Unacademy: From a YouTube Channel to India’s Learning Empire
- Mahek Goenka
- May 21
- 2 min read
Updated: May 26
In 2015, three friends — Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh — decided to bet on a bold idea: that education could be democratized through technology. What started as a modest YouTube channel posting free tutorials soon blossomed into Unacademy, one of India's most recognizable EdTech brands.
The early years were fueled by passion and necessity. Gaurav, who had previously built a small startup, knew the hurdles faced by aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, CAT, and JEE. Roman, a former IAS officer, brought insider insight into the struggles of ambitious students across India. Together, they crafted a platform that would not just teach but empower.
Breaking Barriers: Unacademy’s Disruptive Entry into EdTech
Unacademy’s rise was meteoric. By creating an open platform where India’s best educators could teach thousands — sometimes millions — at once, they broke down the old barriers of geography, affordability, and elitism. The platform’s signature Live Classes, structured courses, and subscription model quickly made it a go-to destination for millions of learners hungry for an edge.
A Pandemic-Driven Surge: Education with a Mission
During the pandemic, when traditional coaching centers shuttered, Unacademy soared even higher. It hosted virtual marathons, mega quizzes, and brought in celebrity educators, redefining the very experience of studying online. In 2020, it became one of India’s EdTech unicorns, backed by heavyweight investors like Sequoia and SoftBank.
Yet, for Unacademy, success has never been just about numbers. It’s about leveling the playing field — about ensuring that a student from a remote village has the same opportunities as one from a metro city.
Beyond Digital: Expanding Horizons
Today, Unacademy is not only expanding into offline learning spaces through its "Unacademy Centers" but also foraying into new exams, K-12 education, and even sports training.
From YouTube to Unicorn: A Transformative Journey
Its journey from a humble YouTube channel to a multi-billion-dollar learning empire is a reminder that when technology meets purpose, the results can change lives — and rewrite the future of a nation.
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