BYJU’S was founded in 2011 by Byju Raveendran, a former teacher known for his engaging math lessons. What started as offline coaching classes in Bangalore turned into India’s biggest EdTech company and one of the most highly valued startups in the world, reaching a peak valuation of $22 billion in 2022.
The platform focuses on K-12 education and test preparation for competitive exams like JEE (engineering), NEET (medical), and IAS (civil services). BYJU’S learning app uses video lessons, animations, and interactive simulations to teach concepts in math and science. The content is designed to make abstract concepts visual and intuitive, which has resonated with millions of Indian students and parents.
BYJU’S grew aggressively through acquisitions, purchasing companies like WhiteHat Jr (coding for kids), Aakash Educational Services (test prep), Great Learning (professional education), and Epic (children’s digital reading). The company also expanded internationally, though India has remained its primary market by far.
However, BYJU’S has faced serious financial troubles since 2023, including mounting debt, layoffs, auditor departures, and legal disputes with investors and lenders. The company’s aggressive sales practices — including pressuring parents into expensive subscriptions — have drawn widespread criticism. Despite serving over 150 million registered users, BYJU’S story has become a cautionary tale about unsustainable growth in EdTech.
