Skill-Lync is an Indian edtech startup that aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements. Founded in 2015, the company has grown significantly, helping thousands of engineering students and professionals enhance their skills.
Skill-Lync was started by two engineers, Suryanarayanan Paneerselvam and Sarangarajan V Iyengar, who recognized the need for supplementary education beyond what colleges offer. They began by creating a Facebook group and later transitioned to a YouTube channel to share their lessons[2].
Their vision was to provide hands-on, project-based learning to help students become industry-ready. This approach was well-received, and they soon started teaching students in 12 universities in Tamil Nadu through private live classes on Skype.
Initially, both founders were working full-time jobs, but the success of their teaching endeavors prompted them to quit and focus on Skill-Lync full-time.
Suryanarayanan Paneerselvam and Sarangarajan V Iyengar are the co-founders of Skill-Lync. Both are engineers with a strong educational background. Surya worked as a product engineer at Cummins, while Sarangarajan was a Research Engineer at Convergent Science Inc before they decided to dedicate themselves to Skill-Lync.
Their experience in the industry and their understanding of the skill gap between academia and industry were crucial in shaping the courses and curriculum offered by Skill-Lync.
The founders' commitment to providing high-quality education has been a driving force behind the company's growth and success.
Skill-Lync has undergone significant transformations since its inception. From humble beginnings as a Facebook group and YouTube channel, it has evolved into a comprehensive online edtech platform. Here’s a look at its evolution and key milestones.
In the early days, Skill-Lync focused on teaching mechanical engineering students through live classes on Skype. This model was successful, and by 2015, they were teaching 300 students across 12 universities in Tamil Nadu[1]).
In 2018, they launched the Skill-Lync platform, which marked a significant shift towards a more structured and scalable model. Today, the platform teaches around 30,000 students across India, MENA, SEA, the US, and Europe[1]).
The platform offers a variety of courses that can be completed in two to ten months, with a focus on practical projects and industry-relevant skills.
Skill-Lync achieved several key milestones that highlight its growth. One of the early successes was when all 30 students trained on a trial basis got placed in their specializations, leading to more students being allowed to join the program[1]).
In 2021, the company saw a 200 percent gain in revenues by doubling its partnerships and placements. This rapid growth led to an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of $30 million[1]).
The company has also expanded its course offerings to include electrical, civil, and computer engineering, in addition to mechanical engineering, starting from 2020[1]).
Skill-Lync has continuously expanded its product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Initially focused on mechanical engineering, the company now offers courses in various engineering domains, including computer science, electronics, electrical, civil, biomedical, and telecom[2]).
The courses are designed by industry experts with at least ten years of experience and a master’s degree, ensuring they are up-to-date and relevant. The platform also offers specialized programs like the Post Graduate Program in Infrastructure - Engineering Design and Project Management[3]).
In 2024, Skill-Lync announced the launch of 30 free courses aimed at upskilling 30,000 Indian engineers, further expanding its reach and impact[5]).
Skill-Lync’s technology infrastructure is a critical component of its success. Here’s an overview of its core architecture, security, and innovation in the industry.
The Skill-Lync platform is designed to provide a seamless learning experience. It features a Learning Management System (LMS) that allows students to access courses, submit projects, and interact with instructors. The platform also includes tools for career services, such as resume building, LinkedIn profile preparation, and mock interviews[3]).
Students can participate in live individual and group sessions to resolve queries and discuss progress. The platform is accessible via various devices, making it convenient for students to learn anywhere, anytime.
The courses are structured around comprehensive projects that cover almost all aspects of the course, ensuring students gain practical skills.
Skill-Lync ensures the security and integrity of its platform through robust measures. While specific details on security protocols are not extensively detailed, the company emphasizes the importance of data protection and compliance with industry standards.
The platform handles sensitive information such as student profiles, project submissions, and payment details, all of which are secured through standard encryption and secure servers.
The company also complies with relevant regulations to ensure the privacy and security of user data.
Skill-Lync is innovative in its approach to education. It offers industry-aligned courses that are updated regularly to keep up with the latest trends. The hands-on, project-based learning environment sets it apart from traditional educational platforms[2]).
The company partners with over 350 companies, including Nissan, Renault, Mahindra, and Tata Elxsi, to ensure job placements for its students. This industry partnership is a key innovation that bridges the gap between academia and industry[1]).
Skill-Lync’s free course initiative is another innovative step, providing invaluable resources to students at no cost and helping to foster innovation and drive growth in the engineering industry[5]).
Skill-Lync, an engineering edtech startup from India, has made a significant impact on the education and job market. Here’s how:
Skill-Lync has seen remarkable growth in its user base. The startup began with a small group of students and has now expanded to teach around 30,000 students across India, the Middle East, North Africa, South East Asia, the US, and Europe[6][7].
Surya Narayanan PaneerSelvam and Sarangarajan V Iyengar, the founders, initially trained 30 students on a trial basis. This pilot was successful, with all students getting placed in their specializations. This success led to their alma mater allowing them to teach more students. By 2015, they were teaching 300 students in 12 universities in Tamil Nadu through private live classes on Skype.
The user base has grown significantly since then. In 2021, the startup witnessed a 3X growth in enrollments across India and internationally, with students enrolling from over 78 countries.
Skill-Lync has expanded its market share by diversifying its course offerings. Initially focused on upskilling mechanical engineers, the startup began offering courses in electrical, civil, and computer engineering in 2020[6].
This expansion has helped the startup to reach a broader audience. The courses are designed to supplement formal education and ensure students have the skills required for higher education or to find a job. Each course includes comprehensive projects that students must complete, which can be shared with employers or for master's programs.
The startup's global expansion has been driven by the increasing demand for its courses. With a strong presence in multiple countries, Skill-Lync is well-positioned to continue growing its market share.
Skill-Lync has implemented several financial inclusion initiatives to make its courses more accessible. The startup offers multiple subscription plans, including Basic, Pro, and Premium, priced at Rs 25,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 35,000 per month, respectively, for a duration of 10 months[6].
To further support students, Skill-Lync has partnered with a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to help students avail loans. This initiative helps students who may not have the financial means to pay the course fees upfront.
The startup also ensures that students have job assistance after completing the course, except for those under the Basic plan. This support is crucial for students to secure employment and repay any loans they may have taken[6]).
Skill-Lync's financial journey is marked by rapid growth and significant milestones.
Skill-Lync has achieved impressive revenue growth. In 2021, the startup saw a 200 percent gain in its revenues by doubling its partnerships and placements. By 2022, it reached an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of $40 million, growing over 4x in the past five months[7].
The startup's revenue jumped 200% to INR 139.6 Cr in the financial year 2022-23 from INR 46.5 Cr in the previous year. This growth is attributed to the expansion of its course offerings and increased enrollments across India and internationally[8]).
The financial performance indicates that Skill-Lync is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. The startup aims to maintain profitability while expanding its operations further[7]).
Despite the rapid revenue growth, Skill-Lync has faced challenges in achieving profitability. The startup's operating expenses have increased significantly, leading to a net loss. In the financial year 2022-23, the standalone net loss widened to INR 266.4 Cr from INR 140.1 Cr in the previous year[8].
The increase in expenses is largely due to higher employee costs, advertising, and rental expenses. However, the company is working towards reducing costs and achieving profitability. Skill-Lync has undertaken restructuring exercises, including layoffs, to manage its expenses better[8]).
The directors of the company are focused on making the company a profitable venture. Despite the current losses, the startup remains optimistic about its future financial performance[8]).
Skill-Lync has raised significant funding to support its growth. The startup has raised a total of $20 million across its seed and Series A funding rounds, backed by investors like Iron Pillar, Y Combinator, and Better Capital[7].
The funding has been crucial for expanding the startup's operations, diversifying its course offerings, and enhancing its technology infrastructure. The investment has also helped in hiring more employees and expanding the startup's global reach[7]).
The valuation of the startup has increased with each funding round, reflecting the confidence of investors in its growth potential. The startup's financial performance and growth strategy are key factors in its valuation[7]).
Skill-Lync has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its services and reach.
Skill-Lync has partnered with a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to provide loan facilities to its students. This partnership helps students who cannot afford the course fees upfront to avail loans and enroll in the courses[6].
This collaboration is part of the startup's financial inclusion initiatives. It ensures that financial constraints do not prevent students from accessing the courses and gaining the necessary skills for their careers[6]).
The partnership also helps in ensuring that students have a clear path to employment after completing the course, which is essential for repaying the loans[6]).
Skill-Lync has partnered with over 350 companies, including Nissan, Renault, Mahindra, and Tata Elxsi, for placements. These partnerships are crucial for providing job opportunities to students after they complete the courses[6].
These partnerships also help in ensuring that the courses are industry-relevant. The startup works closely with industry experts to design courses that meet the current industry needs, making students more employable[6]).
The startup's partnership with Cyient is another example of its merchant collaborations. Skill-Lync is committed to equipping engineers with the technical skill sets required by Cyient, supporting the hiring of over 4,000 embedded professionals[10]).
Skill-Lync has formed technology alliances to enhance its educational offerings. The startup has built an in-house electric vehicle to help students gain insights into the future of the automotive industry. This project was collaborated on with professionals from leading OEMs in the country[10].
This initiative demonstrates the startup's commitment to providing practical and industry-relevant education. By leveraging technology and industry partnerships, Skill-Lync ensures that its students are well-prepared for the job market[10]).
The startup also plans to set up skill centers across India, further enhancing its technology infrastructure and educational offerings. In the first phase, centers will open in Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai[10]).
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