Post on Medial

”Is the edtech bubble bursting in India?” Given my background of working at one of India’s leading (and also thriving) edtechs, every time something bad is reported, I receive several pings asking questions like that one. Here’s my answer- Not so fast. . Reports of mass layoffs and funding slowdowns make for dramatic headlines. But let's dig deeper. While hypergrowth may be over, the need for innovative edtech solutions in India remains immense, which means, the market remains wide open for innovation and solutions. And, investors too are learning that, by scrutinizing flashy K-12 apps and pivoting towards startups addressing skill gaps, adult upskilling, and vernacular content etc. This aligns with India's massive young workforce hungry for opportunities. . The future of edtech, in my opinion, lies in personalization. Maybe, AI-powered adaptive learning platforms that can tailor education to individual needs could be a game-changer in a country as diverse as India. Or maybe, something else. But, the crux is that startups enabling outcome-based learning models, with a focus on skills, have major growth potential. . Also, I don't think one should underestimate the power of hybrid models. While online learning has boomed, startups that integrate offline touchpoints (test centres, coaching partnerships) may have a competitive edge, especially in reaching underserved areas. . Is edtech in India maturing? Absolutely. But writing it off would be a mistake. The edtech economy can not and will not be a 3-4 year tale. It’s a long game. Many more new models and big stars will emerge, and they will redefine what we think of edtech as it is today. The most impactful players will be those who solve real pain points. . I thoroughly believe- Biggest companies of tomorrow may not even be born yet. The same applies to Indian edtech as well. And that’s how I look at it. Edtech is more than just selling courses online. Views are personal.