Cuemath, an Indian edtech startup, was founded with a clear mission to change how children learn math. Here’s a look at its vision, early days, and the background of its founding team.
Cuemath was started in 2013 by Manan Khurma, who had a passion for math from a young age. Manan began teaching math while he was still in college and went on to teach over 10,000 students over 15 years[1].
Cuemath's vision is to create problem-solvers for the future, especially in an AI-driven world. Manan Khurma, the founder and CEO, believes that math proficiency will be essential for children in the future. This vision drove the creation of Cuemath, which initially started as an offline teaching center with a small group of students.
The early days were challenging, but Cuemath quickly gained traction. By 2015, the company had about 100 teachers in the Delhi-NCR area and was receiving strong feedback from students. This initial success helped Cuemath secure its first round of funding from Unitus Seed Fund.
Manan Khurma is the founder and CEO of Cuemath. He fell in love with math as a young school kid and started teaching math while still in college.
Manan Khurma co-founded Locus Education, a test-prep startup, with Niraj Singh in 2007. However, it was Cuemath that truly reflected his passion for math education. Manan's experience in teaching and his vision for math education have been the driving force behind Cuemath's growth.
Niraj Singh, though not directly involved in Cuemath, was a significant influence in Manan's early entrepreneurial ventures. The lessons learned from these early ventures helped shape Cuemath's approach to education.
Cuemath has evolved significantly since its inception in 2013. Here’s a look at its journey from the initial concept to its current state, key growth milestones, and product portfolio expansion.
Cuemath started as an offline teaching center but quickly transitioned to an online platform to reach more students.
In the early days, Cuemath focused on hyperlocal matching of teachers and students. However, this model was not scalable. The team realized that teachers needed to function online to serve a larger base of students. This led to the development of an online platform around 2017-18.
By 2020, Cuemath was ready to transition all its teachers to online classes when COVID-19 struck. This transition was swift, taking only two weeks to complete. Today, Cuemath is the world's leading online math education platform, trusted by over 200,000 students across 80+ countries.
Cuemath has achieved several significant milestones since its inception.
In 2015, Cuemath secured its first seed round of funding from Unitus Seed Fund. This was followed by a Series A round of $4 million led by Sequoia India in 2016. The next year, Sequoia and Alphabet-owned CapitalG led a Series B funding round of $15 million.
In 2017, Cuemath went global with its interactive LIVE online class platform. By 2018, it had expanded its tutor base to 5,000+ math experts. In 2020, Cuemath raised $40 million in a Series C round led by LGT Lightstone Aspada and Alpha Wave Incubation[1].
Cuemath's product portfolio has expanded to cater to diverse learning needs.
Cuemath offers a range of programs, including Cuemath Plus, which allows students to choose a plan that suits their needs. The platform includes interactive learning modules, real-time problem-solving sessions, and continuous assessments to track student progress[1][3]).
The Cuemath platform is flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn in both offline and online environments. Certified teachers use proprietary methods and learning aids to ensure deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than superficial memorization[3]).
Cuemath's technology infrastructure is a crucial part of its success. Here’s a look at its core platform architecture, security and compliance framework, and innovation in the industry.
Cuemath's platform is built on advanced technology to deliver high-quality education.
The platform uses a blend of offline and online personalized learning environments. This hybrid model allows for flexibility and adaptability, catering to the diverse learning needs of students across different geographical regions. The technology infrastructure supports interactive modules, real-time problem-solving sessions, and continuous assessments[3]).
Cuemath's platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Students can access learning materials and interact with teachers through a seamless interface. The platform also allows for the creation of content bins based on search terms, making it easier for students to find relevant resources[1]).
Cuemath ensures that its platform is secure and compliant with educational standards.
Cuemath takes data security seriously, ensuring that all student data is protected and secure. The platform complies with international educational standards, ensuring that the learning environment is safe and trustworthy. However, specific details on the security framework are not publicly disclosed[1][3]).
Cuemath has been recognized for its innovative approach to education.
Cuemath has been named one of the world’s most innovative EdTech companies at the ASU + GSV Summit 2023. The company's use of technology as a catalyst for profound learning sets it apart in the industry. Cuemath's innovative approach includes the use of proprietary methods and specialized learning aids to ensure deep understanding of mathematical concepts[1][3]).
Cuemath's plan for the future includes continuing its journey of expansion and building a strong global brand. The company aims to make its product more consolidated, personalized, engaging, and valuable for students worldwide[2]).
Cuemath, an Indian edtech startup, has made a significant impact on the education market, particularly in the realm of mathematics learning. Here’s a closer look at their user base growth, market share expansion, and financial inclusion initiatives.
Cuemath was founded in 2013 by Manan Khurma with the mission to transform mathematical learning for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Over the years, Cuemath has seen substantial growth in its user base.
Cuemath's unique approach to teaching mathematics through a blend of offline and online personalized learning environments has attracted many students. The platform offers interactive and engaging lessons that make learning math fun and effective. This approach has helped Cuemath expand its user base rapidly.
The company's focus on personalized learning experiences has been a key factor in its growth. Students can learn at their own pace, and the platform adapts to their learning needs. This flexibility has made Cuemath a preferred choice for many parents and students.
Additionally, Cuemath's expansion into different regions has also contributed to its growing user base. The company has established a strong presence in various parts of India and is continuously working to reach more students[6][7].
Cuemath has been successful in expanding its market share in the edtech sector, especially in the mathematics education segment.
Cuemath's innovative approach to teaching mathematics has set it apart from other edtech platforms. The company's use of technology to provide personalized learning experiences has helped it gain a significant market share. Cuemath's platform is designed to cater to the needs of students of all skill levels, making it a popular choice among parents and educators.
The company's market share expansion is also attributed to its strong brand presence. Cuemath has built a reputation for delivering high-quality education, which has helped it attract more students and partners. The company's marketing efforts and partnerships have further enhanced its market presence[6].
Cuemath's ability to adapt to changing market conditions has also been crucial. The company has continuously updated its platform to meet the evolving needs of students and educators, ensuring it remains a leader in the market.
While Cuemath is primarily focused on education, it also has initiatives that contribute to financial inclusion, particularly through its business model.
Cuemath generates revenue from teaching services, franchisee fees, and teacher onboarding fees. This multi-revenue stream approach helps the company sustain itself while providing affordable education to a wide range of students. By offering different pricing models, Cuemath makes quality education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds[7].
The company's cost-cutting efforts have also helped in making its services more affordable. For instance, Cuemath reduced its expenses by 29.9% in FY24, which included a 34.2% cut in employee benefits. These measures have enabled the company to maintain its pricing without compromising on the quality of education provided.
Cuemath's financial journey is marked by significant milestones, including revenue growth, a path to profitability, and investment rounds.
Cuemath has shown steady revenue growth over the years.
In the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), Cuemath reported an operating revenue of Rs 126.4 crore, a 4.9% increase from the previous fiscal year. The company's teaching service revenue rose by 5.5%, while franchise revenue declined by 38.3%. Despite the decline in franchise revenue, the overall revenue growth indicates a strong performance in the core teaching services segment[7].
The revenue growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for online education services. Cuemath's platform has been well-received by students and parents, leading to a steady increase in the number of students enrolled. The company's efforts in improving its services and expanding its reach have also contributed to the revenue growth.
Cuemath's financial stability is further enhanced by its interest income from current investments. This additional revenue stream helps the company in managing its finances effectively and investing in further growth initiatives.
Cuemath is on a path to achieving profitability, driven by its cost-cutting measures and revenue growth.
In FY24, Cuemath reduced its losses by 42.7% to Rs 134.5 crore, down from Rs 234.7 crore in the previous financial year. This significant reduction in losses is a result of the company's cost-cutting efforts, including a 34.2% cut in employee benefits and a 29.9% reduction in overall expenses[7].
The company's focus on operational efficiency has been key to its progress towards profitability. By streamlining its operations and reducing unnecessary expenses, Cuemath has been able to manage its costs better. This, combined with the revenue growth, has brought the company closer to achieving profitability.
While specific details on Cuemath's investment rounds and valuations are not provided in the available sources, it is clear that the company has received significant backing.
Cuemath is backed by Peak XV, a venture capital firm. The support from such investors has been crucial in helping Cuemath expand its operations and invest in its platform. The investment has enabled the company to enhance its services, expand its reach, and work towards achieving its mission of transforming mathematical learning[7].
The company's valuation would likely reflect its growth and market position. With its strong brand presence and increasing revenue, Cuemath's valuation would be expected to be positive, indicating a promising future for the company.
Cuemath has formed various strategic partnerships to enhance its services and reach.
While there is no specific information available on Cuemath's banking collaborations, such partnerships are common in the edtech sector to facilitate financial transactions and services.
Edtech companies often partner with banks to streamline payment processes and provide financial services to their users. These collaborations can help in reducing costs and improving the overall user experience. For Cuemath, such partnerships could be beneficial in managing its financial operations and offering convenient payment options to its users.
Banking collaborations can also help in expanding Cuemath's reach by providing access to a wider audience. By partnering with banks, Cuemath could leverage the bank's network to promote its services and attract more students.
Cuemath may engage in merchant partnerships to enhance its services and offer additional benefits to its users.
Merchant partnerships can help Cuemath in offering bundled services or exclusive discounts to its students. For example, Cuemath could partner with educational material providers to offer discounted rates on textbooks or other learning resources. This would add value to the services provided by Cuemath and make it a more attractive option for students.
Such partnerships can also help in improving the overall learning experience. By collaborating with merchants who provide educational tools or services, Cuemath can ensure that its students have access to a comprehensive learning environment.
Technology alliances are crucial for Cuemath to enhance its platform and services.
Cuemath has likely formed alliances with technology companies to improve its online learning platform. These alliances can help in integrating advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics to provide more personalized and effective learning experiences.
Technology partnerships can also help Cuemath in expanding its reach. By collaborating with companies that specialize in educational technology, Cuemath can develop new features and tools that make its platform more engaging and effective for students.
For instance, Cuemath could partner with companies that provide interactive learning tools or virtual reality experiences to enhance its mathematics education programs. Such alliances would help in keeping Cuemath's platform ahead of the curve in terms of technology and innovation.