Edept, an EdTech startup focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry, has raised $1 million in seed funding. The round was led by Enzia Ventures and Equanimity Investments, with additional contributions from prominent investors such as Bhavin Pandya (Founder of Games24x7), EdTech leader Arjun Mohan, and Canada-based Loyal VC. The funds will enable edept to expand its operations, enhance its tech platform, and scale its workforce as it aims to transform higher education.
Founded in 2023, edept is a Bengaluru-based startup created by Gaurav Bhatia (INSEAD), Puneet Saxena (IIM Lucknow), and Devendra Nagle (IIM Bangalore). The company specializes in helping universities and higher educational institutions design and offer industry-led, career-focused programs. By providing programs tailored to meet global job market demands, edept focuses on improving employability outcomes for graduates, ensuring they are equipped with the skills required to excel in a rapidly changing global workforce.
The startup’s unique approach involves offering both domestic and international programs, addressing the increasing skill gaps in high-demand careers. Edept’s innovative model empowers institutions to deliver cutting-edge, industry-relevant courses that equip young graduates with the tools to succeed on a global stage. Through these industry-led programs, the company helps students gain the expertise needed for success in emerging fields, transforming them into global citizens with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an interconnected world.
In just its first year of operations, edept has made significant strides in establishing its presence in the EdTech space. The company has partnered with seven domestic and international educational institutions and several industry partners, providing impactful education to over 450 students. This rapid success highlights the company’s potential to scale its offerings and reach even more students globally, creating long-term value for educational institutions and students alike.
Rajesh Sehgal, Managing Partner at Equanimity Investments, spoke about the startup’s mission, noting, “Edept is addressing the critical skills gap in the industry by empowering college students to excel in future jobs. Their collaborative business model positions them to forge strong, long-term partnerships with leading colleges.” This statement underscores the growing demand for such programs, which aim to close the skills gap and better prepare students for the workforce.
The funding round also drew praise from Namita Dalmia, Partner at Enzia Ventures, who said, “At Enzia, we invest in fundamental human needs with a sharp focus on delivering customer outcomes. Education models prioritizing student outcomes will build trusted, sustainable brands to help them make a significant, profitable business. Edept’s innovative approach to collaborating with universities and industry to deliver domestic and international career-focused programs is unique and sets them apart. We are excited to partner with them on this journey.” This emphasis on outcome-driven education and long-term sustainability aligns with the core mission of edept, which is to empower students through education that directly prepares them for future careers.
Looking ahead, edept plans to utilize this funding to fuel its growth and expand its impact. The company aims to scale its operations, build a larger team, and refine its proprietary technology platform to deliver even more value to its partners and students. By continuing to innovate and work closely with industry leaders and academic institutions, edept is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education.
With a vision to foster academic excellence and create global opportunities for students, edept is paving the way for a new era in higher education, where industry collaboration and career-readiness are at the forefront. Through its growth-oriented, industry-driven programs, the company seeks to empower graduates to succeed in the dynamic, interconnected world of tomorrow.
