Once upon a time, there was a humble YouTube channel that dared to dream. PhysicsWallah, the brainchild of Alakh Pandey, started as a beacon of hope in the cluttered world of Indian edtech. It promised affordable, quality education without the frills. Fast forward to 2024, and we're left wondering: Has PW lost its way in the glitzy maze of unicorn dreams? Let's face it, folks. PW's recent moves read like a playbook borrowed from the very companies it once criticized. Remember BYJU'S and Unacademy's aggressive expansion? PW seems to be following suit, but with a twist – they're burning through their own cash instead of investor money. How noble, right? But here's the kicker: PW has managed to do something truly spectacular. They've gone from profitable to loss-making in record time! It's like watching a startup speedrun, but in reverse. One minute they're flaunting their profits, the next they're knocking on investors' doors with a begging bowl. Talk about a plot twist! PW's shopping spree is enough to make even the most extravagant Bollywood wedding planner blush. Four acquisitions, a joint venture, and investments in everything from UPSC prep to tech skilling – it's like they're playing startup bingo. But here's a thought: Maybe, just maybe, doing one thing well is better than doing everything mediocrely? The irony is palpable. PW rose to fame by being the antithesis of bloated, over-funded edtech giants. Now, they're chasing the same dragon they once slayed. It's like watching your favorite indie band sell out and start playing generic pop tunes. Let's not forget the promises. Oh, the promises! Revenue projections that seem to shrink faster than a cotton shirt in hot water. From INR 1,200 Cr to INR 770 Cr in FY23, and now a "modest" INR 1,800 Cr in FY24 instead of the trumpeted INR 2,000 Cr. At this rate, they might want to rebrand as "PromiseWallah." But wait, there's more! PW is now eyeing a fresh funding round. Because nothing says "we've got this figured out" like asking for $150 Mn after burning through your profits. It's like watching a gambler double down after losing their shirt – entertaining, but you can't help but cringe. Here's a wild idea: What if PW focused on what made them successful in the first place? Quality, affordable education without the bells and whistles. Revolutionary, I know. In their quest to become the next big thing, PW risks becoming just another Unacademy or Byju's. They're trading their unique identity for a spot in the unicorn paddock, where the grass isn't greener – it's just artificially colored by VC money.
Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.