Vivek Sinha, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of educational platform Unacademy, has unveiled his new venture, Beyond Odds Technologies. The startup has successfully raised $11 million in seed funding to enhance employability within the grey-collar sector. Leading the investment round were Matrix Partners India and Lightspeed, signaling strong market confidence in Sinha’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor.
From Unacademy to Entrepreneurial Innovation
Vivek Sinha’s professional journey is marked by significant accomplishments, particularly during his tenure at Unacademy, where he was instrumental in the company’s rapid growth. Following his departure in August 2023, Sinha quickly transitioned to lay the foundation for Beyond Odds Technologies. His experience is complemented by earlier roles, including a key position at OYO, where he served as a business head from April 2018 to September 2020.
Empowering the Grey-Collar Workforce
The core mission of Beyond Odds Technologies is to provide targeted training, certification, and recruitment services to India’s grey-collar workers. This segment of the workforce, which often receives less attention in the broader employment market, is vital for numerous industries. By equipping individuals with necessary skills and certifications, Beyond Odds aims to streamline the connection between potential employers and this valuable pool of talent.
Introducing Emversity
A key initiative by Sinha’s new startup is the creation of Emversity, a dedicated higher education and training brand. Slated to open its first center in Bengaluru on April 20, Emversity plans to expand to six more cities including Hyderabad, Delhi, Nagpur, Kochi, and Ranchi by June. The institution will offer a variety of bachelor’s degree programs and professional certification courses, partnering with renowned universities to ensure quality and relevance.
Emversity’s inaugural programs will particularly focus on the healthcare sector, where demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. Collaborations with Fortis Hospitals and Core Diagnostics are set to provide practical job placements and internship opportunities for students, bridging the gap between training and real-world application.
Strong Backing by Prominent Investors
The impressive $11 million seed funding underscores the trust and expectation that leading investors have in Beyond Odds Technologies. Not only did Matrix Partners India and Lightspeed lead the round, but the startup also received significant contributions from InnoVen Capital, a subsidiary of Temasek, and Alteria Capital. Additionally, a group of esteemed angel investors, including Ritesh Agarwal (Founder of OYO), Gaurav Munjal (Founder of Unacademy), and Mayank Kumar (Founder of Upgrad) among others, have also placed their bets on Sinha’s vision.
The Road Ahead
As Beyond Odds Technologies begins its journey, the startup is poised to make a considerable impact on how grey-collar employment is approached in India. With a clear strategy and a strong support network, Vivek Sinha’s latest venture is set to transform the educational landscape and significantly enhance the employability of countless individuals in the country. As the company progresses, it will likely become a key player in the field, shaping the future of workforce training and development.
