- ByStartupStory | December 30, 2024
NumberOne Academy, an enablement platform focused on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has raised ₹3 crore in a pre-seed funding round. This funding round was led by T.I.G.E.R and Santosh Nair, marking the second fundraise in this round, following ₹1 crore raised in December 2023.
Founded in 2022 by Lajesh Kolath and Madhu Bhaskaran, NumberOne Academy is dedicated to equipping SME entrepreneurs with technology and business education. The platform offers over 60 curated courses designed by more than 25 business coaches. These courses cover a range of essential topics such as growth strategy, sales, marketing, branding, finance, human resources, operations, and technology, enabling SMEs to acquire critical skills for sustainable growth.
The newly raised funds will support the academy’s plans to expand its business course offerings and make them accessible in Hindi and other regional languages. This initiative aims to increase the platform’s reach and inclusivity, empowering entrepreneurs across India.
The funding will also enable the enhancement of NOA, the academy’s AI-powered chatbot, which currently assists SMEs with GST-related queries. The company plans to transform NOA into a Virtual Business Coach capable of interacting in more than 10 regional languages. This upgrade will broaden the platform’s ability to address a variety of business challenges, offering real-time support and guidance to SME entrepreneurs.
Additionally, NumberOne Academy intends to implement a hybrid learning model that combines online courses with in-person workshops and community events. This model will cater to diverse learning preferences, delivering a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical insights. The integration of a multi-lingual AI layer over upskilling courses and digital tools aims to enhance user engagement and improve the learning experience.
“The successful funding round underlines the increasing popularity of the mission of empowering the SME ecosystem in India by NumberOne Academy. By the use of technology and robust educational framework, the academy aims to arm entrepreneurs with the right skills to help them scale their operations while achieving sustainable growth,” said the founders in a statement.
With this funding, NumberOne Academy continues its mission to foster a thriving community of empowered SMEs across the nation. The academy’s commitment to accessibility and comprehensive support is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian entrepreneurship.
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