Biography of Sushil Mundada: Founder and CEO of ExtraaEdge- Entrepreneur
The Journey of Sushil Mundada and ExtraaEdge:
The Genesis of ExtraaEdge
In March 2015, Sushil Mundada embarked on an ambitious
venture with ExtraaEdge, a startup focused on transforming education through
technology. Armed with a background in business analysis and software
engineering from HSBC and his experiences in the Startup Leadership Program,
Sushil co-founded ExtraaEdge in Pune. This edtech company aimed to
revolutionize the admissions and marketing processes for educational
institutions using innovative SaaS solutions.
The Core Offerings
ExtraaEdge quickly established itself in the education
sector by offering a suite of products designed to streamline admission
processes and enhance marketing efforts. Their core products included a CRM for
managing leads, WhatsApp automation for seamless communication, a chatbot and
live chat feature for real-time interactions, and an application management
system to simplify the application process for students.
The Early Days and Growth
The journey was not without challenges. In its initial
years, ExtraaEdge faced the typical hurdles of any startup, from securing
funding to gaining market traction. Despite these challenges, the company
managed to build a robust team and a client base of over 300 educational
institutions. Their focus on creating value through technology allowed them to
carve out a niche in the competitive edtech landscape.
The Unforeseen Challenge
In March 2020, Sushil Mundada and his co-founder Abhishek
Ballabh had a solid plan for their startup, ExtraaEdge. The company, which had
been making strides in providing digital tools for educational institutions to
streamline admissions and marketing, was entering its fourth year with a clear
roadmap. But as the pandemic swept across the globe, their plans were upended.
The world was changing rapidly, and so was the educational landscape.
Facing the Pandemic's Impact
The pandemic introduced a seismic shift in how education was
delivered and consumed. For ExtraaEdge, this meant reevaluating their strategy
as the traditional methods of education and admissions became obsolete
overnight. Educational institutions, which had been slow to adopt new
technologies, now had no choice but to adapt quickly to the new normal. This
presented both a significant challenge and an opportunity for ExtraaEdge.
Adapting to New Realities
As the pandemic took hold, Sushil and his team at ExtraaEdge
faced the daunting task of helping educational institutions transition to
digital platforms. The shift was not just about moving classes online but also
about rethinking how institutions engaged with potential students and managed
their admissions processes. The need for technology became even more pronounced
as physical interactions were minimized, making digital tools indispensable.
Embracing the Opportunity
Despite the initial disruption, Sushil saw the pandemic as a
catalyst for accelerated growth. ExtraaEdge had the opportunity to play a
pivotal role in this transformation. By offering tools designed to enhance
admissions and marketing processes, the company could help institutions manage
and predict their admissions more effectively. This was a moment to not only
weather the storm but to thrive amid it.
Biography of Sushil Mundada: Founder and CEO of ExtraaEdge- Entrepreneur /Startup/edtech solutions/Age/Net worth/Success story of Sushil Mundada/
Doubling Down on Innovation
During this challenging period, ExtraaEdge focused on
doubling its customer base. The company's technology, which included CRM and
marketing automation tools, WhatsApp automation, chatbots, and application
management systems, became even more relevant. Sushil and his team worked
tirelessly to refine their offerings, ensuring that they met the evolving needs
of their clients.
Expanding Horizons
By the middle of 2020, ExtraaEdge had successfully onboarded
two international educational institutions, marking a significant milestone in
their expansion plans. This was a testament to the company's adaptability and
the growing global recognition of its products. Sushil and Abhishek were not
only navigating the domestic market but also positioning ExtraaEdge for
international growth.
Investing in the Future
In the midst of the pandemic, ExtraaEdge concluded a round
of investment, securing the necessary funds to continue its growth trajectory.
This financial backing was crucial for scaling operations and exploring new
markets. Sushil understood that this investment was not just about capital but
also about validating the company's vision and potential.
Redefining Education Technology
The pandemic forced many sectors to adapt quickly, but
education faced unique challenges. Sushil observed that while sectors like
fintech and consumer tech had embraced technology early, education lagged
behind. With 95% of higher education in India being privately owned, there was
a significant gap in technological adoption. ExtraaEdge was positioned to
bridge this gap.
The Acceleration Effect
The pandemic acted as a black swan event, accelerating
technological adoption in education by 10-15 years. For Sushil, this meant that
ExtraaEdge had to be agile and innovative. The rapid shift in educational
practices provided an unprecedented opportunity to redefine how institutions
approached admissions and marketing.
Strengthening the Team
As the company navigated these changes, Sushil's leadership
was instrumental in guiding the team through the uncertainties. The collective
effort and resilience of the team were critical in adapting to the new normal
and continuing to deliver value to their clients. Sushil's role as a co-founder
was not just about strategic decisions but also about fostering a culture of
adaptability and innovation.
Building a Stronger Network
Throughout the pandemic, ExtraaEdge strengthened its network
and partnerships. The company's involvement in industry events and
collaborations with other organizations helped in staying connected with the
broader educational and technological communities. Sushil recognized the
importance of maintaining strong relationships and leveraging them for mutual
growth.
The Hybrid Future
As the world began to emerge from the pandemic, Sushil
anticipated a hybrid future for education. The lessons learned from the
pandemic emphasized the need for a blend of technology and personal
interaction. ExtraaEdge embraced this hybrid model, ensuring that their
solutions supported both virtual and in-person engagements.
Looking Ahead
With the pandemic's impact starting to wane, ExtraaEdge's
focus shifted towards long-term growth and innovation. Sushil and his team were
determined to build on the progress made during the crisis and continue
expanding their reach. The goal was to enhance their product offerings and explore
new markets, both domestic and international.
Reflections on the Journey
Reflecting on the past year, Sushil appreciated the
challenges and opportunities that came with the pandemic. The experience had
been a rollercoaster ride, but it also reaffirmed the company's mission and
vision. ExtraaEdge had not only adapted but also thrived, positioning itself as
a leader in educational technology.
Preparing for the Future
Looking forward, Sushil was optimistic about ExtraaEdge's
future. The company was well-positioned to continue its growth and make a
significant impact on the education sector. With a strong team, a clear vision,
and a commitment to innovation, ExtraaEdge was ready to tackle new challenges
and seize new opportunities.
Conclusion
The journey of Sushil Mundada and ExtraaEdge through the
pandemic has been a story of resilience, adaptation, and growth. From
navigating the immediate challenges to planning for the future, Sushil and his
team have demonstrated the power of innovation and leadership in transforming
the education sector. As they continue to build on their success, ExtraaEdge
remains committed to revolutionizing how educational institutions approach
admissions and marketing in a rapidly changing world.
A timeline for the journey of Sushil Mundada and ExtraaEdge:
March 2015: Sushil Mundada co-founds ExtraaEdge in Pune,
focusing on edtech solutions.
Early Days: Establishes core products, including CRM and
marketing automation tools, for educational institutions.
March 2020: Faces disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
which shifts educational needs rapidly.
Mid-2020: Adapts by refining technology and onboarding
international institutions.
Investment Round: Secures funds during the pandemic to
support growth and expansion.
Post-Pandemic: Embraces a hybrid model for education,
blending technology with in-person interactions.
Future Plans: Focuses on long-term growth, expanding market
reach, and continuing innovation in educational technology.
