CoGrad, an innovative education platform focused on enhancing learning experiences in rural India, made a compelling pitch on Shark Tank India Season 4, Episode 38.
Founded by Saurabh Yadav and Himanshu Chaurasia, the Uttar Pradesh-based startup provides affordable, high-quality education for students while equipping teachers with AI-powered tools to improve their teaching efficiency.
The founders sought ₹1 crore for 2% equity, valuing the company at ₹50 crores.
CoGrad currently operates five schools for students from classes 1 to 8. The founders showcased photos of their village schools, prompting Anupam Mittal to humorously remark that he had envisioned a more traditional setting with children studying under a tree.
Its key offering, Medha AI, is an assistive tool that helps teachers create lesson plans, assessments, and other educational materials—even in offline environments.
The company charges ₹500 per student and aligns its curriculum with NEP 2020, NCF 2023, and emerging technologies.
CoGrad students actively participate in competitions and conclaves at top Indian universities, earning praise from the Sharks. Ritesh Agarwal expressed his admiration, saying, “Mere rongte khade ho gaye aapki baatein sun kar.”
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The startup hires teachers through the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) alumni network and aims to establish 1,000 schools. However, 80% of its revenue comes from skill-training and teacher training—less scalable ventures.
Ritesh questioned whether the school business was struggling, while Kunal Bahl took a dig, asking if they were simply chasing easy money. The founders admitted they hadn’t opened any new schools this year due to financial constraints.
Kunal warned them about losing focus by chasing external opportunities, while Anupam appreciated their vision but felt unclear about their direction, leading both to step out.
Vineeta, however, praised their dedication, sharing her father’s inspiring journey from studying under a tree in Barispur to becoming a leading cancer researcher at AIIMS.
Despite concerns, Ritesh Agarwal, Namita Thapar, and Vineeta Singh saw potential in CoGrad’s mission and jointly made an offer.
After negotiations, CoGrad secured ₹50 lakhs for 6% equity, along with ₹50 lakhs in debt at a 9% interest rate for three years, bringing its valuation to ₹8.33 crores.
