edept, a higher education-focused EdTech startup enabling universities and higher-educational institutions to offer industry-led programmes, has raised $1 million in a seed funding round. Enzia Ventures and Equanimity Investments led the round. Other investors include Bhavin Pandya (Founder of Games24x7), EdTech leader Arjun Mohan, and Canada-based Loyal VC.
edept was founded in 2023 by Gaurav Bhatia (INSEAD), Puneet Saxena (IIM Lucknow), and Devendra Nagle (IIM Bangalore); specializes in empowering universities and institutions to design and deliver differentiated, new-age courses tailored to meet the global job market demands. Focusing on improving employability outcomes, the company bridges the gap between academia and industry, equipping young graduates with skills for success on a global stage. It aims to address the skill gaps in high-demand careers and equip graduates through industry-led programmes. Its unique focus on domestic and international programmes ensures that students are career-ready upon graduation and empowered to thrive in a global workforce.
Speaking on the fundraising, Rajesh Sehgal, Managing Partner of Equanimity Investments, said:
edept is addressing the critical skills gap in the industry by empowering college students to excel in future jobs. Their collaborative business model positions them to forge strong, long-term partnerships with leading colleges.
Within its first year of operation, the Bengaluru-based startup claims to have partnered with seven domestic and international institutions and several industry partners, delivering impactful education to over 450 students. Its vision is to offer global opportunities to Indian students, foster academic excellence, and bridge the gap between industry and academia through growth-oriented programmes, transforming them into global citizens equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.
Namita Dalmia, Partner at Enzia Ventures, also stated:
At Enzia, we invest in fundamental human needs with a sharp focus on delivering customer outcomes. Education models prioritizing student outcomes will build trusted, sustainable brands to help them make a significant, profitable business. Edept’s innovative approach to collaborating with universities and industry to deliver domestic and international career-focused programmes is unique and sets them apart. We are excited to partner with them on this journey.
With this funding, edept plans to fuel its expansion, scale operations, increase its workforce, and enhance its proprietary tech platform.
