In a major step toward bridging the financial gap for higher education, GyanDhan — India’s leading education loan marketplace — has secured ₹50 crore (approximately $5.8 million) in its Series A round, led by Classplus and Pravega Ventures.
The fresh capital will power GyanDhan’s expansion into 50+ tier II and III cities, a strategic move aimed at bringing equitable access to education financing to students outside India’s top metros. The company also plans to double its network of financial partners from 15 to 30, while deepening the capabilities of its consultant network and proprietary SaaS infrastructure.
“Education should be a function of ambition, not affordability,” said co-founder and CEO Ankit Mehra. “With this funding, we’re doubling down on building a tech-first, inclusive financing ecosystem that helps deserving students across the country access the right opportunities — regardless of geography or background.”
Founded by IITians Ankit Mehra and Jainesh Sinha, GyanDhan operates a hybrid model that combines a digital-first loan marketplace with its own NBFC lending arm, making it one of the few platforms that offers both breadth and control in education financing.
The company has already facilitated over ₹7,000 crore in education loan originations and is now setting its sights on a bold goal: tripling that number to ₹18,000 crore within the next three years.
GyanDhan will use this momentum to grow its credit, tech, and sales teams, while investing in on-ground impact through financial literacy workshops, loan advisory sessions, and student community-building across campuses.
The growth is already showing up on the books. For FY24, the startup posted ₹21.4 crore in operating revenue and a net profit of ₹1.36 crore — a rarity in the high-burn world of fintech.
As the demand for overseas and professional education surges in small-town India, GyanDhan is positioning itself as a trusted bridge between ambition and access — and this Series A marks a pivotal step in that journey.
