‘When the student is ready, the teacher should appear’
According to Siddharth Banerjee, the CEO of Univo Education, it’s the age of anytime, anywhere, and any mood learning. “When the student is ready, the teacher should appear,” he says. In an interview with FE’s Vikram Chaudhary, he adds that the aim of the start-up is to connect the world across time zones and geographies, to make learning possible when and where the learner is ready. Excerpts:
In a sea of edtech companies, what sets Univo Education apart?
Our business model, focused on B2B partnerships with universities, is unique. Our aim is to democratise online higher education by leveraging technology to ensure sustainable learning outcomes and improved employability. Key differentiators include a diverse portfolio of higher education institutions, deep insights into the Indian learner base, and a robust content and technology stack. Additionally, strategic partnerships with both domestic and international universities serve to enhance our global reach. These include Amity University Online in the north and the Kalasalingam Academy of Research & Education (deemed to be a university) in the south, as well as international universities such as Victoria University of Australia, and the University of San Diego, Saint Leo University, and Southern New Hampshire University of the US.
What has been the increase in your learner count since inception?
The learner base has grown at a remarkable rate of 3x year-over-year, reflecting the increasing demand for online higher education. The total student enrolment stands at more than 82,000. The FY24 target for learner count is set to maintain this growth trajectory, aiming for more than 3x+ year-on-year increase.
What is your employee strength, and how many do you plan to hire this year?
The current employee base at Univo Education is more than 1,100 people. We have experienced significant growth in the workforce, with a 3x increase in the last year. By the end of FY24, we should have doubled the headcount, indicating a strong commitment to scaling operations. We are in the market to solve the challenges being faced by higher education.
And what are these challenges?
Two major challenges are:
– Enabling traditional universities to transition to online education; and
– Empowering learners by driving sustainable learning outcomes and enhancing employability.
In the process of solving these challenges, we aim to establish ourselves as a leading online higher education company with a sustainable business model, and contributing to the evolution of the education sector, making it more accessible, relevant and impactful.
How much capital have you raised till date?
We have secured a Series A funding of $76 million from AVENU Learning.
How many courses do you offer, and which are the top courses at Univo?
We offer about 60 courses, including degrees and certifications. The variety is reflected in the 80-plus specialisations available. In-demand courses at Univo Education are MBA, BCA, BBA, BCom, BA, MCA, BA (Journalism and Mass Communication), MA (Journalism and Mass Communication), and MCom.