In the wake of visa crackdowns and diplomatic tensions hindering traditional study-abroad paths, Leverage Edu, an educational startup based in India, has stepped in to assist students in redirecting their aspirations. Instead of pursuing studies in countries like Canada, students are now exploring opportunities in Germany, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia with the help of Leverage Edu. This adaptability has proven to be successful for the startup, as it has experienced a significant increase in revenue, achieved profitability, and is expanding its reach globally.
The recent months have been marked by uncertainty for students in emerging markets seeking international college admissions. Changes in visa regulations and strained diplomatic relations between countries like India and Canada, as well as India and the U.S., have disrupted the plans of many aspiring students. Amidst this turmoil, Leverage Edu has emerged as a guiding light for students, offering alternative study destinations and ensuring that their educational goals remain on track.
Founded eight years ago, Leverage Edu has shown remarkable agility in responding to geopolitical shifts affecting student mobility. When tensions between India and Canada escalated, the startup swiftly facilitated the transition of Indian students to Germany and assisted Canadian universities in attracting students from Nigeria. This strategic approach has allowed Leverage Edu to maintain student pipelines in various regions, even in the face of ongoing U.S.-India tensions.
While the startup continues to facilitate student applications to the U.S., there has been a noticeable increase in demand from countries like Brazil and Vietnam. This diversification of student interest has prompted Leverage Edu to expand its operations into new markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Malaysia. By providing structured admissions support in these emerging markets, Leverage Edu now operates in 16 countries, assisting students in applying to universities across 11 destination countries.
In addition to its core services of aiding students in the application process, Leverage Edu has positioned itself as a comprehensive platform for international education. Through tools like a mobile app, an AI-powered course search engine, and a university matchmaking tool called UniConnect, the startup offers a holistic approach to helping students plan, finance, and manage their educational journeys. Furthermore, Leverage Edu has ventured into related areas such as medical education, student housing, and education loans, expanding its offerings to cater to a wide range of student needs.
Financially, Leverage Edu has experienced rapid growth and achieved profitability for the first time this year, a notable feat in India’s edtech sector. With revenues exceeding ₹1.8 billion in the last fiscal year and a projected revenue of ₹3.7-₹3.8 billion for the current fiscal year, the startup has demonstrated its ability to scale effectively. Moreover, Leverage Edu has diversified its revenue streams, with platform businesses accounting for 25% of revenue and core education services contributing the remaining 75%.
As Leverage Edu continues to grow its global presence and enhance its services, the possibility of an IPO in India looms on the horizon. With plans to reach a revenue milestone of $100 million in 2026, the startup is considering the option of going public or raising external capital to fuel its expansion further. Despite raising less than $50 million in equity so far, Leverage Edu’s extensive network spanning 27 countries and its team of 800 employees position it as a key player in the evolving landscape of international education.