From YouTube to Unicorn: Unacademy’s First-Generation Success Story

From YouTube to Unicorn: Unacademy’s First-Generation Success Story

A college student uploaded his first YouTube video in a tiny room in Mumbai in 2010. It was an easy-to-follow lesson designed to assist other engineering students grasp a challenging idea. That student's name was Gaurav Munjal, and that film unintentionally served as the catalyst for one of the largest educational revolutions in Indian history.

“I wasn’t trying to build a company. I was just trying to help,”
— Gaurav Munjal, Co-founder & CEO of Unacademy

But fate had bigger plans.

A Revolution

That YouTube channel developed a devoted following by 2015. Back then employed in a technology firm, Gaurav couldn't get rid of a nagging thought: What if education could be made more accessible to all? His employment was terminated. He phoned two buddies who had the same mad passion: Hemesh Singh, a bright computer brain who could develop anything from scratch, and Roman Saini, an ex-IAS officer who quit his lucrative government position at the age of 22.

“People said I was mad to leave the IAS. But I knew my purpose was bigger than one chair,”  Dr. Roman Saini, Co-founder

The three of them founded Unacademy, a learning platform that was constructed in coffee shops, PG rooms, and shared residences rather than corporate buildings. No flashy money. No contacts from the past. Just grit, ambition, and a burning desire.

The Years of Hustle

It was difficult at first. The marketplace was packed. Resources were limited. However, the goal was clear: Provide all Indian students, particularly those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with access to high-quality education.

They began modestly. Free classes. Free access. No Conditions.

We thought that people would follow if we provided value first. And in millions, they did. — Gaurav Munjal

Learners started to pour in. Videos became viral. Teachers joined the campaign from all throughout the nation. Unacademy soon became more than simply a platform; it was a revolution in education.

The Moment of Breakthrough

Then 2020 arrived. COVID-19 struck. Within overnight, coaching facilities and schools were closed. The world was in a frenzy, but Unacademy was prepared. They quickly changed course, introducing weekly fresh content, mentorship groups, live seminars, and question answer sessions.

Then — hey! Unacademy raised $150 million from SoftBank and was valued at $1.45 billion in September 2020, making it a unicorn.

"I wasn't in the mood to celebrate when we achieved unicorn status. I felt responsible. We have an obligation to our students to have larger dreams.

— Gaurav Munjal

The Students Are the True Heroes

Students like Ravi from Patna, who passed the UPSC after watching and learning from the videos of Roman Saini's lectures, are the true stars of Unacademy. Or Neha from Udaipur, who joined Unacademy Plus during the epidemic and went on to pass NEET.

"My life was transformed by Unacademy." Without paying for coaching, I studied in my room using my phone and I got selected in AIIMS.”

― Unacademy student Neha Sharma

A Dream of the First Generation Fulfilled

The fact that none of the founders of Unacademy come from wealthy or established companies adds even more significance to the company's tale. No families with VC backing. No silver spoons.

Just first-generation dreamers with WiFi, computers, and a crazy faith.

“ An empire was not passed on to us. We constructed one. You can do it too, if we can”.- Saini, Roman

What Comes Next?

Unacademy now has over 50 million users, thousands of educators, and a valuation of over $3.5 billion. Nevertheless, the goal of empowering and educating all Indians, irrespective of their location or upbringing, is still as relevant as ever.

The goal is to change lives, not only impart knowledge.

Concluding Remark

The rise of Unacademy from a single YouTube video to a major worldwide edtech company is more than just a commercial triumph. It serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible for first-generation business owners, middle-class aspirants, and small-town students.

So ignite your fire and go forward. Begin modestly. Get frightened. In any case, get started.

This is more than simply their success story; it is a mirror. A mirror reflecting what is possible when regular people dare to dream beyond their limitations.

So, if you're sitting in a small town with nothing but an idea, and a strong desire to accomplish something meaningful, remember this:

Gaurav, Roman, and Hemesh did not make excuses. They just started.

Now it is your time.

The next big story that everyone speaks about might be yours.