Summary

Byju Raveendran, born in Azhikode, Kerala, India, is an entrepreneur and educator who disrupted the landscape of edtech with his platform, BYJU’S. Starting as a teacher with a passion to simplify complex concepts, Raveendran built one of the world’s largest edtech companies, catering to millions of students globally. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Government Engineering College, Kannur.

Personal Information

Key Achievements & Major Timelines

• 2011: BYJU’S was officially launched as Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd, a platform for online learning and test preparation.
• 2015: BYJU’S launched its flagship learning app, which revolutionised how students learn through interactive video lessons and gamified content.
• 2016: BYJU’S became the first Asian company to receive investment from Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)
• 2017: BYJU’S the learning app became a Harvard Business School case study.
• 2019: BYJU’S became India’s most valuable edtech company and was recognised as an official sponsor of the Indian cricket team, boosting its brand visibility.
• 2021: BYJU’s acquired Aakash Educational Services and Epic!, solidifying its dominance in the edtech sector.

Challenges & Controversies

Due to subdued demands and irregularities in its foreign investments, BYJU’S has been grappling with financial challenges and have been in trouble with the law and central agencies. It includes being subject to search raids by the Enforcement Directorate , mass layoffs and payroll interruptions, filing for bankruptcy in the US and investors demanding the resignation of Raveendran from his position as CEO.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Byju Raveendran is to improving access to quality education for underprivileged children. His initiatives, such as Education for All, aim to provide free learning resources to millions of students across India.

Raveendran is married to Divya Gokulnath, one of his early students who is also a co-founder of BYJU’S.