Superprofs

SuperProfs Foundation Story

SuperProfs is an edutech company that was founded to make quality education accessible to everyone. Here is the story of how it all began.

Vision and Early Days

In July 2010, Piyush Agrawal, an IIT Kanpur and Stanford University graduate, founded SuperProfs. Agrawal noticed that despite the development of cutting-edge technologies in university labs, there was a lack of adoption of these technologies in solving real-world problems. He interacted with teachers in metro cities who wanted to reach students across the country but were hindered by infrastructure issues.

Agrawal's own experience and these interactions led him to start SuperProfs with the vision of making quality education accessible through technology. He began by investing Rs 1 lakh, raised from friends and family, to kickstart the venture. Initially, the business model was not well-defined, but Agrawal was driven by the potential of technology to solve a significant problem.

The early days were challenging, especially in terms of finding paying customers. Agrawal learned that people are more willing to pay for solutions that address their immediate needs rather than just 'good-to-have' products.

Founding Team Background

Piyush Agrawal, the founder of SuperProfs, has a strong educational background. He graduated from IIT Kanpur and later from Stanford University. His experience and interactions with teachers in metro cities shaped his vision for SuperProfs. A few months after founding SuperProfs, Agrawal's batchmate at IIT, Sujit Kumar, joined as a co-founder.

Agrawal's decision to move back to India from the US to start this venture was driven by his passion for using technology to improve education. His background in both engineering and business helped in laying the foundation for SuperProfs.

The founding team's commitment and vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of SuperProfs. Their ability to adapt and learn from early challenges has been crucial in shaping the company's direction[1]).

SuperProfs Business Evolution

SuperProfs has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Here is a look at how the company has grown and adapted over the years.

From Initial Concept to Current State

Initially, SuperProfs focused on helping students prepare for competitive exams like CA, CS, GATE, and UPSC. The platform connected subject experts with students from across the country, eliminating the need for students to relocate to metro cities. Operations started in February 2011, and the company was based out of Delhi[1]).

In January 2014, SuperProfs pivoted its business model from B2B to B2C. Instead of licensing its technology to coaching institutes, the company began offering direct access to its platform via an app and website. This shift helped the company reach a wider audience and generate more revenue[1]).

Today, SuperProfs is recognized as one of the fastest-growing tech companies in India, having generated Rs 4.5 crore in net revenue in 2015-16. The company's growth has been marked by its ability to adapt and innovate in the education sector[1]).

Key Growth Milestones

SuperProfs has achieved several key milestones since its founding. Here are some of the notable ones:

• In August 2012, SuperProfs raised its first round of funding of about Rs 3 crore from the Indian Angel Network[1]).
• In December 2014, the company raised about Rs 18 crore from IDG Ventures and Kalaari Capital[1]).
• SuperProfs was named the seventh-fastest growing tech company in India by Deloitte Technology and won the Bizspark award by Microsoft[1]).
• The company's Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) for 2015-16 was around Rs 10 crore[1]).
• SuperProfs continues to expand its reach, focusing on inducing confidence and trust among students in non-metro cities and towns about Internet-based learning[1]).

Product Portfolio Expansion

SuperProfs has expanded its product portfolio significantly over the years. Here are some key aspects of its offerings:

The platform provides live and recorded classes, allowing students to attend sessions at their convenience. Students can also get their queries answered 24x7. The technology enables high-definition-quality videos to be streamed even at 2G Internet speeds[1]).

SuperProfs uses machine learning algorithms to identify the best study plans for every student by analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach helps students prepare more effectively for competitive exams[1]).

The platform also offers various workspace layouts for different modes such as Assembly, Editing, Color, and Export, making it versatile and user-friendly[1]).

SuperProfs Technology Infrastructure

SuperProfs' technology infrastructure is a crucial part of its success. Here is an overview of its core architecture and innovations.

Core Platform Architecture

SuperProfs uses proprietary technology to connect subject experts with students. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even in areas with limited internet connectivity. It allows for high-definition video streaming at low internet speeds, ensuring that students can access quality educational content regardless of their location[1]).

The platform is highly customizable, allowing students to create content bins based on search terms and pull off any of the panels to float them wherever they want on their display(s)[1]).

The use of machine learning algorithms to analyze students' strengths and weaknesses and provide personalized study plans is a key feature of SuperProfs' technology infrastructure[1]).

Security and Compliance Framework

SuperProfs prioritizes the security and compliance of its platform to ensure a safe and reliable learning environment. Here are some aspects of its security framework:

The platform ensures that all data transmitted is secure and protected. It complies with relevant regulations to maintain the trust of its users[1]).

SuperProfs also has robust customer support that addresses queries and issues almost instantaneously, ensuring that any security concerns are promptly resolved[1]).

Innovation in its Industry

SuperProfs has been at the forefront of innovation in the education sector. Here are some ways it has made an impact:

By leveraging technology to connect students with subject experts across the country, SuperProfs has made quality education more accessible. This approach has helped students in non-metro cities and towns who previously had limited access to quality educational resources[1]).

The use of machine learning algorithms to personalize study plans is a significant innovation. This approach ensures that each student receives a tailored learning experience, which is more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach[1]).

SuperProfs' ability to stream high-definition videos at low internet speeds has also been a game-changer, making educational content accessible even in areas with poor internet connectivity[1]).

Company Market Impact

Superprofs, an Indian edtech startup, has made a significant impact on the education market. Here’s a look at how they have grown and expanded their reach.

User Base Growth

Superprofs has seen remarkable growth in its user base. The platform, which offers online coaching classes for competitive exams like CA, CS, GATE, IIT-JEE, and Civil Services, has attracted a large number of students. Here are some key points about their user base growth:

• Student Engagement: Superprofs has enabled students to attend HD-quality coaching classes from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility has been a major draw for students who cannot attend physical classes due to various reasons[8].
• Geographical Reach: The platform is not limited to India; it has users from various parts of the country and even internationally. This widespread reach has helped in increasing the user base significantly[8].
• Subject Variety: Superprofs offers a wide range of subjects, from technical courses like engineering and medical to non-technical courses like arts and humanities. This variety caters to different student needs and interests[8].

Market Share Expansion

Superprofs has expanded its market share by offering unique services that differentiate it from other edtech platforms.