One of the Best Study Abroad Platform, Leverage Edu increases $40 Mn At $150 Mn Valuation

One of the Best, Study Abroad Platform Leverage Edu Raises $40 Mn At $150 Mn Valuation

Leverage Edu, a study abroad platform based in Noida, has successfully raised $40 million in its Series C funding round. The round was led by ETS, a language testing conglomerate based in Princeton. Existing investors, including Blume Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners, and Kaizenvest PE, also participated in the funding.

The valuation in its latest funding round is estimated to be around $150 million, as per sources familiar with the matter. This valuation signifies a substantial growth of approximately 35-40% when compared to the company’s Series B round last year, in which it raised $22 million.

The increase in valuation reflects the market’s positive outlook on the platform’s potential and signifies investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory. This infusion of capital can provide the platform with additional resources and support to further expand its operations, enhance its services, and solidify its position in the study abroad industry.

In February 2021, Leverage Edu raised $6.5 million in its Series A funding round, with participation from investors such as Blume Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners, and Tomorrow Capital, among others. Overall, the study abroad platform has raised over $70 million in equity funding through various funding rounds.

ETS, the language testing conglomerate, is known for developing and administering standardized tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In August of the previous year, ETS led a $210 million funding round in upskilling unicorn upgrades, which valued the startup at approximately $2.25 billion.

It was established in 2017 by Akshay Chaturvedi, who has developed a technology-driven counseling platform that provides students with a comprehensive solution for their study abroad aspirations.

The platform offers a one-stop dashboard where students can access a range of services throughout their study abroad journey. These services include assistance with education loans provided by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) such as HDFC Credilla and Avanse, as well as support with money transfers abroad, accommodation arrangements, and visa application guidance.

By offering these additional services, the aim of the study platform is to streamline the study abroad process and provide students with comprehensive support in various aspects of their international education experience.

Leverage Edu has reported that it has received offers for more than 20,000 students through its extensive network of over 650 university partners. This indicates a substantial reach and engagement with a large student base.

The platform has gained popularity among students seeking study abroad opportunities, with a notable preference for studying in the UK as the primary choice, followed by Canada and the US. This distribution of student preferences showcases the platform’s effectiveness in connecting students with suitable educational opportunities in these sought-after destinations.

By offering a wide range of university options and personalized guidance, Leverage Edu has positioned itself as a leading player in the study abroad industry, catering to the diverse needs and aspirations of its significant student base.

India is renowned for having one of the largest populations of students pursuing education abroad. Indian students actively seek opportunities in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. These destinations have emerged as popular choices for Indian students looking to broaden their educational horizons and gain international exposure.

The significant presence of Indian students in these countries reflects the country’s growing emphasis on global education and the recognition of the quality of education offered by institutions in these nations.

The desire to access world-class education, cultural diversity, and better career prospects are among the driving factors motivating Indian students to explore study-abroad options in these prominent destinations.

Although the study abroad segment is primarily populated by small enterprises across various cities and towns, it faces competition from other players. Leap, for instance, secured a funding round of $75 million last year, presenting a competitor to Leverage Edu.

Additionally, UniScholars (formerly Adventum Student Living) secured $5 million in its Pre-Series B funding round last year, further adding to the competition in the market.