In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, Vivek Sinha, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Unacademy, has embarked on a new journey with the launch of Beyond Odds Technologies. Backed by an initial investment of $11 million, the seed funding round led by Matrix Partners India and Lightspeed has set the stage for this Bengaluru-based startup to make waves in the realm of employability-led training, certification, and recruitment services.
Joining Sinha in this venture are a stellar lineup of investors, including industry stalwarts such as Ritesh Agarwal (Founder of OYO), Gaurav Munjal (Founder of Unacademy), Mayank Kumar (Founder of Upgrad), and other prominent figures from the startup ecosystem. With their support, Beyond Odds Technologies aims to redefine the landscape of workforce development, focusing on the grey-collar workforce segment.
The core mission of Beyond Odds Technologies revolves around connecting employers with talent among students, bridging the gap between industry demand and skill availability. To achieve this, the startup is launching Emversity, a higher education brand that will offer bachelor’s degree programs and certification courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of the job market.
The first Emversity center is set to open its doors in Bengaluru on April 20, with plans for six additional centers in cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Nagpur, Kochi, and Ranchi by June. These centers will serve as hubs for skill development and career advancement, providing students with access to industry-relevant curriculum and hands-on learning experiences.
One of the key differentiators of Emversity is its focus on partnerships with leading institutions and organizations in various sectors. For instance, the startup has forged tie-ups with renowned names in healthcare such as Fortis Hospitals and Core Diagnostics to facilitate job placements and internships for students enrolled in healthcare-related programs.
Vivek Sinha’s decision to launch Beyond Odds Technologies comes after a successful stint at Unacademy, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation. Prior to his tenure at Unacademy, Sinha held key positions at OYO, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insights into the startup ecosystem.
While Sinha’s departure from Unacademy was part of a series of notable exits from the company, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. With Beyond Odds Technologies, Sinha aims to disrupt the traditional education and training sector, empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
In addition to Vivek Sinha, other former Unacademy executives have also ventured into the startup space, underscoring the growing trend of entrepreneurship and innovation in India’s startup ecosystem. Karan Shroff, Unacademy’s former chief marketing officer, recently launched LightFury Games, a gaming startup that raised $8.5 million in its Seed round led by Blume Ventures.
As Beyond Odds Technologies prepares to embark on its mission to transform employability training and higher education, all eyes are on Vivek Sinha and his team as they strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of individuals across the country. With a strong vision, a talented team, and robust financial backing, Beyond Odds Technologies is poised to redefine the future of workforce development in India and beyond.