Kerala-Based International Chess Players Start An Online Global Chess Learning Platform For Kids; Clocked ₹1.13 Crore Revenue In Last FY

In 2021, six friends from Kerala took a leap of faith.

Bound by a shared love for chess and an unwavering friendship that began in their childhood, they created Eight Times Eight (also known as 8X8), a Kochi-based online global chess academy that is now redefining how children learn the game.

The startup, founded by international chess players, blends passion with strategy to teach more than just chess—it teaches life skills, fostering critical thinking, decision-making, and resilience in children aged 5 to 15.

This ambitious startup’s journey is as intricate as the game it champions, filled with risks, challenges, and a vision to make chess accessible to young minds across the globe.

The Genesis Of 8X8:

The inception of 8X8 dates back to the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It all started when Athul Krishna was approached by one of his relatives.

“A relative asked me if I could teach her child chess because he was addicted to social media and couldn’t focus on anything,” Athul Krishna, the CEO & co-founder of 8X8, shares during an exclusive with Startup Pedia.

This seemingly small request sparked a larger conversation among Athul and his five friends—Abhijith Mohan, Arijith Mohan, Adesh Joshi, Manu Manikandan, and Chandar Raju—about how chess could help children develop focus and discipline.

The six, who first met during a children’s chess tournament in 2005, decided to give chess lessons to a few kids in their community.

What began as a social initiative quickly turned into an LLP in February 2021 when the positive feedback from parents highlighted the profound impact of their teaching.

Despite their lack of business experience, the founders invested ₹1 lakh from their savings to kickstart the company.

The name, inspired by the 8x8 chessboard, reflects their mission: to nurture young minds using the strategic brilliance of chess.

By mid-2021, the team was teaching over 50 students while juggling their college studies.

“Parents told us their children were not only learning chess but also improving their patience and concentration,” says Abhijith Mohan, the co-founder and Director of 8X8, to Startup Pedia.

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Navigating The Challenges During The Initial Journey:

The early days of 8X8 were not without hurdles. Creating a structured curriculum for students was a daunting task.

“We were skilled chess players but knew little about designing a formal syllabus. With the help of Grandmaster S.L. Narayanan, my childhood friend and former No. 4 chess player in India, we developed an international-standard syllabus that now serves as the backbone of our teaching model,” shares Abhijith.

Another significant challenge was managing the expectations of parents.

“Some parents wanted their kids to learn chess casually, while others envisioned their children becoming Grandmasters,” says Athul Krishna.

The team addressed this by categorising their courses into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, tailoring lessons to each student’s goals and skill levels.

However, the real game changer came in March 2022, when they raised a pre-seed funding round of ₹35 lakhs at a valuation of ₹1.6 crores. The funding was led by Artem Art of Consulting, an investment consulting firm run by IIM graduates Shamin Sahar and Zubin Kabeer.

As experienced investors and entrepreneurs, Shamin and Zubin introduced the founders to a structured approach to scaling a business. They helped the founders set strategic goals and implement better operational frameworks, including guiding them to divide roles and responsibilities amongst themselves.

“Shamin and Zubin didn’t just invest money; they invested their time and experience to help us build a sustainable company. One of the most important lessons we learned was the value of raising funds from people who are genuinely ready to build the company with you. Their experience has been truly invaluable to us,” shares Arijith Mohan, the COO & co-founder of 8X8.

Realising the growing demand, they decided to formalise their efforts further. After Abhijith returned from a four-month internship with the United Nations in Geneva, the group converted Eight Times Eight into a private limited company in August 2022.

Today, 8X8 operates with a team of over 45 FIDE-rated trainers, offering group and individual classes priced between ₹2,500 and ₹23,000.

Each student undergoes a 30-minute demo session to assess their proficiency before being placed in an appropriate course.

But 8X8’s offerings go beyond teaching chess. Recognising the importance of holistic development, the startup integrates life skills training into its curriculum.

“We teach memory development and pattern recognition to help kids develop well-rounded personalities. Chess Mediation is another special programme that we run, where we blend chess and mediation techniques to improve visualization in children from a very young age,” Adesh Joshi, the Chief Business Officer & co-founder, explains to Startup Pedia. 

The founders also conduct regular Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), ensuring transparency and trust.

“Parents appreciate seeing tangible progress in their children, both in chess and in their overall personality,” Arijith proudly shares.

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From Present To The Future:

In less than three years, 8X8 has achieved some impressive milestones.

The startup has trained over 5,000 students so far, with 1,000 active learners from India and 30 other countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada.

Combining the power of traditional and digital marketing, the startup employs a unique blend of strategies to connect with its young audience.

Leveraging social media platforms, a dedicated YouTube channel, and active engagement in school chess tournaments, they effectively reach children aged 5 to 15 years.

This multi-pronged approach has fuelled impressive annual revenue growth, surging from ₹18 lakh in its first year to ₹44 lakh in its second, and culminating in a remarkable ₹1.13 crore in the most recent financial year, marking the third year of operations.

“Most of our students come through referrals. Proud and satisfied parents are our best marketers,” declares Athul.

The impact of 8X8 is evident in the achievements of its students. For instance, Advait Sankar from Florida earned the title of National Master in the USA, while Aaranya R from Tamil Nadu became the National Under-7 Chess Champion.

Other students, like Theertha Jotish from Kerala, have won state-level championships, and several have become FIDE-rated players. The list goes on and on.

“As we are international level chess players, we have access to bring in renowned chess players in the world as trainers and conduct lessons in different languages. We regularly conduct guest lectures by top chess players in the world which has helped our students achieve remarkable results. We are proud of our students’ accomplishments. They are the real testament to our mission and efforts,” shares Abhijith.

However, the founders of 8X8 are not resting on their laurels. Their vision is to become the world’s largest chess learning platform.

Plans include developing an AI-powered live & interactive chess trainer, expanding into adult chess education, and establishing a subsidiary in the USA to focus on the growing North American market.

“We’re at a pivotal moment for chess, especially in India, where players like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh are inspiring a new generation,” says Adesh.

With the global chess market expected to reach $3 billion by 2032, 8X8 aims to capitalise on this growing interest in the game that originated in ancient India.

To achieve these goals, the startup is exploring further funding opportunities to scale its operations.

“While we’re proud of being cash flow positive, additional capital will help us innovate and expand faster & further,” Athul confidently announces.

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The Final Move:

8X8 is more than an online global chess academy—it’s a new-age startup that embodies the spirit of the Indian startup ecosystem.

By turning their lifelong passion for chess into a thriving business, the founders have not only created a sustainable venture but also contributed to the intellectual growth of thousands of children worldwide.

As the startup continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of inspiration for other young founders.

“Chess taught us patience and strategic thinking, qualities that have been invaluable in our entrepreneurial journey,” says Abhijith while concluding the interview with Startup Pedia.

With its unique blend of chess and life skills, 8X8 is making all the right moves. The journey of this Kerala startup is just beginning, and its story is already one for the books.

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