upGrad Inc. budgets $250 Million for mergers and acquisitions in global higher EdTech

Investments will help upGrad to accelerate the expansion of the integrated and networked global model

ATLANTA, July 8, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – upGrad, one of the world’s leading higher edtech platforms, announced today that it is planning $ 250 million in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) over the next nine months. Investments will focus on helping the company build a strong, integrated and connected model in higher education in multiple regions faster.

“UpGrad is now becoming one of the most integrated high-tech companies – covering all aspects of lifelong learning – from bachelor’s to exam preparation, from top choice for universities to go digital with technology and SaaS support, to degrees in the most sought-after fields for learners to build their careers of tomorrow, ”said Karan Raturi, General Manager of North America.

Ronnie Screwvala, co-founder and chairman, said upGrad has identified specific segments as well as target companies that the EdTech leader wants to add to its platform. Two of these will be announced over the next 60 days, including:

  • High-touch digital learning experiences that add value to the pioneering work of upGrad over the past six years;

  • Global, immersive learning in a nutshell;

  • First mover advantage and economies of scale in emerging markets such as Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam;

  • High-traffic, low-ARPU (Average Revenue Per Unit) players who can accelerate upGrad’s extensive product offering in Short Forms and Soft Skills market – resulting in a subscription platform;

  • New models for international learners;

  • Online Program Management (OPM) systems that can help expedite upGrad’s partnership with universities at large and around the world; and

  • Strategic long-term partnerships with universities for lifelong learning.

“UpGrad aims to merge and acquire companies with exceptional founders who will join us as co-entrepreneurs to build the world’s best training platform,” said Screwvala, highlighting upGrad’s non-linear growth strategy. “These investments are designed to accelerate our ability to deliver a deep, immersive, high-touch learning experience that appeals to professionals.” Screwvala noted that this year upGrad raised its first equity from outside investors, including $ 160 million from Temasek and IFC. “UpGrad is focused on adding the right elements that will allow us to quickly scale our platform for global growth.”

The story goes on

About upGrad Inc.
upGrad is South Asia’s largest online high-edtech company offering over 100 courses in collaboration with top global universities such as Duke Corporate Education (USA), Michigan State University (USA), Liverpool John Moores University (UK), Deakin Business School (Australia ) offers. , Swiss School of Business Management, (Geneva), IIT Madras (India), IIM Kozhikode (India) and others. Founded in 2015, the international edtech company has influenced over 1 million registered learners in over 50 countries around the world.

upGrad is number 1 on the list of LinkedIn Top Startups India 2020. This is the third time in a row that upGrad has been included in the LinkedIn Top Startup List after 2018 and 2019. It also belongs to the GSV Global EdTech 50 and was named to the Top 50 of the FT Asia-Pacific High-Growth Companies in 2021.

Media contact:
Lexi Sunberg
[email protected]
1+ (952) 836-7775

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