With the current challenges in visa regulations and diplomatic relations affecting study abroad opportunities, Leverage Edu, an Indian startup, is helping students redirect their aspirations towards alternative destinations like Germany, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. This adaptability has resulted in a significant increase in revenue, profitability, and global expansion for the company.
Over recent months, students in emerging markets have encountered heightened uncertainty regarding international college admissions. Changes in visa policies and diplomatic tensions have disrupted application processes and eligibility criteria for many, leading to a need for alternative study abroad options. Leverage Edu has emerged as a valuable resource, guiding students in identifying new destinations and swiftly adjusting their plans to navigate the disruptions effectively.
Amidst strained India-Canada relations, Leverage Edu facilitated the transition of Indian students to Germany and assisted Canadian universities in recruiting from Nigeria, ensuring the continuity of student pipelines in both regions. The startup is now employing similar strategies in response to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and India.
While Leverage Edu continues to cater to students aspiring to study in the U.S., there has been a noticeable increase in demand from countries like Brazil and Vietnam. This shift in focus aligns with the startup’s agile approach to meet changing market dynamics and student preferences.
With a commitment to geographical flexibility, Leverage Edu has recently expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Malaysia — catering to the needs of students in these emerging markets seeking structured support for studying abroad. The startup now operates in 16 countries, assisting students in applying to universities across 11 destination countries.
In addition to facilitating university applications, Leverage Edu has positioned itself as a comprehensive platform for international education, offering tools such as a mobile app, an AI-powered course search engine, a university matchmaking tool called UniConnect, and a newly launched SaaS suite for global universities under the brand Univalley.ai.
Expanding its services beyond traditional student placements, Leverage Edu has ventured into related sectors with offerings like Leverage MBBS for medical aspirants, Fly Finance for education loans, Fly Homes for student housing, and additional services under Leverage Careers and Compass.
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Leverage Edu now facilitates the placement of over 10,000 students annually, marking a significant growth trajectory compared to previous years. The startup’s ability to attract students organically has led to 60% of student acquisitions requiring zero customer acquisition costs, showcasing its strong market presence.
Founder and CEO Akshay Chaturvedi highlighted the narrowing gap between Leverage Edu and its global competitors, attributing the company’s success to its agility in adapting to market changes and meeting student demands effectively.
Financially, Leverage Edu has achieved significant growth, turning profitable for the first time in the current year — a notable feat in India’s edtech sector. The startup’s revenue doubled to over ₹1.8 billion in the previous fiscal year, with projections of reaching ₹3.7-₹3.8 billion by the end of the current fiscal year.
On the profitability front, Leverage Edu reported a profit after tax of ₹120-130 million, with expectations to exceed ₹250 million by the end of the current fiscal year — showcasing a remarkable 256% turnaround from a loss in the previous fiscal year.
Approximately 25% of Leverage Edu’s revenue stems from its platform services, offering students a range of value-added services beyond admissions. The remaining 75% comes from its core education business, with a significant portion derived from commissions from both students and universities.
While India remains the primary market for Leverage Edu, contributing 58% of its student base, the startup has seen substantial success in markets like the U.K., Germany, and the burgeoning market of Italy. As the company expands its presence in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, it anticipates a growth in placements in North America.
Considering its upward trajectory, Leverage Edu is contemplating a potential IPO in India in the coming year, following a period of sustained revenue growth and market expansion. With a current presence in over 27 countries and a diverse service portfolio, the startup is poised for further success in the international education sector.
