Zotalabs, a Pune-based online learning startup, has raised $125,000 in a seed funding round to create a subscription-based platform to provide students access to K-12 education globally from multiple educational institutions.
According to a statement from the company, Dhianu Das (Co-founder of Alfa Ventures) led the funding round, and Prashant Narang (Co-founder of Agility Venture Partners) served as the round’s India Accelerator.
The round also saw participation from Bhavesh Jain (Chief Revenue Officer, Transa CIBIL), Sandeep Jain (CEO at Value Unlocked and Ex-Strategy Head, HT Media), Deepak Goyal (Ex-Financial Controller, ISS Thailand), Ankur Shrivastava (Founder, Gen Real Property), and Vatsal Jain (Enterprise Sales Lead Consultant at PayPal).
Started in 2019, Zotalabs aims to democratize learning globally by connecting educators and learners on one platform to create a more “Educated & Better” world. It believes that education is the tool which shapes the culture and society for the current generation. The startup develops cutting-edge technologies and content for learning communities, allowing educators and learners across the globe to engage in creating an immersive learning environment.
Zotalabs’ products include Eusembly, an EdTech platform for all K-12 students globally, and Eumetry, a platform where teachers can upload live and recorded classes.
Speaking about the company, Wasim Khan, Co-founder and CEO of Zotalabs, said,
“We aim to democratize learning globally. We intend to connect educators and learners through one cohesive platform. In Zotalabs, we bring coaches, trainers, teachers and students together through a quality, blended learning experience.”
Zotalabs plans to use the fresh funds for team development, product growth, and technological enhancements. It also aims to expand its presence across Southeast Asia and develop deeper insights for learners in the K-12 segment.
Dhianu Das, Co-founder of Alfa Ventures and lead investor in the round, commented on the funding,
“I’m keen on Zotalabs, as it serves to democratize the pursuit of knowledge for schoolchildren. Their call to action is simple yet insightful – why don’t we have an OTT for education? One that allows us to pay one time and learn for the entire year from different teachers, institutions, schools or universities.”
Prashant Narang, Co-founder of Agility Venture Partners, also commented,
“The pandemic’s closure of classrooms has led to a rise in online education and virtual classes. This has translated into a demand for EdTech startups and online virtual learning companies in India. The last 25 startups in education have raised as much as $795 million in funding, and that’s what we were banking on through Zotalabs’ seed round.”
During the pandemic, Zotalabs saw an immense opportunity in the evolution of digital classrooms and experiential learning. The startup also helped Amity Future Academy with a technology platform to promote their skill-development courses under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.