educators launch their online school in under 60 seconds.

    Gaurav Munjal – Investments

    Gaurav Munjal’s angel profile is quite a comprehensive one. Here’s an overview of his investments in the Indian startup landscape.

    Gaurav Munjal has invested in 57 companies till date. Some notable companies in his investment portfolio include Pine Labs, Pratilipi, and Ultrahuman. He has invested in over 21 sectors including Enterprise Applications, Media, and others. 

    Company Sector Year Founded Total Funding
    Unacademy (Founder and CEO) Edtech 2015 $880 million
    Flatchat (Founder) Consumer-centric 2013 $2.5 million
    Pine Labs Fintech 1998 $1.32 billion
    MPL Consumer-centric 2018 $396 million
    Mastree Edtech 2019 $545k
    Rheo Media & Entertainment 2019 $2.96 million
    TapChief Enterprise Applications 2016 $3.5 million

    The most recent investment was in Infinyte Club (Series A Round) on Aug 12, 2024. LightFury Games ($8.5M), BiteSpeed ($3.46M), and Emversity ($11M) are other investments made in 2024.

    Gaurav Munjal – Controversies

    Gaurav Munjal’s video in August 2024, sparked erratic reactions when he announced that there would be no appraisals for his employees while wearing a $400 Burberry T-shirt. The entrepreneur faced backlash on social media for delivering unfortunate news while he wore an expensive outfit. 

    “I think 2023 was an average year for us. But 2024, if not great, was above average. But we did not hit our growth goals. The good part is that the burn is extremely low now, and we have a huge runway. And I kept saying that we don’t have a survival risk,” said Munjal explaining the reason for not giving out appraisals.

    The announcement followed the layoff of 250 employees from marketing, sales, and streamline operations departments.

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    Gaurav Munjal – Top Quotes

    💡
    “Leave Mumbai, Delhi and move to Bangalore”

    In a conversation with Shardha Sharma of YourStory, Gaurav Munjal spoke about the challenges in the edtech industry. Additionally, he urged young entrepreneurs to move to Bangalore as provides the perfect ecosystem for tech startups. He believes that Bangalore provides a vital environment for budding startups whether it be finding the right opportunities or investors, increasing the odds for one’s success.

    “Bangalore is a slower-paced city. The goal of tech parks of Mumbai and Delhi should be to move to Bangalore” added Munjal.

    Final Words

    Like every other dreamer, Gaurav Munjal had humble beginnings. He identified a problem, used his skills and built something that caters to a crucial demographic of the country. 

    Gaurav Munjal believes his approach to the edtech revolution is bullish. As he is in the ninth year of his entrepreneurship, his goal is to pull off a great IPO in the edtech sector. 

    Not depending on solely offering online education, Munjal has ventured into offline setups and language learning showing his willingness to experiment further. Despite having contemporaries like Allen and Phycics Wallah, Munjal’s relentless strive to offer quality education safeguards Unacademy’s success in the foreseeable future.

    FAQs

    Who is Gaurav Munjal?

    Gaurav Munjal is the co-founder and CEO of Unacademy.

    When was Unacademy founded?

    Unacademy was founded by Gaurav Munjal, Dr. Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh in 2015.

    What is Unacademy?

    Unacademy is an online platform that makes both learning and teaching easy with its educational videos and lectures.

    Is Gaurav Munjal married?

    Yes, Gaurav Munjal is married to Reema Behl.

  • Physics Wallah Launches PW School of Startups with INR 100 Crore Investment Fund to Empower Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    Launching the PW School of Startups (SOS) under the PW Foundation, the edtech platform Physics Wallah (PW) has taken a giant leap forward in its goal to make education accessible to all students in India.

    By focussing on the development of entrepreneurial skills, PW SOS aims to close the gap between more conventional forms of education and the ever-changing startup ecosystem. In order to help budding entrepreneurs turn their ideas into profitable businesses, the initiative offers a wide range of resources, including affordable programmes, hands-on training, strategic mentoring, and access to funding.

    The introduction of PW SOS coincides with a period of great success for India’s startup scene. India ranked seventh out of 49 nations in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor India Report 2022/23, with 75.5% of Indians perceiving good local business chances. In addition, the country’s third-largest startup ecosystem is in India, where over 78% of the youth feel it quite straightforward to start a firm. Half of the 10 lakh employment created by Indian startups by 2023 were from areas outside of Tier 2 cities, which meant they were responding to issues on a local level in areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

    Preparing Participants for Entrepreneurial Challenges

    In order to meet the obstacles of entrepreneurship, PW SOS provides its members with practical skills, real-world experience, and a community of support, according to the official announcement. The institution’s mission is to support the startup community in its pursuit of innovation, creativity, and long-term success. Those that take part are able to tap into a wealth of possibilities and resources that are essential to the success of entrepreneurs.

    Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Physics Wallah, highlighted, “Our goal with PW SOS is to connect budding entrepreneurs with mentors who have built successful businesses and scaled them. On top of that, we have set aside $11.9 million (INR 100 Cr) to back 100 companies for the next 60 months.”

    Programmes Offered

    Aarambh, Prarambh, and Hopes Alive are the three separate programmes that PW SOS provides, and they are all designed to help entrepreneurs at different points in their journeys. Aarambh is an offline programme that runs for five days and aims to help students, young professionals, and college students accelerate their growth by providing them with tools, networks, and advice from experts. The five-month Prarambh programme focusses on budgeting and business model development; it is aimed for college students, early professionals, small family company owners, and social impact enthusiasts. As a 5-month hybrid programme, Hopes Alive provides seed-funded and bootstrapped businesses with access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

    It is PW SOS’s intention to register one hundred in Prarambh and one thousand in Aarambh within the next twelve months.

    “Companies in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have great business ideas, but they don’t have someone to help them out or a community to lean on,” according to Alakh Pandey, CEO and Founder of Physics Wallah.

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  • Physics Wallah Launches INR 250 Crore in JEE/NEET Scholarships

    Physics Wallah, one of the major players in the field of education in India, has introduced the NSAT (National Scholarship Common Admission Test) 2024, which is the organization’s most ambitious scholarship program to date. Students who are studying for the NEET-UG and IIT-JEE examinations are eligible to receive a total of INR 250 crore in various forms of financial assistance through the third iteration of the scholarship test. The program, which is intended to make access to high-quality education more accessible to more people, provides substantial assistance without charging any registration costs.

    While the NSAT 2024 will be administered online from October 1 to October 15, it will also be administered offline on October 6 and October 13 at several different centers. Aspirants from all different classes, including PCM and PCB groups, are welcome to participate in the program, which is open to kids from Class VI up to Class XII. The top one thousand students will be awarded scholarships that cover all of their educational and housing costs, with a particular focus on assisting the top five hundred students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    How This Can Be a Game-Changer?

    As a result of this endeavor, it is anticipated that the local education market will have a rippling effect. Students and educational institutions in the country will likely take advantage of the opportunity to improve their academic performance as a result of the introduction of such a major scholarship, which will likely promote higher participation and elevate the competitive environment. The results are expected to be made public in November of 2024, which will be a watershed moment in the history of educational assistance for students who aspire to be scholars.

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    About Physics Wallah

    In 2020, Alakh Pandey, who serves as the company’s founder and CEO, and Prateek Maheshwari, who serves as the company’s co-founder, established Physics Wallah (PW), which is India’s premier EdTech unicorn. PW, which has its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is working to democratize education on a large scale across India by utilizing online, offline, and hybrid platforms. Furthermore, the company has reached 98% of the country’s pin codes. Following its first inception as a YouTube channel in 2014, PW has experienced exponential growth, and it now provides free education of a high standard to more than 4.6 crore students through its 112+ YouTube channels, which are available in five different vernacular languages.

    More than three crores of people have downloaded the PW app, and the company has more than fifty-five lakh students who are paid. PW is in the process of constructing tech-enabled offline and hybrid centers in 105 locations across the country to create the largest hybrid education ecosystem in the country. PW is a partner in lifelong learning, and its offerings cover a wide range of educational domains. These domains include two schools, test preparation in more than forty-three categories, a skilling vertical, higher education, and study abroad (AcadFly).

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  • More Than 12.42 Lakh Direct Jobs Created by 1,17,254 DPIIT-Recognized Startups

    Today, on the first day of the budget session, Nirmala Sitharaman, the union finance minister, presented the Economic Survey 2023-24 to the house. Tomorrow, she will present the Union Budget 2024-25.

    In it, the Modi government laid out its plans to improve India’s startup scene and tracked the progress of the sector over time.

    Interventions such as the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) bill 2023, and the notification of Patent Rules 2024 all contributed to the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem.

    Multi-Sector Growth in DPIIT-Recognized Startups

    A total of 1,17,254 startups were recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of 31 December 2023, up from 300 in 2016 (as reported in the Economic Survey), and these businesses have allegedly generated more than 12.42 lakh direct employment opportunities. 

    The government’s ongoing initiatives, including “simplification and handholding,” “funding support and incentives,” and “industry academia partnership and incubation,” are believed to be responsible for the significant increase in the figures. 

    There were about 2,000 tech startups in India in 2014, but by 2023, that number had jumped to about 31,000. 387 of the 1,000 agritech startups in the agricultural and related industries were founded by women. Over 13,000 AI, nanotech, and robotics startups recognised by DPIIT were also highlighted, showcasing the rise of deep tech in India. There was an emphasis on the growth of mental health startups as well.

    It goes on to say that over half of all acknowledged startups hail from India’s tier 2 or 3 cities, and that over half of those have a female director, a sign of gender inclusion. Stand-Up India has 77.7 percent female beneficiaries, while the PM Mudra Yojana has approximately 68% female beneficiaries. 

    Financial Support and Patents

    According to the survey, by the end of FY24, more than 135 Alternate Investment Funds had invested about INR 18,000 crore in startups, with over INR 10,500 crore allocated under the Fund of Funds for startups. 

    According to the report, between 2016 and March 2024, startups submitted over 12,000 patent applications, showcasing their commitment to innovation and its protection. The announcement of patent rules, 2024, which streamline the process of acquiring and managing patents, has further strengthened this. 

    Factors Boosting Startup Culture in India

    Startups have been on the rise in many different industries, and this is due to a number of causes. A rise in internet penetration and shifts in consumer habits created an ideal environment for new retail IT companies to emerge. Notable events, such as the launch of UPI, sparked a boom in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector’s startup activity beginning in 2016. There have been 21 unicorns since 2014 in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, driven by the need for efficient and scalable cloud solutions. Due to the surge in demand for tele-consulting and remote learning solutions, industries such as HealthTech and EdTech experienced rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    According to National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India’s IT startup environment has outperformed both the United States and the United Kingdom, placing it third internationally. The capacity to scale, a big number of startups, and the presence of unicorns are the hallmarks of India’s tech startup ecosystem. India showcases its position as an innovation hub by rapidly adopting AI talents; it has 16% of the world’s AI talent.

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  • AI’s Evolving Role in Shaping Study Abroad and Edtech Initiatives

    This article has been contributed by Anuj Gupta, CEO of Youngrads.

    In recent years, the education sector has undergone significant transformation, fueled by technological advancements and innovative approaches that enhance the overall learning and teaching experience for educators and learners. IBEF indicates that the Indian edtech market is poised to skyrocket to US$ 30 billion by 2031, a substantial leap from its 2021 figures and KPMG’s insights reveal India’s ascent as the world’s second-largest E-learning market after the US. Moreover other Countries worldwide, such as Australia and the UK, are actively embracing these technological advancements in the EdTech Sector. And at the forefront of this evolution is artificial intelligence (AI), which promises personalized and immersive learning and also fosters Edtech approaches, marking a pivotal shift in educational paradigms.

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the learning, providing groundbreaking solutions that reshape the interactions between students and educators in the EdTech space. These AI-driven tools elevate the educational landscape by tailoring experiences to individuals, fostering interactivity and streamlining efficiency. Previously burdened by work overload, educators struggled to cater to each student effectively. With AI integration, teachers globally can concentrate on delivering dynamic content and personalized learning, while also facilitating mentorship from around the world, thereby broadening students’ understanding through exposure to diverse perspectives and guiding them through uncharted territories.

    How AI is enhancing the Education System and EdTech Initiatives?
    Benefits of AI in Edtech Initiatives

    How AI is enhancing the Education System and EdTech Initiatives?

    As AI continues to seep into various industries, education is no exception. The sector is undergoing continuous evolution to meet new demands and embrace emerging trends. Here, let’s explore several AI trends that are reshaping the landscape, ushering in transformative changes and new opportunities :

    Tailored Approach – AI algorithms analyze student data, like academic performance, interests and goals, to suggest fitting study programs. This enhances decision-making and program alignment, benefiting students. Additionally, AI personalizes in-class activities and assignments according to individual comprehension levels. This enables teachers to accommodate various learning styles and speeds, promoting inclusivity in education.

    Real Time Assessment with AI – AI enhances the educational experience by analyzing student responses, offering immediate feedback and pinpointing areas for additional support. For instance, in the UK, the FirstPass online platform utilizes AI to provide real-time feedback to students as they answer open-ended questions. This approach fosters positive meta-cognition skills, as learners recognize areas for improvement and refine their work before submission. By eliminating the need to wait for teacher assessments, which can be time-consuming and delayed, students can promptly receive feedback to enhance their understanding and address areas needing improvement in both assessment and learning.

    AR and VR – In EdTech, AI, VR and AR are pivotal. VR and AR foster interactive learning, elevating engagement and facilitating active participation. These technologies prioritize experiential learning, collaboration and interactive engagement over passive information consumption. They’re utilized across subjects such as engineering, science, anatomy, archaeology and anthropology. Esteemed institutions like Stanford and Harvard integrate VR/AR into their educational frameworks, harnessing their potential for enriching learning experiences.

    Organising Course Material – AI significantly enhances EdTech initiatives by aiding teachers in crafting and structuring course materials, syllabi, lesson plans and assessments. Moreover, it facilitates personalized learning experiences by tailoring course content, like practice problems and interactive exercises, to individual students’ knowledge gaps, skills, and learning preferences. The generative AI plays a pivotal role in generating novel teaching materials, including quiz questions, exercises and concept explanations. This fosters the integration of contemporary educational content into syllabi, thereby bolstering students’ engagement and comprehension of modern curriculum elements.

    Overall, AI’s contribution in education modernizes learning resources and also cultivates a more inclusive and effective educational environment.

    Number of Indian Students Studying Abroad from 2017 to 2022
    Number of Indian Students Studying Abroad from 2017 to 2022

    Benefits of AI in Edtech Initiatives

    AI algorithms play a crucial role in the education sector, benefiting students both locally and internationally, such as those from countries like India pursuing education in popular destinations like Australia, the UK, and the USA. Through EdTech innovations, universities enhance study experiences. Here are the ways AI benefits students and teachers:

    • AI-powered tools offer invaluable assistance to students by simplifying complex concepts, leading to enhanced academic outcomes and higher graduation rates.
    • AI has the ability to tailor learning experiences to each student’s individual needs. Through constant analysis of student performance, AI algorithms pinpoint areas where students may need extra help. And offer tailored support by suggesting additional resources, recommending specific learning materials, and adjusting assignment difficulty to match each student’s proficiency level. This adaptability ensures that students are appropriately challenged and receive the necessary support to excel in their studies.

    As AI and EdTech continue to thrive in the education sector, they are increasingly enticing students from India to explore international education opportunities, promising a richer learning experience and expanded career prospects. Through immersive AI and AR/VR experiences, learners gain practical, hands-on skills that bridge the gap between physical and virtual realms, offering newfound flexibility in job roles and career trajectories. EdTech, as a vehicle for social good, leverages innovative technologies to complement rather than replace traditional teaching methods. And AI plays an important role in enhancing EdTech initiatives, both in classroom settings and online processes, empowering educators to deliver more effective instruction. This synergy of technology and education facilitates access to international institutions and also fosters a culture of continuous learning, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving landscape and chart their own paths to success.

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  • Scaler Academy – An Edtech to Learn Programming & Prepare for Interview

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.

    It is an undeniable fact that the Indian education system has undergone a radical change over the last few decades. While there have been concerted efforts at making education more accessible, what is still lacking, especially in higher education, is the much sought-after connection with the industry.

    Instructors and mentors aside, who would not only equip pupils with new skills but also guide them in their careers, there is the necessity to have a curriculum that is vetted by industry veterans. That’s exactly what led to the launch of Scaler in 2019.

    An upskilling platform by InterviewBit, Scaler enables aspiring students and working professionals in tech to unlock their potential. At this moment, Scaler’s upskilling offerings, Scaler Academy and Scaler Data Science & Machine Learning (DSML), have over 35,000 working professionals cumulatively enrolled in its program since 2019.

    In terms of outcome, Scaler has already found resounding success. 94% of the placed learners have already bagged jobs with aspirational companies as software engineers and developers. Scaler learners have witnessed a mean salary of ₹21.6 LPA, a median salary of ₹17.5 LPA and a placement rate of 93.5 per cent. The highest domestic salary achieved by Scaler learners stands at ₹3.03 crore. The average salary for learners who had 6-10 years of work experience is ₹31.9 lakhs, while learners with more than 10 years of experience received packages averaging ₹57.1 lakhs, while the highest salary offered to a Scaler learner was a whopping INR 3.03 crore per annum.

    StartupTalky interviewed the founders of Scaler (by InterviewBit) to learn about the Success Story of Scaler and take a glance at Scaler’s Products, Business Model, Funding, Growth & more.

    Scaler – Company Highlights

    Company Name Scaler
    Founder Anshuman Singh, Abhimanyu Saxena
    Founded 2015 (InterviewBit), 2019 (Scaler)
    Sector Edtech
    Headquarter Bangalore
    Total Funding $76.5 million+ (2022)
    Valuation $710 mn (2022)

    Scaler – About
    Scaler – Founders and Team
    Scaler – Startup Story | How it Started?
    Scaler – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Scaler – Business Model and Revenue Model
    Scaler – Startup Launch
    Scaler – Challenges Faced
    Scaler – Growth and Revenue
    Scaler – Funding and Investors
    Scaler – Competitors
    Scaler – Acquisitions
    Scaler – Recognition and Achievements
    Scaler – Future Plans
    Scaler – Community and Reviews

    Scaler – About

    Scaler was incubated inside the InterviewBit in 2019 – a platform where people could learn new programming skills and practice interview questions in order to scale up in their careers.

    Scaler is an upskilling platform by InterviewBit that enables both students and working professionals to unlock their talent. Scaler’s offerings cater to –

    • Young working professionals (Scaler Academy, Scaler DSML and Scaler Neovarsity)
    • Students graduating from 12th grade (Scaler School of Technology)

    Scaler’s meticulously structured programs vary in duration from 9 months to 24 months. These act as career accelerators by enhancing the skills of the students by offering them a modern curriculum with satisfactory exposure to the latest technologies. Scaler’s students have access to over 1000 working professionals from top software companies across the globe, including Amazon, Google, Facebook, Netflix, and X (Twitter), among others, who act as instructors, teaching assistants, mentors and career coaches.

    Cumulatively, Scaler has had over 35,000 students and working professionals enrolled in its various programs. The Scaler programs are being developed as an inclusive ecosystem of engineers and mentors to help talent scale and build the next generation of global tech leaders. Scaler has been designed to help and guide students from engineering colleges to prepare and learn skills that they would require for top technology jobs.

    Scaler helps to polish skills and get its students ready for prospective jobs with big-tech companies, whether they are fresh college graduates or working professionals looking to advance in their careers.

    Scaler’s goal is to ensure that the talent is recognised regardless of the student’s background. The platform aims to create a benchmark for software engineers in the recruitment space so as to ensure that they receive the best opportunities in the industry to further their careers.

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    Scaler – Product/Services Offered

    Scaler is a tech education startup that offers courses on computer science which train and upskill software developers to find meaningful employment in India’s burgeoning tech industry. It offers several in-depth and intensive programs that are taught through live classes delivered by tech leaders and subject matter experts. The curriculum is systematically and specifically created in order to provide students with sufficient exposure to the latest technologies.

    Here’s a list of Scaler’s offerings –

    Scaler Academy

    For all the tech professionals who want to accelerate their careers, Scaler Academy has designed a flexible program for you. It is a program to master Problem Solving & System Design. One can choose the curriculum based on the level of knowledge one already entails & the type of specialisation needed, i.e., Backend Specialisation or Full-Stack Specialisation.

    • Thoughtfully designed learning aspects, topics & concepts
    • Hands-on Projects and assignments to implement concepts
    • Personalised topics, peers & pace of learning are optimised for one’s needs
    • Industry-tested curriculum to make one job/career-ready

    Scaler DSML

    The program is for engineers looking to specialise in Data Science and Machine Learning, The course will start by building a strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms. Then, learners will dive into Mathematics, followed by Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Big Data. More than 45 critical tech tools will also be taught during the length of the course.

    • Live class
    • Industry projects
    • 1:1 mentorship
    • Secure Placement Assistance

    Scaler Topics

    Scaler Topics is a gamified free learn-to-code platform that can provide quality technical content for anyone interested in software-related subjects. The platform provides streamlined technical content across all fields related to tech, data science, and machine learning for individuals passionate about learning and building a career in many in-demand domains with assisted videos from mentors, even those with no prior knowledge in their chosen field. In addition to the video courses, the platform provides a wide range of free material to software enthusiasts through interactive challenges, events, contests, and detailed article threads by industry experts.

    • Courses
    • Contests
    • Articles
    • Reading Tracks

    Scaler School of Technology

    Established in 2023, the Scaler School of Technology stands out as India’s leading institution for engineering education. The school presents a 4-year residential undergraduate program in Computer Science, delivered by eminent tech leaders from major industry players like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Uber, and more. Distinguishing itself with an industry-validated curriculum, an esteemed teaching faculty comprising top tech professionals, and an innovative 1:1 mentorship model, Scaler operates from a cutting-edge campus located in Bangalore’s Electronic City, in close proximity to major tech firms. Going beyond conventional education, the program provides specialised tracks in high-demand technologies coupled with a groundbreaking one-year paid internship. Successful program completion rewards learners with a 3-year BSc in Computer Science from BITS Pilani and a one-year Master in Computer Science from the globally accredited Woolf University.

    Scaler – Founders and Team

    Both Scaler and InterviewBit have been founded by IIIT (International Institute of Information Technology) Hyderabad alums Anshuman Singh and Abhimanyu Saxena.

    Anshuman Singh and Abhimanyu Saxena - Founders, Scaler (& InterviewBIt)
    Anshuman Singh and Abhimanyu Saxena – Founders, Scaler (& InterviewBIt)

    Anshuman Singh

    Anshuman previously worked at Facebook, where he led the team to build and scale the Messenger feature. Anshuman was also part of the four-member landing team to set up the London office of Facebook. He is a competitive programmer and a two-time ACM ICPC World Finalist.

    Abhimanyu Saxena

    Abhimanyu led a team that designed NYC-based retail marketplace Fab.com’s entire front end. A seasoned entrepreneur, Abhimanyu co-founded his first enterprise while still in college.

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    Scaler – Startup Story | How it Started?

    Abhimanyu Saxena started his career with Progress Software as a Programmer and later moved to Fab.com as a Software Architect, where he worked for over three years. During his days at Fab.com, he had to recruit new talent for projects, which turned out to be a tedious job. Even after screening hundreds of resumes and conducting interviews, they were only able to find the right talent in single digits. Anshuman faced a similar challenge in his role at Facebook (Meta), where he was setting up the London office and was looking to recruit tech talent for Facebook’s expanding footprint.

    Almost 90% of the candidates interviewed did not have the necessary tech skills that were required for the job. This was when he experienced the scarcity of skilled tech talent in the industry and realised the gap that exists between the university curriculum and the skills that are required to succeed as a software engineer.

    In 2015, together, they started InterviewBit as an online platform providing interview prep to aspirants to make them job-ready, thereby also addressing the challenge faced by recruiters in hiring the right talent for the job.

    InterviewBit.com is a free coding practice platform for developers. The platform helps college students as well as working professionals to polish their programming skills and get job-ready. The companies that hire from the programmer community on InterviewBit.com pay the company hiring fee. All Scaler by InterviewBit courses have prepaid Scaler course fees that students need to pay to be part of the program.

    Scaler’s first two paying customers were Amazon and Facebook. “They started helping Amazon hire quality engineers back in 2015, and to date, they are super proud that we’ve helped Amazon hire a lot of top tech stars. They built an interview warm-up tool for Facebook Careers called CodeLab, which was exceptionally popular amongst the FB applicants,” Says Scaler Founders.

    The majority of private organisations, both large and small, claim that while graduates might possess theoretical knowledge, they usually lack the skills that are required to complement entry-level jobs. They realised that most people they engaged with were capable of achieving even greater things given the right guidance. That’s exactly what led to the launch of Scaler in 2019.

    At Scaler, the pedagogy of the courses has been created, and the structured interaction with recruiters and industry leaders (CXOs) has been set up, as it helps understand what companies are looking for in candidates and then train their students with those skills accordingly.

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    Scaler Logo
    Scaler Logo

    Scaler means scale – scale your career, scale your skills, scale your life to be bigger, and better. It’s also a play on a mathematical term – Scalar.

    The logo shows the process of scaling, from the small cube, becoming bigger, to the white space resembling a diagonal arrow pointing upscaling.

    The colour blue was chosen, as it’s commonly associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, and intelligence. These are the qualities that Scaler wants to inspire in others when looking at the brand.

    Scaler – Business Model and Revenue Model

    InterviewBit.com is a free coding practice platform for developers. The platform helps college students as well as working professionals to polish their programming skills and get job-ready. The companies that hire from the programmer community on InterviewBit.com pay the company hiring fee. All Scaler by InterviewBit courses has prepaid Scaler course fees that students need to pay to be part of the program.

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    Scaler – Startup Launch

    Scaler’s first two paying customers were Amazon and Facebook.

    “They started helping Amazon hire quality engineers back in 2015, and till date are super proud that we’ve helped Amazon hire a lot of top tech stars. They built an interview warm up tool for Facebook Careers called CodeLab, which was exceptionally popular amongst the FB applicants” Says Scaler Founders.

    Scaler – Challenges Faced

    Fixing the problem of talent scarcity is a rather hard problem, with fixes needed on both the supply and demand side. Lack of awareness among students and archaic ways of hiring at businesses, which have gotten established over the years, are two problems that need behaviour change. However, Scaler does see a positive change coming on both fronts at a rapid pace.

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    Scaler – Growth and Revenue

    Post the phenomenal growth Scaler saw in 2021 and 2022, the edtech brand is now focusing on maintaining its top line and profitability. Scaler has been EBITA positive over the last few months and is hoping to hit annual profitable figures by the end of the year. Here are some growth highlights that Scaler has witnessed to date:

    • Scaler has expanded its operations to the US in January 2022
    • Scaler is adding 2,500 learners monthly, and since April 2019, it has onboarded & helped 35,000 learners cumulatively.
    • Scaler has a very active community on Discord where students and teachers (mentors) discuss various tech and digital skills topics, clarify doubts instantaneously, and discuss assignments, projects, etc. With over 130,000 members, it is the largest tech community in the country.
    • Scaler is positive for both cash flow and EBITDA.
    • Scaler’s courses offer 4.5X RoI (return on investment) for the students
    • Thousands of Scaler alumni are placed in companies like Microsoft, Google, Uber, Amazon, Paypal, Adobe, VMWare, Intuit and McAfee.

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    Scaler – Funding and Investors

    Scaler (by InterviewBit) has raised a total of over $76.5 million in funding to date. The recent round of funding came in from Lightrock, Sequoia, and Tiger Global, which helped the company raise $55 mn, as of 1st February 2022.

    Scaler’s Funding and Investors details are as follows:

    Date Series Amount Investors
    February 1, 2022 Series B $55 million Lightrock India, Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global
    January 28, 2020 Series A $20 Million Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Global Founders Capital and Rocket Internet
    – – $1.5 Million Sequoia Surge Program

    Scaler is backed by marquee investors like Peak XV Ventures (Sequoia Capital India), Tiger Global, Global Founders Capital, and Lightrock India, along with several high-profile individual investors. Lightrock India has stepped in as a new investor, leading the recent round of Scaler on February 1, 2022, where the company raised $55 million.

    Scaler Shareholders
    Scaler Shareholders

    Scaler – Competitors

    Some of the top competitors of Scaler Academy include –

    • Unacademy
    • PhysicsWallah
    • Masai School
    • Upgrad
    • Simplilearn
    • Masters Union
    • Vellore Institute of Technology
    • i-Nurture Education Solutions
    • Indian Institute of Technology
    • Indian Institute of Information Technology
    • National Institute of Technology

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    Scaler – Acquisitions

    Scaler acquired Coding Elements and Coding Minutes in 2021. Followed by Applied Roots in 2022 in a deal worth $50 million. All the founders of these companies and their respective teams joined Scaler as full-time employees. Recently, Scaler made its fourth acquisition of a Delhi-based education platform, Pepcoding, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition will accelerate growth and support across various business units, including strategy, product design, B2B enterprise, operations and instructor org.

    Here’s a glimpse into the 4 acquisitions that Scaler made so far:

    Name of the company acquired Date of acquisition Price
    Applied Roots March 2, 2022 $50 mn
    Coding Minutes October 21, 2021 $98.82 mn
    Coding Elements August 30, 2021 $1.05 mn
    Pep Coding May 31, 2023 Undisclosed amount

    Scaler – Recognition and Achievements

    • InterviewBit was recognised by LinkedIn as one of the 25 hottest Indian start-ups to work for in 2019
    • InterviewBit was one among the 17 startups from India, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Bangladesh that have made it to the inaugural cohort of venture capital firm Sequoia’s Surge program
    • Scaler was recognised as a Great Place to Work® by the GPTW Institute in 2021
    • Recognised by AmbitionBox as “The Best Place to Work in India 2022” among tech startup companies with more than 500 employees in India
    • The startup’s parent firm, InterviewBit, is featured on the Financial Times’s Asia Pacific High Growth Companies 2021, 2022 and 2023 ranking.

    Scaler – Future Plans

    For the near future, Scaler plans to sustain a substantial revenue growth range of 30-40% from FY24 to FY25 with a focus on not just the financial progress but also a consistent delivery of high-quality education and essential skills for their learners.

    “At Scaler, they believe execution is equally essential for success in online learning. Towards this end, they continuously experiment with and incorporate new methodologies for teaching and learning to ensure an effective outcome,” added Scaler team

    Besides this, the team is also focusing on building Scaler School of Technology with admissions open to welcome the second batch of students to the campus.

    Ultimately, their goal is to bridge the demand-supply gap in the tech industry.

    Scaler – Community and Reviews

    Scaler’s community on Discord currently comprises around 130,000 members. It is the largest tech community in the country, comprised of like-minded individuals, where members discuss various tech and digital skills topics, share job openings, and engage in games and competitions.

    The reviews of Scaler by many people say…

    • “People teaching you are either a world-class competitive programmer or have cracked interviews in companies which take world-class hard interviews”
    • “The doubt support time is mentioned as 30 minutes, but it is wrong, He must say. It’s less than that. Anytime He felt doubt, He messages his community of batch mates or even to the teacher who taught him that concept, and they clarify instantly”
    • “You will have a Student Success Manager who will be guiding you through every step of your journey. In my case, My SSM even got to the extent that He was not solving problems in the middle of the course, so she contacted me and asked me to make a Google doc and share it with her and update daily on that doc the questions He do”
    • “If you succeed in a job interview – they will call and congratulate you and talk about the next opportunities. If you fail in one – they will call and say it’s normal and will discuss areas of improvement you can make.”
    Scaler Office photos
    Scaler Office photos

    FAQs

    Scaler was incubated inside the InterviewBit in 2019 – a platform where people could learn new programming skills and practice interview questions in order to scale up in their careers.

    What is Scaler?

    Scaler is a competitive online accelerator program that offers a course on computer science that trains software developers to land jobs with top tech companies. It offers an intensive 6-12-month computer science course.

    How much is Scaler Funding?

    Scaler (by InterviewBit) has raised a total of $76.5 million in investment to date.

    Who are the founders of Scaler?

    Scaler and InterviewBit both are founded by IIIT Hyderabad alums Anshuman Singh and Abhimanyu Saxena.

    What is Scaler Academy?

    Scaler Academy is an online tech-versity for the top 1% of software developers in the country. They offer an intensive six-month computer science course through live classes delivered by tech leaders and subject matter experts.

    Who does Scaler Cater to?

    Scaler caters to:

    • Tech-enthusiasts in university (Scaler Edge)
    • Young working professionals (Scaler Academy)
    • Those looking to transform into future CTOs and entrepreneurs (Scaler Plus)

  • How AI is Transforming the Nation’s Educational Future

    The educational system is undergoing a technological revolution, just like many other parts of the economy. Teachers no longer require traditional classroom tools like blackboards and chalk. Instead of or in addition to these components, smart class systems are used. The field of educational technology also called EdTech is also seeing rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a projected $9 billion in revenue by 2029, the EdTech sector is a prime example of the many real-world uses for artificial intelligence and machine learning. An educational revolution called Education 4.0 has been taking place as a result of AI’s influence on school systems around the globe, including India. This shift has far-reaching consequences for the educational landscape, altering how recruiters, career counselors, students, and teachers all work and play.

    Software powered by artificial intelligence simplifies and speeds up the process of creating courses while cutting down on resources and costs. This allows for more customized educational opportunities—Teachers can see exactly which classes and lessons need reevaluation thanks to the assessment of students’ learning histories and their abilities to identify knowledge gaps. Teachers will be able to swiftly provide extra help to pupils who are having difficulty once AI helps with that.

    Sharing his views on the subject, Pratham Barot, CEO and Co-Founder of Zell Education stated, “In the dynamic landscape of education, AI stands as a pioneering force, reshaping the traditional roadmap with unprecedented innovation and efficiency. At Zell Education, we embrace this transformative power, recognizing AI as a catalyst for personalized learning experiences and enhanced educational outcomes. With AI, the boundaries of traditional classrooms dissolve, paving the way for a new era of adaptive learning.”

    “Through intelligent algorithms and data-driven insights, we empower learners to progress at their own pace, unlocking their full potential with tailored guidance and support. From predictive analytics to virtual tutoring, AI technologies revolutionize the educational journey, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective than ever before. Moreover, AI serves as a dynamic tool for educators, enabling them to craft curriculum and assessments that are responsive to the evolving needs of students.

    By leveraging AI-driven insights, educators can identify areas for improvement, implement targeted interventions, and foster a culture of continuous growth and development. As we navigate this digital frontier, our commitment to harnessing the power of AI remains steadfast. Together, we embark on a journey of innovation and discovery, shaping the future of education one algorithm at a time,” he added further.

    Indian Education System Adopting Smart Solutions
    Hurdles to Overcome

    Indian Education System Adopting Smart Solutions

    There is a strong effort by the Indian government and tech companies to further integrate AI into education, as the technology is finding more and more applications in fields such as marketing, legislation, and surveillance. After COVID-19 the achievement gap in schools became even more pronounced; nevertheless, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are assisting educators in a variety of ways, including the instruction of English, the creation of lesson plans, and the identification of students in danger of leaving out.

    The capacity to increase student involvement is one advantage of utilizing AI in the classroom. Incorporating sophisticated algorithms and data analysis, AI elevates conventional pedagogical practices while opening up new avenues of individualized student learning. Adaptability is a key feature of AI in education, allowing it to meet the unique demands of each student and provide them with personalized support and training.

    Teachers may sift through mountains of data on their pupils’ development and pinpoint problem areas with the help of AI-powered technologies. Teachers can utilize this information to create personalized learning programs that maximize academic progress. The use of AI in the classroom also allows for the rapid evaluation of student work and the provision of constructive criticism.

    Indian EdTech Industry
    Indian EdTech Industry

    Hurdles to Overcome

    Although education became a basic right for all children in India between the ages of six and fourteen in the historic Right to Education Act of 2009, the country ranks among the poorest developing nations in terms of education spending, at less than 3% of GDP.

    Official statistics show that in the fiscal year of 2022, there were almost 1.5 million schools across the country with 267 million students enrolled. Only slightly more than half of the schools had access to the internet, and even fewer had computers. Thus, AI technologies are being tailored by startups, nonprofits, and large tech companies to suit certain settings and educational requirements.

    While some were pleased by ChatGPT‘s user-friendliness and the increased usage of generative AI in the classroom, others were concerned about the possibility of plagiarism, false information, and inherent cultural prejudice. The platform was introduced in November 2022. The Unesco Framework for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education was issued by Libing Wang, who cautioned that although the technology could revolutionize education, it could also exacerbate existing inequalities and injustices.

    According to Wang, “A comprehensive, nuanced and rights-based approach is necessary to fully realize the potential of generative AI in education. We should be wary of the simplistic notion that AI can magically fix all our problems, especially those related to education.”

    Another issue that needs to be addressed, according to Wang, is localization. The majority of generative AI models are trained using data from the West, which means that they may not be culturally relevant to the Asia-Pacific region or even contain racial and gender biases that could influence future generations. Public-private partnerships aren’t as prevalent in low-income nations, despite their potential as a solution. Getting students and educators ready for the use of AI in the classroom is a top priority. Some nations have made great strides towards incorporating AI into their K-12 curricula and teacher training programs, such as Singapore, the Republic of Korea, China, and Japan; others are still in the early stages of this journey. The objective is to introduce AI and make sure teachers are tech-savvy and AI-literate enough to lead students ethically and responsibly when they use generative AI technologies.

    An all-encompassing, nuanced, and rights-based strategy is necessary in the Asia-Pacific region to fully realize the promising possibilities of generative AI in the classroom. To achieve the larger objectives of the Education 2030 Agenda and the promises made at the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, we must strike a balance between policymaking, innovative research, improving the technological infrastructure, training teachers, engaging in social dialogues, and making an effort to localize culture to effectively incorporate generative AI into educational settings, he added further.

    Empowering Special Needs Students Via EdTech Initiatives
    This article explores key strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in the Education Technology sector, with a focus on addressing the needs of marginalized and special needs students in India.
    StartupTalkyTripti Agarwal

  • Bridging Divides: Empowering Marginalized, Special Needs Students Via EdTech Initiatives

    The EdTech industry in India has experienced exponential growth in recent years, transforming the landscape of education and providing innovative solutions to learners across the country. 

    In 2020, India’s educational technology sector, called EdTech, was valued at more than 2.8 billion U.S. dollars. By 2025, projections indicate that this valuation will skyrocket, surpassing the USD 10 billion mark.

    However, amidst this progress, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity for marginalized and special needs students remains a critical challenge. 

    Despite the widespread adoption of digital learning platforms, many students from underserved communities continue to face barriers to accessing quality education. 

    This article explores key strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in the Education Technology sector, with a focus on addressing the needs of marginalized and special needs students in India.

    Educational Technology Market Size in India in 2020, With Projection for 2025, by Segment
    Educational Technology Market Size in India in 2020, With Projection for 2025, by Segment

    Tailored Content and Platforms
    Adaptation for Special Needs
    Bridging the Digital Divide
    Teacher Training and Support
    Community Engagement and Awareness
    Collaboration with NGOs and Specialized Organizations
    Policy Advocacy and Implementation

    Tailored Content and Platforms

    One of the fundamental strategies for promoting inclusivity in EdTech is developing educational content and platforms catering to diverse learning needs and abilities. 

    According to the “Prevalence, pattern, and determinants of disabilities in India: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21),“ published in February of this year, four out of every hundred individuals in India have a disability, highlighting the importance of creating accessible digital learning resources. 

    By 2050, India is projected to have 323 million individuals aged 60 years and above, constituting 19.1% of the total population. 

    This demographic shift will pose considerable structural and budgetary challenges for the country, exacerbated by the growing numbers of both elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities.

    By providing options for different formats such as text, audio, and video, EdTech companies can accommodate varied learning preferences and ensure that content is accessible to all students. 

    “For students with disabilities, EdTech removes barriers to participation. Features like screen readers and voice-activated interfaces ensure equal access to educational materials. Imagine a student with visual impairments navigating complex diagrams – with screen readers, they can grasp the information independently. AI-powered platforms further personalize the learning experience, adjusting difficulty and content to individual needs,” Suraasa Founder and Cognitive Scientist Rishabh Khana told StartupTalky. Surassa is a teacher upskilling edtech platform.   

    Moreover, recent studies have shown that students are more engaged and retain information better when presented with content that aligns with their learning styles.

    Adaptation for Special Needs

    In addition to tailoring content, integrating assistive technologies is essential for supporting students with special needs. 

    According to data from the 2011 Census of India, there are around 26 crore people in the country who have disabilities.
    According to data from the 2011 Census of India, there are around 26 crore people in the country who have disabilities.

    Recent advancements in technology, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and captioning tools, have significantly improved accessibility for individuals with visual or auditory impairments. However, there is still a need for greater awareness and implementation of these technologies within the EdTech sector. 

    “We need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. EdTech solutions should incorporate diverse learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, to cater to individual needs. Integrating features like screen readers, closed captions, and dyslexia-friendly fonts ensures students with disabilities can access and engage with the learning materials effectively,” Rohan Rai, Co-Founder of Edupull told StartupTalky.

    EduPull is an edtech company focussing on the needs of Gen Z. It acts as a bridge between institutions and Gen Z.

    Only a small percentage of EdTech platforms in India are fully accessible to students with disabilities, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize inclusivity in product development and design.

    “In ensuring that Cherrilearn’s EdTech solutions are accessible and inclusive for all learners, we address four core challenges that hinder accessibility and inclusivity. These challenges include unaffordability, limited reach in Tier 3 and Tier 4 regions, insufficient focus on learning outcomes, and the unavailability of EdTech in regional languages,“ Cherrilearn CEO and Co-founder Shrinidhi RS told StartupTalky. 

    Cherrilearn provides affordable, quality education in English and regional languages to rural areas through interactive learning aids.

    Bridging the Digital Divide

    Recent data suggests that approximately 50% of India’s rural population lacks access to the internet, hindering their ability to benefit from online learning opportunities. 

    Addressing the digital divide is another critical aspect of promoting inclusivity in EdTech.

    As per a survey on ‘Rural Internet Connectivity in India’, internet penetration in India faces several challenges, including unreliable electricity supply, affordability of internet connectivity and user equipment, lack of industry incentives for low-cost connectivity, and topographical challenges, among others.

    To bridge this gap, EdTech companies must collaborate with government initiatives and NGOs to provide affordable or subsidized devices and internet connectivity to students in rural and underserved areas. 

    “EdTech providers, non-profit organizations, and government initiatives are working towards providing affordable or free access to necessary devices and internet connectivity. This ensures that learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can also benefit from digital education,” Inflection Point Ventures Co-founder Mitesh Shah told StartupTalky.

    IPV is democratizing angel investing. It aims to be the most accessible angel-investing network providing funding and support to enable them to scale and grow.

    With the Indian education technology market projected to be USD 10.4 billion by 2025, IPV has recently invested in the innovative education technology startup MyCaptain. 

    Teacher Training and Support

    In addition to providing accessible content and technology, it is essential to invest in teacher training and support to ensure the effective implementation of EdTech solutions in the classroom. 

    Surveys have revealed that many teachers in India lack the necessary digital literacy skills to integrate technology into their teaching practices.

    As per the World Economic Forum, by 2025, more than half of the global workforce will need upskilling, and reskilling that includes digital literacy skills. 

    To address this gap, EdTech companies can offer comprehensive training programs and ongoing support to educators, empowering them to leverage digital tools effectively to enhance student learning. 

    “Effective EdTech integration hinges on empowered teachers. The second strategy is teacher-focused EdTechs providing comprehensive training programs. This fosters improved technology adoption and equips teachers with skills to personalize learning,” said Suraasa’s Founder Rishabh Khanna.

    His company is aimed at enabling and upskilling teachers as per international standards.

    5 things to know about International Teaching Jobs

    Recent initiatives by leading EdTech platforms have shown promising results, with trained teachers reporting increased confidence and engagement in using technology in their classrooms.

    “Digital literacy gaps among educators and students represent another challenge. To overcome this, there is a need for substantial investments in training programs that enhance the digital literacy skills of both teachers and students,” angel investor Mitesh Shah said.

    Shah has made 52 investments, including in BharatPe and GetVantage. He has invested in EdTech firms– -Suraasa, Geekster, Toppersnotes, Playto, Homi Lab, and Mindler, among others.

    Community Engagement and Awareness

    Raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and communities is also crucial for promoting inclusivity in EdTech. Recent studies have shown that parental involvement plays a significant role in supporting children’s learning outcomes, particularly for students with special needs. 

    By actively engaging with parents and caregivers and providing guidance on how to support their children’s digital learning journey, EdTech companies can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. 

    Moreover, recent collaborations between EdTech platforms and community organizations have helped increase awareness of available resources and services, empowering families to make informed decisions about their children’s education.

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    Collaboration with NGOs and Specialized Organizations

    Collaborating with NGOs and organizations specializing in education for marginalized and special needs students is another effective way to promote inclusivity in EdTech. 

    Recent partnerships between EdTech companies and non-profit organizations have resulted in the development of tailored educational content and programs designed to meet the unique needs of these student populations. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these organizations, EdTech platforms can ensure that their products and services are inclusive and accessible to all learners.

    “It’s essential to engage with all stakeholders, including educators, parents, policymakers, and the broader community, to build trust, demonstrate value, and foster collaboration. By emphasizing the transformative potential of EdTech and highlighting success stories, we can garner support and drive widespread adoption for the betterment of education for all,” said Cherrilearn’s Shrinidhi. 

    Shrinidhi’s educational application, CherriLearn, delivers interactive lessons designed in regional languages, designed specifically for rural students in grades 1 to 5.

    Policy Advocacy and Implementation

    By working collaboratively with government agencies and policymakers, EdTech companies can help shape policies that support the development and implementation of inclusive education initiatives. Recent examples of policy reforms include mandates for web accessibility standards and guidelines for content development, which have helped improve the accessibility of digital learning resources for students with disabilities.

    The Centre’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan program ensures the availability of assistive devices and technologies to aid students with disabilities in their learning process. These assistive devices include braille books, audio-visual aids, magnifiers, hearing aids, and mobility aids, among others. 

    Another initiative is the ‘AICTE-Saksham Scholarship Scheme 2023-24’, aimed at rewarding select differently-abled candidates with an annual financial award of ₹50,000 for each year of their technical study.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the EdTech industry is essential for ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, including those from marginalized and special needs communities in India. 

    By implementing targeted strategies and initiatives, EdTech companies can play a significant role in driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. 

    “Bridging the digital divide requires collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access to technology and infrastructure, especially in underserved communities,” EduPull’s Co-founder Rai said.

    Through continued collaboration and innovation, we can empower every learner to reach their full potential and build a brighter future for generations to come.

    The Future of Learning: Education Startups Making Waves in 2023
    Education is evolving at a rapid pace, and these startups are leading the charge. Learn about the most exciting education startups to keep an eye on in 2023 and beyond.
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  • Coding Ninjas – Best Online Coding Courses in India

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.

    Digital education was restricted to smartboards in classrooms until the SaaS or B2B segment came up. And with that came Coding Ninjas who changed the way education is perceived in India. Education is no longer just limited to classrooms. The company has been able to identify the importance of coding and programming and its way forward. Coding Ninjas was founded in 2016 and is one of the best best coding classes in India.

    Recently, Coding Ninjas partnered with Talent500 by ANSR to offer job opportunities to students and tech professionals with Fortune 500 companies. Read this article to know more about Coding Ninjas CEO, Funding, Revenue, Business Model, Courses, Company Profile, Growth and future plans.

    Coding Ninjas – Company Highlights

    Startup Name Coding Ninjas
    Headquarter New Delhi, India
    Sector Ed-tech
    Founders Ankush Singla (CEO), Kannu Mittal and Dhawal Parate
    Founded 2016
    Parent Organization Sunrise Mentors Private Limited
    Website codingninjas.com

    Coding Ninjas – About and How it Works
    Coding Ninjas – Founders and Team
    Coding Ninjas – Target Market Size
    How was Coding Ninjas Started?
    Coding Ninjas – USP and Innovation
    Coding Ninjas – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Coding Ninjas – Business Model and Revenue Model
    Coding Ninjas – Growth and Revenue
    Coding Ninjas – Product and Services
    Coding Ninjas – Funding and Investors
    Coding Ninjas – Partnership
    Coding Ninjas – Partners with Talent500 by ANSR

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    Coding Ninjas – About and How it Works

    Coding Ninjas was founded in 2016 to bridge the knowledge gap between colleges and Industry. Founded by Ankush Singla, Kannu Mittal, and Dhawal Parate, Coding Ninjas boasts of world-class teaching faculty and a state-of-art learning platform for Coding education. It teaches courses in Programming fundamentals as well as advanced courses such as Machine Learning, Data Science, Web Development, etc.

    The courses are completely online and are available in both English and Hindi languages. A student no longer has to be concerned about the quality of education while enrolling for an online course with the platform due to the quality and the extended placement facility it offers students. Coding Ninjas’ students are currently placed across all major technology and product companies throughout India and abroad.

    Coding Ninjas currently offers five courses in Advanced Programming and four courses for the Foundation segment along with six Ninja Career Tracks to students and professionals from across verticals in and outside India.

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    Coding Ninjas – Founders and Team

    Coding Ninjas was co-founded by Dhawal Parate, Kannu Mittal, and Ankush Singla.

    Founders of Coding Ninjas
    (L-R) Dhawal Parate, Kannu Mittal, and Ankush Singla

    Co-Founder at Coding Ninjas, Ankush Singla – He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from India’s most premier institute – IIT Delhi and a master’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford University. He is a coding enthusiast and has an avid experience in Machine Learning and Data Science and has previously worked with Amazon and Facebook (USA).

    Co-Founder at Coding Ninjas, Kannu Mittal – Having strong knowledge in the ATL & BTL marketing domains, he comes with over 10 years of experience in the education industry. He has previously served in the Directorial capacity for KCG Group of Institutions. He has a knack to understand the dynamics of traditional teaching methods and couple them with innovative methods.

    Co-Founder at Coding Ninjas, Dhawal Parate – He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from India’s most premier institute- IIT Delhi and is a Kellogg School of Management dropout (2014). He has an avid experience in Finance consulting, business advisory, Impact investment, evaluation of investment opportunities, alliances, and business development. In his last position, he served as the Director for Cars24.

    Coding Ninjas – Target Market Size

    Coding Ninjas aims at providing best-in-class quality skills and knowledge to college students and professionals who want to learn programming and reskill their existing skill set.

    How was Coding Ninjas Started?

    State of education is appalling in India and is not at par with the ongoing technological advancements. When Ankush Singla was hiring for Facebook in India, he realised that college students were unemployable due to the lack of appropriate skillset. That was the turning point for him, soon after he decided to do something about it. Given his domain expertise and his zeal to bring a revolution, he felt he is in the best position to do it.

    “Starting the discussion from a single room with a few trusted and talented students, to a family of 120+, the growth of Ninjas is only inevitable with the growing number of students from pan India associating with us every day”, says Coding Ninja co-founder Ankush Singla.

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    Coding Ninjas – USP and Innovation

    • Faculty: IIT, Stanford, IIIT’s, Facebook, and Amazon alumni to offer hands-on experience in programming to scale your learning journey.
    • Curriculum: Personalized course syllabus designed at par with the industry standards.
    • Teaching Assistants: Facility to Audio Call, Video Call, and Screen Share with your Teaching Assistants solving 1000+ real-time doubts every day.
    • Videos: Educative short course videos explaining the dynamics of coding.
    Introduction to Coding Ninjas’ Competitive Programming course
    • CodeZen: In-house practice platform with an inbuilt compiler (supporting C++, JAVA & Python) to practice without the hassle of installing a software.
    • Slack Groups: A chatroom to speak with your mentors, batch mates to solve, interact, and learn new ways to code.
    • Projects: Build web applications from music to healthcare as a part of your course curriculum.
    • Certification: Get awarded with a certificate after the completion of your programming course.
    • Internships: Enhancing your programming journey with relevant industry exposure.
    • Placements: Coding Ninjas’ Placement Cell has a pool of multinational companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Shuttl, and more.

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    Coding Ninjas Logo

    Coding Ninjas – Business Model and Revenue Model

    Students have to pay a fixed amount for Coding Ninjas courses. Introduced in 2019, Career Camp is a pay later business model by Coding Ninjas where students undergo rigorous six-month-long online training and pay a part of their salary to Coding Ninjas once they receive the job offer. Being a one-of-its-kind business model, Career Camp has the potential to disrupt the existing education market and bring large scale impact in improving India’s education system.

    Coding Ninjas – Growth and Revenue

    Coding Ninjas ecosystem comprises of 25,000+ students and alumni, 1000+ Campus ambassadors, 2000+ teaching assistants, and 80+ employees. Coding Ninjas revenue was $2 million in an organic bootstrapped model before it raised INR 37.18 Crore in a Series A funding from Info Edge Private Limited in February 2020.

    Key highlights:

    • 25000+ students taught since 2016, and currently, Coding Ninjas teach 1500+ students each month
    • The largest player in the college market with penetration across 1700+ colleges
    • One of the largest Campus Ambassador program across 700+ colleges
    • The most comprehensive doubt resolution system with more than 1000 Teaching Assistants, who are a part of the education process at Coding Ninjas, solving 1500+ doubts a day.

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    Financials

    Coding Ninjas Financials
    Coding Ninjas Financials

    Coding Ninja Financials FY22 FY23
    Operating Revenue Rs 27.96 crore Rs 58.9 crore
    Total Expenses Rs 46.66 crore Rs 95.78 crore
    Profit/Loss Loss of Rs 17 crore Loss of Rs 34.3 crore

    Expenses Breakdown

    Coding Ninjas total expenses rises from Rs 46.66 crore in  FY22 to Rs 95.78 crore in FY23.

    EBITDA

    The company’s financial performance showed improvement in FY23 as compared to FY22. As a expenses/Rs of Op Revenue dropped from  Rs 1.67 in FY22 to Rs 1.63 in FY23, the EBITDA margin improved from -58.35% in FY22 to -48.89% in FY23, and the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) sharply jumped from -110.02% in FY22 to -49.98% in FY23. These numbers show increased operational efficiency and financial stability for the organization over this time.

    EBITDA FY22-FY23 FY22 FY23
    EBITDA Margin -58.35% -48.89%
    Expense/₹ of Op Revenue 1.67 1.63
    ROCE -110.02% -49.98%

    Coding Ninjas – Product and Services

    Coding Ninjas Junior

    The Prodigy Program, a ground-breaking enrichment education project, was introduced by Coding Ninja in 2020, with Microsoft MakeCode serving as its inaugural partner.

    Prodigy Program

    The Prodigy Program, a ground-breaking enrichment education project, was introduced by Coding Ninja on August 21, 2023, with Microsoft MakeCode serving as its inaugural partner.

    Coding Ninjas – Funding and Investors

    The Coding Ninjas funding has not been vast but they have raised INR 37.18 Crore in a Series A funding from Info Edge Private Limited in February 2020.

    Date Stage Amount Investors
    February 2020 Series A $5.2 million Info Edge Private Limited

    The raised funds will help Coding Ninjas scale the online tech education business of the company, strengthen the tech and content and help expand into new business territories. The investment will also be used for scaling its new offering Career Camp – which is an Income Sharing based payment model.

    Coding Ninjas – Partnership

    Absorb

    Absorb Software and Code Ninjas have partnered on August, 20, 2021 to provide improved assistance for Code Ninjas franchisees. The integration of textual materials and videos into training was made possible by Absorb Software, which benefited hundreds of Code Ninjas sites across the US, Canada, and UK.

    Microsoft MakeCode

    Coding Ninjas and Microsoft MakeCode, an online resource that provides fun and innovative tools for teaching computer programming concepts, have partnered in December 2022, striving to give kids and teenagers outstanding opportunities to learn computing through a range of activities at their own pace.

    Samsung Canada

    Samsung Canada partnered with Code Ninjas on June, 1, 2023 to offer youth coding workshops around the Greater Toronto Area.

    Coding Ninjas – Partners with Talent500 by ANSR

    Coding Ninjas partners with Talent500 by ANSR to create employment opportunities in the technology domain

    Talent500 by ANSR, the exclusive talent acquisition partner for Fortune 500 companies in India, has announced its partnership with Coding Ninjas, India’s premier Ed-tech platform offering courses in Technology and skilling, to create employment opportunities for aspiring engineers and tech professionals. The strategic partnership intends to offer placement opportunities to students and tech professionals with leading tech companies.

    All successful and qualified graduates from Coding Ninjas will have the opportunity to apply for exclusive opportunities on Talent500. Talent500’s proprietary AI-based algorithms then match candidates’ profiles to job requirements and select the ones that are the best fit for the role.

    Speaking on the association, Ankush Singla, Co-Founder, Coding Ninjas said, “We are excited to onboard ANSR Cooperation as our Hiring Partners. The collaboration will help us identify the right opportunities based on geography with a strong distribution of our services in the corporate sector. Together we hope to bridge the skill gap between the leading MNCs and also scale the hiring process for students in the IT and technology companies.”

    Addressing the collaboration, Vikram Ahuja, Co-Founder, Talent500, said, “Coding Ninjas has continued to be among the foremost platforms for upskilling and growth. We look forward to partnering with them to bring some of the best opportunities from Fortune 500 companies and global industry leaders to India’s brightest, tech minds, and help increase access to opportunity for talent across the country.”

    As part of this partnership, Coding Ninjas with the help of Talent500’ AI-led approach to recruiting and exclusive access to some of the most aspirational companies in the world, will create an unparalleled talent pool of some of the best tech aspirants for Fortune 500 companies.

    Coding Ninjas – FAQs

    Who is the CEO of Coding Ninjas?

    Ankush Singla is the Co-founder & CEO of Coding Ninjas. He is a coding enthusiast and has an avid experience in Machine Learning and Data Science and has previously worked with Amazon and Facebook (USA).

    Does Coding Ninjas provide placement?

    Yes. Coding Ninjas supports candidate to get placement by connecting them with HRs and lets them showcase their skills and resume. Apart from this, it also prepares one to give interviews.

    Is Coding Ninjas free?

    You can Start Learning for free and get access to 10+ expert led courses for free. Later, Students have to pay a fixed amount for Coding Ninjas courses.

    How much is the operating revenue of Coding Ninjas?

    Coding Ninjas attained annual operating revenue of Rs 58.9 crore in FY23.

    What is Coding Ninjas net worth?

    The net worth of Coding Ninjas is currently unknown.