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Investment surge expected in India's AI sector, says WestBridge's Rishit Desai
MINT· 2025-09-21 14:16
Core Insights - India's artificial intelligence startup ecosystem is expected to experience significant growth-stage funding within the next 4-12 months, with projections of $100 million funding rounds becoming common [1][12] Investment Trends - WestBridge Capital has already led several substantial investments in AI startups in 2025, including a $60 million round in Tessel, a $50 million Series B in UnifyApps, and a $40 million investment in Finbox [3][12] - The firm is focusing on enterprise-oriented AI investments across both infrastructure and application layers, aiming to serve global enterprises [4][6] Market Dynamics - Investor interest in AI has shifted from broad enthusiasm to a more focused approach, with firms like Peak XV and Lightspeed concentrating on specific application layers, while WestBridge maintains a broader investment strategy [4] - The IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in India is anticipated to be one of the first sectors disrupted by AI, as it can significantly reduce operational costs [6] Company Portfolio - WestBridge Capital manages over $7 billion in assets, with early-stage investments ranging from $5-10 million, growth-stage investments typically between $50 million and $70 million, and late-stage deals spanning $100-300 million [9][12] - The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes several unicorns such as Rapido, Innovaccer, and PhysicsWallah, indicating a strong presence in various sectors [10][12] Recent Exits - Notable exits for WestBridge include the acquisition of GlobalLogic by Hitachi for $9.6 billion and a complete exit from Aptus Value Housing Finance in a block deal worth ₹2,600 crore [11][12]
Gautam Thakar steps down as CEO of Prosus’ global edtech practice
MINT· 2025-09-11 06:48
Core Insights - Gautam Thakar has resigned as CEO of Prosus' global edtech practice, which manages over $4 billion in investments, after two years in the position [1][2] - Ashutosh Sharma, head of the India ecosystem at Prosus, is taking on a larger role with additional operational responsibilities [1] Company Developments - Thakar played a crucial role in navigating edtech investments through a downturn characterized by significant valuation corrections and business model pivots [2] - Prior to his role at Prosus, Thakar was the head of OLX Autos and has experience as president and CEO of Star Sports at The Walt Disney Company [3] Industry Context - Thakar's departure is part of a broader shake-up in the Indian edtech sector following the collapse of Byju's, with other notable exits including Sameer Brij Verma, who left Nexus Venture Partners to start his own investment firm [4] - Prosus has significantly reduced its edtech practice since writing off a $530 million investment in Byju's in 2024, contrasting with its successful investments in companies like Urban Company, Bluestone, and Swiggy, from which it has made over $2 billion [5] Recent Investments - In July, Prosus made its first new edtech investment in India post-Byju's by co-leading a $4.17 million seed round in Arivihan, a platform offering personalized courses in local languages [6]
Is Stride's 40% Surge Just The Beginning?
Forbes· 2025-08-11 10:25
Core Insights - Stride (NYSE: LRN) has shown strong Q4 earnings, increased full-year guidance, and new district contracts, leading to a 12% stock increase in the last week and approximately 40% year-to-date [2][4] - The company is positioned at the intersection of digitization in K–12 education, workforce re-skilling, and state funding for online education, making it a key player in modern educational infrastructure [3] Financial Performance - For fiscal Q4, Stride reported earnings of $2.29 per share, exceeding consensus estimates by $0.46, with revenue increasing by 22.4% year-over-year to $653.6 million [4] - Stride's revenue CAGR over three years is 12%, significantly higher than the S&P 500, with a consistent operating margin of 16.5% and over $300 million in operating cash flow [5] Market Resilience - Stride has demonstrated resilience during market disruptions, recovering from a 32.8% drop in 2022 and a 48.8% decline during COVID, rebounding within a year and seven months respectively [6] - The stock is currently trading at 24.9x earnings and 3.2x sales, slightly above S&P 500 averages, with free cash flow priced at a premium of 26.0x [7] Investment Appeal - Stride offers a unique combination of consistent growth, profitability, and resilience, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stability in the education technology sector [8]
Genius Group Completes Entrepreneur Resorts Acquisition, Reaffirms Previously Issued 50% Increase in 2025 Revenue Guidance
Globenewswire· 2025-07-30 13:15
Core Viewpoint - Genius Group Limited has completed the acquisition of Entrepreneur Resorts Ltd, integrating its entrepreneur cafés and resorts into Genius Group to expand its Genius City model [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) received overwhelming support from ERL shareholders, with 99.97% voting in favor [2]. - The acquisition allows for the transfer of 50 million shares held in escrow to ERL, with a private placement transaction planned [3]. Post-Acquisition Plans - The APA enables accelerated growth plans for the combined entity, focusing on developing learning communities through the Genius Resort and Genius City models [4]. - Genius Group aims to launch 20 Genius Resorts in the next five years, targeting an average revenue of $5 million per resort [5]. - The company plans to establish 100 licensed Genius Cities, each with an average revenue goal of $1 million, and 5 owner-managed Genius Cities with an average revenue goal of $20 million [6]. Revenue Guidance - Following the APA announcement, Genius Group increased its 2025 revenue guidance by 50%, from $10 million to a range of $15 million to $18 million [7][9]. Educational and Hospitality Expertise - Genius Group's educational initiatives are powered by an AI-driven platform, while Genius Resorts will focus on building learning communities led by experts in education and hospitality [8]. Company Overview - Genius Group serves 5.8 million users globally, providing AI-powered education and acceleration solutions [10]. - Entrepreneur Resorts Ltd focuses on creating environments for entrepreneurs to co-work, co-learn, and co-live in attractive locations [12].
X @Forbes
Forbes· 2025-07-30 13:05
Top U.S. Edtech Summit Merging With U.K. Trade Show Gianthttps://t.co/WDWETV3Zxx https://t.co/Sz6AddGLTo ...
Genius Group(GNS) - 2024 H2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-04-30 12:31
Company Overview and Vision - Genius Group aims to lead the AI-powered education revolution towards a Bitcoin-first future[4] - The company's mission is to harness technology and solve global challenges through education[8] - Genius Group envisions reaching 100 million students and achieving a $1 billion valuation by 2030[6] - The company aims to establish 100 Genius Cities and accumulate 1,000 Bitcoin in its treasury[6] Financial Performance and Outlook - As of April 29, 2025, the share price was $0.37, and the market cap was $27 million[10] - The company's net asset value in 2024 was $79.4 million, representing a 303% growth[10] - 2024 revenue was $7.8 million, with total assets at $101.1 million and total liabilities at $21.6 million[10] - The company projects 2025 revenue between $10 million and $13 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $0.2 million and $1.0 million[42] Strategic Initiatives - Genius Group plans to build a $120 million, 1,000 Bitcoin Treasury in 2025, with a five-year target to grow it to $1 billion[13] - The company aims to grow its blockchain-based microlearning platform to a $20 million profitable platform within one year[15] - Genius Group intends to expand its global network of Genius Cities, targeting 20 cities in 2025 and a $100 million Genius City business within five years[17]