The Indian edtech industry has witnessed phenomenal growth over the last decade, and at the heart of this revolution stands Unacademy. What started as a humble YouTube channel by Gaurav Munjal has today become one of the country’s most influential education technology platforms. Together with co-founders Dr. Roman Saini and Hemesh Singh, Munjal transformed an idea into a thriving business that has disrupted traditional learning, reached millions of students, and built one of India’s most recognized digital-first brands.

Humble Origins and Early Vision

Unacademy’s journey began when Gaurav Munjal started posting educational videos on YouTube, aiming to simplify complex topics for learners. The strong response from students highlighted a huge gap in accessible, quality learning. In 2015, Munjal joined hands with Roman Saini, a former IAS officer and doctor, along with technologist Hemesh Singh, to formally launch Unacademy as a registered company in Bengaluru.

The trio shared a common vision: to democratize education in India. They wanted to make high-quality learning available not just to students in urban hubs but also to those in smaller towns and rural regions, who traditionally lacked access to top teachers and structured exam preparation resources.

Mission and Approach

The founders’ mission was simple yet ambitious—education without barriers. This meant offering live and recorded classes, test preparation materials, mentorship opportunities, and community-driven features for learners. By delivering content across multiple Indian languages, the company ensured inclusivity, enabling students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to prepare for competitive exams with confidence.

Offerings and Learning Ecosystem

Unacademy’s rise was fueled by its freemium business model. The platform offered thousands of free videos, while its subscription-based plan, Unacademy Plus, provided learners with structured courses, live classes, quizzes, test series, and direct interactions with educators.

The platform became especially popular for competitive exam preparation. Its vast library covers UPSC, IIT-JEE, NEET, banking, and state-level exams, among others. Features like doubt-clearing sessions, mock tests, and interactive live discussions helped build trust among students and gave Unacademy an edge in a highly competitive space.

Investor Backing and Unicorn Status

Unacademy’s growth story quickly attracted global investors. In early 2020, it raised US$110 million in a Series E round, with participation from Facebook and General Atlantic, pushing its valuation to about US$510 million. Later that year, a fresh funding round led by SoftBank propelled the company into the coveted unicorn club, cementing its place as one of India’s fastest-growing startups.

Growth Through Acquisitions and Diversification

Rather than limiting itself to organic expansion, Unacademy grew through strategic acquisitions. The company acquired platforms like CodeChef, WiFiStudy, PrepLadder, Coursavy, and Mastree, each contributing unique capabilities—from coding contests to medical exam preparation.

This strategy allowed Unacademy to broaden its scope, covering everything from K-12 learning to specialized professional exams, while also strengthening its technology backbone. Today, its ecosystem includes apps for learners and educators, recorded and live classes, and a wide range of subscription bundles.

Challenges in the EdTech Landscape

Despite its rapid rise, Unacademy has not been immune to challenges. The edtech sector demands heavy investments in student acquisition, and maintaining long-term retention is difficult in a highly competitive environment. Other hurdles include ensuring consistent teaching quality, managing operational costs, and responding to shifting student preferences.

Additionally, after reaching peak valuations, the company has had to optimize operations, reduce losses, and sharpen its focus on profitable verticals to ensure sustainability in a post-pandemic edtech market correction.

What Makes Unacademy Stand Out

Several differentiators have helped Unacademy build a strong brand identity:

• Educator-Centric Platform: Empowering teachers with tools, recognition, and a fair revenue-sharing model.
• Inclusive Learning Approach: Offering classes in multiple languages, affordable subscription plans, and mobile-first access to reach beyond metros.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Expanding across verticals and categories to create a full-fledged learning ecosystem.

These factors have enabled Unacademy to become a household name in India’s digital learning space.

Present Status and Future Outlook

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Unacademy operates on a national scale, serving millions of learners across India. As of 2020, it was valued at US$510 million, reflecting strong investor confidence.

Looking ahead, the company is focusing on three major priorities:

1. Profitability: Streamlining operations to build a sustainable business.
2. New Categories: Expanding into skill-based learning and non-exam verticals.
3. Deeper Penetration: Strengthening its reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets through regional content and innovative delivery models.

Conclusion

Unacademy’s transformation from a single YouTube channel to a unicorn-valued edtech platform is a powerful example of how vision, technology, and resilience can redefine education in a country as vast and diverse as India. Its journey has been marked by bold strategies, smart acquisitions, inclusivity, and relentless focus on learners’ needs.

While challenges remain in sustaining growth and profitability, Unacademy’s trajectory proves that democratizing education is not just a dream but a tangible reality shaping India’s future.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.