How Four Ex-Colleagues Transformed Their Passion For Learning Into A ₹32 Crore Turnover Biz

In 2016, a unique startup was born in Gurgaon—one that would go on to redefine the online higher education space in India. What makes Learning Routes (LR) remarkable isn’t just its story of financial success, but the origins of its journey.

Four former colleagues from a Mumbai-based ed-tech firm—Karan Semta, Suraj Mishra, Dheeraj Chhabra, and Varun Talwar—came together to create something big: an online education marketplace designed with the student’s best interests at its core.

For these co-founders, the inspiration came directly from their experience in a high-pressure sales environment where they thrived but witnessed the toll it took on employee satisfaction.

Determined to create a different kind of company culture, they aimed to build an education platform that prioritised student satisfaction over sales targets.

“The goal wasn’t just to build a business—it was to reimagine what an education marketplace in India could be,” says Suraj Mishra, one of the four co-founders, in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.

The Tough Early Days Of Learning Routes:

Starting with just ₹3 lakhs, the founders had to play multiple roles—from counsellors to tech developers to marketers. Their early days were challenging, to say the least.

Initially, without a website or tech support, everything from student consultations to forming partnerships with educational institutions was done in person or over the phone.

Dheeraj Chhabra recalls, “Those first few years were humbling and exhausting, but our families and mutual mission kept us grounded and focused.”

Also Read: Farmer's Son Launches EdTech for Healthcare Pros, Earns ₹2 Cr/Month

Their commitment quickly bore fruit, landing Narsee Monjee (NMIMS) as their first big client, marking a turning point. This early partnership laid the foundation for more collaborations and a growing reputation.

Over time, they expanded from a few courses to a vast catalogue featuring top universities, including MBAs, BBA, BCA programs, and more. Their efforts paid off, with the company reaching a significant milestone last year, generating ₹32 crore in revenue and serving over 10,000 students.

Learning Routes’ Products & Services In Detail:

Learning Routes has built a platform that goes beyond the traditional education marketplace model. Students can not only find the right college but can also access unique services designed to provide a seamless educational experience.

Some key offerings include:-

• Admissions Consulting Services: Around 80% of LR’s revenue comes from admissions consulting for colleges and universities, yet the company does not charge students for the guidance they receive.
  

• Free Courses and Counselling: LR offers students free courses, counselling, and psychometric tests, helping them identify their educational interests and potential.
  

• Live Webinars and Expert Panels: Students benefit from regular webinars conducted with industry experts, providing real-world insights and career advice.
  

• AI-powered ‘College Finder’: An AI-driven tool that matches students with colleges based on their academic profiles, preferences, and career goals, simplifying the decision-making process.

Through these services, LR has managed to attract a diverse range of students, including recent school graduates and working professionals seeking further education or upskilling.

“We wanted to build something that genuinely serves all kinds of students, not just profits off them,” says Karan Semta.

One of LR’s most unique features is its use of AI to streamline the college search process. Its ‘College Finder’ tool helps students navigate their options by analysing preferences, academic records, and career goals, offering highly personalised suggestions.

This tool has been instrumental in LR’s success, as it directly addresses students’ needs in a crowded and often confusing educational landscape.

The company has extended its impact by partnering with over 20 premier Indian universities & colleges, building a marketplace of quality online education accessible to students across the country.

Additionally, LR is committed to fostering accessibility in the higher education ecosystem, offering scholarships that eliminate financial barriers for deserving students.

The goal, according to Dheeraj Chhabra, is to “make quality online higher education accessible to all, regardless of a student’s economic background.” 

Also Read: 43YO Starts EdTech Startup For Doctors, Makes Rs 3 Cr Sales Per Month

Big Goals For The Future:

With an impressive trajectory in place, Learning Routes’ co-founders are setting their sights on a bright future. They’ve already expanded their office presence to five locations across India and assisted over 70,000 students to date.

Their vision is clear: to become India’s largest online marketplace for college search, comparison, and admissions.

To achieve this, the company has outlined ambitious new initiatives:-

• Brick-and-Mortar Partnerships: Recognising the value of traditional education, LR plans to partner with offline and international colleges, combining on-campus experiences with online learning flexibility.
  

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Collaborating with corporations to design industry-specific courses, ensuring students develop skills aligned with today’s job market.
  

• Affordable Marketing and Tech Stack Services for Smaller Players: By offering these solutions, LR hopes to empower smaller educational consultation providers and diversify its revenue streams.
  

• Strengthening Social Media Presence: With a strong organic base, LR now plans to focus on social media marketing to further boost engagement and visibility.

“Our ultimate goal is to be the most trusted higher education marketplace in India and make college comparison and selection as easy as shopping online,” says Varun Talwar to Startup Pedia.

A Quick Summary Of Learning Routes’ Journey:

The founders attribute their success to their relentless focus on students, commitment to transparency, and innovative use of technology.

Their journey exemplifies how much can be achieved with a clear vision and resilience. The bootstrapped company’s leap from a modest ₹1.5 crore revenue in its first year to ₹32 crore last year is a testament to their dedication. It has set a revenue target of more than ₹40 crore for the current financial year.

Moving forward, Learning Routes is also open to strategic funding, seeking investors who can contribute not just financial resources but also technical expertise that can help it scale in India and abroad.

With over 300 employees supporting their vision, the founders are confident they can soon achieve their goal of becoming the biggest marketplace platform in the online higher education market in India - which has been growing at an impressive CAGR of 41% since 2016.

In a startup ecosystem where funding and visibility can often seem like the most important indicators of success, Learning Routes’ journey offers a refreshing reminder of the power of purpose-driven growth.

 As Suraj Mishra aptly concludes, “When you put the needs of the students at the forefront, the rest will follow.” 

Also Read: This Startup Aims To Be The LinkedIn For Artists - Got 7,000+ Sign-ups