Entrepreneur Stories
Upgrad Raises $60 Million from Temasek at a $2.25 Billion Valuation!
Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek has injected an additional $60 million into the edtech startup Upgrad, maintaining its valuation at $2.25 billion, according to sources familiar with the development. This funding comes at a critical time as Upgrad is gearing up for an IPO within the next two years.
Strategic Moves by Upgrad
In a parallel move, Upgrad’s founder and chairman, Ronnie Screwvala, has purchased Bharti Enterprises’ 1% stake in the company for $20 million. This acquisition follows Upgrad’s 2022 stock-swap deal to acquire Centum Learning, a skilling and training solutions company. With this buyout, Screwvala now holds a 45% stake in Upgrad, further solidifying his control over the firm.
Leadership Changes
Screwvala, a veteran entrepreneur known for founding UTV, has taken a more hands-on role at Upgrad following the exit of co-founder Mayank Kumar, as reported by The Economic Times on October 16. His re-engagement aligns with Upgrad’s IPO ambitions and is expected to reassure public market investors about the company’s leadership and direction.
“The funding round has now closed. Ronnie’s increased stake reflects his commitment to the company’s future, especially with recent leadership changes,” said a source close to the developments.
Investment Landscape
Temasek and IFC continue to be significant investors in Upgrad, alongside Screwvala, who now stands among the few entrepreneurs with the largest personal stakes in a venture-backed startup. The total funding round of $80 million, which includes both the primary investment and Screwvala’s secondary share purchase, marks one of the largest recent funding rounds in the edtech sector.
Comparisons with Other Funding Rounds
This funding round is significant in a market that has seen a sharp decline in investment after the pandemic-induced boom. For context:
- PhysicsWallah recently closed a $210 million funding round.
- Executive education firm Eruditus raised $150 million at a valuation of $3.2 billion.
Prior to this equity funding, Upgrad also secured $35 million in debt financing from Evolution X, a joint venture between DBS and Temasek.
Market Trends and Challenges
Edtech startups have seen around $650 million in funding so far this year compared to $4.1 billion in 2021—the peak for the sector aided by COVID-19 tailwinds. However, this is still higher than just $315 million for edtech for all of 2023, reflecting an 87% decline from the $2.4 billion raised in 2022.
Focus on Enterprise Growth
“Centum Learning is now part of Upgrad Enterprise and that’s the fastest-growing vertical at Upgrad,” another source noted. A report from investor 360 One highlighted key achievements:
- “Upgrad achieved profitability in its skilling, reskilling, and placement services in Q4.”
- The consumer segment’s acquisition cost improved from ~30% in FY23 to ~22% in FY24.
- Non-university program revenue in Q4 FY24 grew ~22% quarter-over-quarter and ~81% year-over-year.
Educational Offerings
Upgrad has established partnerships with over 20 tier-I and tier-II universities, offering more than 70 programs across various fields including data science, management, technology, law, and digital transformation.
Future Plans
As Upgrad moves closer to its IPO, its focus on sustainable growth and profitability appears well-positioned to attract both investors and public markets. The company’s strategy emphasizes leveraging partnerships and expanding its educational offerings to meet evolving market demands.
Conclusion
With Temasek’s investment and Screwvala’s increased stake, Upgrad is poised for significant growth in the competitive edtech landscape. The combination of strategic partnerships, innovative educational solutions, and strong financial backing will likely play a crucial role in shaping Upgrad’s future trajectory as it seeks to capitalize on emerging opportunities within both domestic and international markets.
As it prepares for an IPO, Upgrad aims to solidify its status as a leader in the education technology sector while addressing challenges posed by market fluctuations and evolving consumer needs.
Entrepreneur Stories
Apple MacBook Air M5 Launched: M5 Chip, 22-Hour Battery in India
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Air with M5 chip, starting at $999 for 13-inch and $1,299 for 15-inch models. The MacBook Air M5 boasts a 2nm M5 chip with 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and 50 TOPS Neural Engine for seamless AI tasks like real-time translation and 8K editing. Up to 22 hours of battery life, Thunderbolt 5, and Wi-Fi 7 make it the ultimate ultraportable, now 10% thinner at 0.44 inches with fanless cooling.
Key MacBook Air M5 features include Liquid Retina XDR display (500 nits, nano-texture option), 12MP Center Stage camera, and six-speaker Spatial Audio. Colors like new Sky Blue join Midnight and Starlight. Pre-orders are live today, with macOS Sequoia 15.4 enhancing Apple Intelligence and iPhone Continuity for students, pros, and remote workers.
Why buy MacBook Air M5 now? It outpaces Snapdragon X Elite rivals with ecosystem magic and future-proof performance, eyeing top 2026 laptop sales. CEO Tim Cook calls it “more capable than ever.” Visit apple.com for M5 MacBook deals and specs.
Entrepreneur Stories
Zupee Bolsters Short-Video Play with Vertical TV Acquisition Under INR 40 Cr
Delhi NCR-based gaming startup Zupee has acquired Mumbai-based microdrama platform Vertical TV in a deal valued under INR 40 Cr. This move strengthens Zupee Studio, its short-video arm launched in September 2025, by integrating Vertical TV’s expertise in bite-sized dramas like romance and thrillers.
Facing challenges from India’s 2025 real-money gaming ban, Zupee valued at $1 Bn after raising $120 Mn has pivoted to non-gaming content, including recent layoffs of 40% of its workforce. The acquisition builds on its November 2025 purchase of Australian AI firm Nucanon for interactive storytelling, targeting its 200 Mn+ users with engaging, mobile-first formats.
This deal underscores the rising microdrama trend in India, helping Zupee diversify amid regulatory pressures and compete in the short-video space dominated by quick, shareable content for on-the-go audiences.
Videos
T.N. Seshan: The Fearless Reformer Who Redefined Indian Democracy
T.N. Seshan’s name stands tall in India’s history as the man who transformed the nation’s electoral system with extraordinary courage and integrity. Born in 1932 in Kerala, Seshan grew up with values of discipline, education, and service to the nation — virtues that shaped his illustrious journey. From his early brilliance at Madras Christian College to his advanced studies in public administration at Harvard University, Seshan’s path reflected rare determination and intellect. Joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1955, he built a reputation as a no‑nonsense officer committed to efficiency and honesty, serving in key roles such as Secretary of Defense and overseeing vital national programs.
As the Chief Election Commissioner of India in 1990, T.N. Seshan sparked a new era of electoral integrity. In a system once marred by corruption, violence, and malpractice, Seshan brought order, fear, and respect through his groundbreaking reforms. He introduced voter ID cards, imposed strict spending limits on campaigns, and insisted on transparency at every level of the election process. Despite criticism from political circles that labeled him dictatorial, his relentless pursuit of fairness empowered every citizen to vote fearlessly. Under his leadership, the Election Commission became a symbol of strength and integrity in Indian democracy.
Seshan’s passing in November 2019 marked the end of an era, but his message continues to resonate across generations. Leaders from every corner of the country mourned the loss of the man who restored faith in free and fair elections. His enduring legacy reminds us that true leadership lies not in wielding power, but in serving people with honesty, courage, and conviction. T.N. Seshan’s life remains a timeless inspiration a reminder that democracy thrives only when its citizens are vigilant, responsible, and fearless.

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