Indian edtech firms expanding globally

Flush with funds, Indian education technology companies such as Byju's, Talentedge, Simplilearn and Toppr are not only trying to grab a larger market share-both at home and abroad-but are also chasing talent to drive their growth plans.

Toppr, for instance, which raised $35 million about three months ago, is looking to add 1,000 employees across all functions this year. The edtech platform is also working toward raising additional funds through a Series D round.

Byju's is hiring talent to develop and launch its international product this year. Simplilearn, growing at 40 per cent year-on-year, is planning to add 500 people this year.

Zishaan Hayath, CEO and co-founder of Toppr, said: “We have been constantly hiring fresh talent and seasoned professionals for a large variety of roles-from sales and marketing to product, engineering, HR, and finance and would continue to do so in the near future.

Mrinal Mohit, COO, Byju's, said: “Currently, we are hiring talent across content, tech, media, business development and product for our existing and soon to be launched international product.”

Simplilearn, based in San Francisco and Bengaluru with operations in the US and other global markets, has added 500 employees last year. Krishna Kumar, founder and CEO, Simplilearn, said: “We are likely to add another 500 this year with an aim to reach 1,400 employees by end of FY20.”

Aditya Malik, CEO and MD, Talentedge, said: “We would continue to grow at 50 per cent year-on-year and would be looking to acquire a strategic stake in other companies in this space.”