Veranda Learning Gets Nod To Raise INR 250 Cr Via Preferential Issue

Kalpathi Group’s edtech venture Veranda Learning Solutions has received approvals to raise  INR 250 Cr (around $29.5 Mn) through a preferential issue as a part of its broader fundraising plan to be completed this financial year.

The company plans to use the fresh funds for acquisitions, deferred consideration payouts and expanding its existing business operations, it said in a statement.

“This successful fundraising equips Veranda with a robust capital base to drive our next phase of growth and demonstrates the confidence of investors in the vision and our potential for growth. We are on track to close all acquisitions in this financial year, and no further equity dilution in Veranda Learning is expected beyond this financial year,” said executive director and chairman of Veranda Learning, Kalpathi S Suresh.

Veranda plans to acquire 51% stake in BB Publications Private Limited for INR 126.2 Cr and 65% in Navkar Digital Institute Private Limited for INR 45.5 Cr.

BB Virtuals, founded by CA educator Bhanwar Borana, is an online platform for CA aspirants. With BB Virtuals’ strong online presence, Veranda aims to expand its reach, offering a wider range of resources to support students pursuing professional qualifications in the commerce segment.

On the other hand, Navkar, founded by educator Hiteshkumar Shah, is a platform for CA aspirants in Gujarat.

These acquisitions will boost Veranda’s existing portfolio in chartered accountant, cost management accountant, and association of chartered certified accountants coaching offerings and will be integrated with JK Shah Classes.

Established in 2018 by Suresh, Veranda is a publicly listed digital learning platform offering test prep for several subjects such as government exams (state and national administrative services), banking, insurance, railways and more.

The Chennai-based company, earlier this year, acquired educational services provider Tapasya Educational Institutions for at least INR 362 Cr (around $44 Mn), to strengthen its ecosystem by providing additional options in the commerce higher education space.

On the other hand, Veranda also made three new board member appointments, which includes founder of JK Shah Classes Jitendra Kantilal Shah, former Director of IIT Bombay Ashok Misra, as well as Alamelu, as a part of its larger initiative to professionalise the board.

The company said that it is still looking to onboard experts and professionals in its board while also reducing the promoter directors.

Additionally, Veranda’s board has approved the elevation of Veranda HigherEd’s chief executive Aditya Malik to the role of Group chief operating officer (COO).

This development comes at a time when the interest towards the edtech sector is seemingly breaking through the existential crises.

For instance, Kreedo Early Childhood Solutions, a startup that offers transformation solutions for early learning in schools, raised INR 10 Cr ($1.2 Mn) in debt funding from Recur Club, a day ago.

Meanwhile, in early December, Britannica Education, known for its encyclopedias, also launched 12 digital learning solutions in India that will cater to teachers, students, and schools, in hopes of reviving the spirit of the Indian edtech market.

Furthermore, edtech company Bhanzu secured $16.5 Mn (around INR 139 Cr) from VC firm Epiq Capital and other investors, to expand its presence in the international market.

Going forward, Veranda revealed that the company is planning to undertake a corporate restructuring exercise to merge the existing companies in alignment with its operations.