Biography of Ayush Bansal: Founder and CEO of iDreamCareer- Entrepreneur
Ayush Bansal’s Early Journey: A Vision for Change
Ayush Bansal, a passionate career counselor and
entrepreneur, began his journey into the world of education and career guidance
with a deeply personal experience. At the age of 17, while helping a domestic
worker return to education, Ayush recognized the challenges that many students
face in choosing the right career. This moment sparked his passion for helping
young people navigate their futures. Later, at the age of 22, he made a bold
decision to leave his lucrative job in investment banking to address this issue
by founding iDreamCareer.
Founding iDreamCareer: The Birth of an Idea
In 2012, Ayush Bansal took a significant step by launching
iDreamCareer, a platform focused on career counseling for students. His aim was
to create a comprehensive service that would help students make informed
decisions about their careers. iDreamCareer has grown into India’s largest
career counseling service, providing guidance to millions of students every
year. The platform offers resources such as psychometric assessments,
personalized counseling, and extensive content on careers and colleges, making it
a trusted name in the field of education.
The Impact of iDreamCareer
iDreamCareer has made a considerable impact, reaching over
20 million students across India and partnering with top organizations,
including 16 state governments, leading private schools, and corporate
foundations. The platform focuses on increasing the enrollment rate in senior
secondary schools and higher education, which has helped students make better
choices about their future paths. iDreamCareer’s outreach has also expanded
internationally to the Middle East, enhancing its global impact.
Aasman Foundation: Empowering Students
In addition to iDreamCareer, Ayush founded the Aasman
Foundation in 2017, a non-profit organization working alongside iDreamCareer to
offer career counseling to students. The foundation focuses on helping students
from disadvantaged backgrounds access the right resources and guidance to
achieve their career goals. Aasman Foundation has collaborated with various
organizations, including the Punjab government, to launch career portals and
expand access to career guidance in underserved areas.
Medhavi Foundation: A Commitment to Vocational Training
Before iDreamCareer, Ayush co-founded the Medhavi Foundation
in 2012, focusing on vocational training in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The
organization aimed to provide skills training and career guidance to students
in rural areas, preparing them for the workforce. After five years of leading
the foundation, Ayush decided to streamline his focus and exited Medhavi in
2017 to dedicate his efforts to expanding iDreamCareer.
From Analyst to Entrepreneur
Ayush’s career started in the field of equity research,
where he worked as an analyst for Evalueserve, covering the UK small and
mid-cap sector. Despite the promising start, he soon realized his true calling
lay in education and career counseling. After his time in investment banking,
Ayush chose to step away from the corporate world and dive into the
entrepreneurial world to solve the problem of career uncertainty faced by
students.
Biography of Ayush Bansal: Founder and CEO of iDreamCareer- Entrepreneur/ career counseling to students/age/net worth/investor/startup/iDreamCareer
Shark Tank India: A Pivotal Moment
In 2024, Ayush Bansal and his co-founder, Squadron Leader N.
Praveen Kumar, made a bold pitch on Shark Tank India Season 3. They sought an
investment of ₹1.10 crore for a 1.28% equity stake in iDreamCareer. Their pitch
highlighted the importance of career counseling and the lack of resources
available to students, particularly in rural areas. They impressed the sharks
with their vision of making career guidance accessible to millions of students
across India.
The Sharks’ Response: Mixed Reactions
While the founders impressed many of the sharks, there was
some skepticism around their business model. Peyush Bansal, the founder of
Lenskart, raised concerns about the sustainability of the business,
particularly the B2C model, which was not profitable. He pointed out that
iDreamCareer’s model needed refinement to become a more scalable and efficient
business. Despite these concerns, other sharks, including Aman Gupta and Ritesh
Agarwal, saw the potential for social impact and were more supportive of the idea.
A Deal with the Sharks
Despite some reservations, the pitch turned into a success
when Ayush and Praveen received an offer from Aman Gupta and Ritesh Agarwal.
They agreed to invest ₹1.10 crore at a ₹60 crore valuation. The deal included
₹60 lakh in equity and ₹50 lakh in debt at 8% interest for two years. This deal
marked a major milestone for iDreamCareer, providing the company with the funds
and mentorship needed to expand further.
The Vision for Expansion
With the backing of Aman and Ritesh, iDreamCareer is set to
expand its services to a wider audience, particularly targeting rural and
underprivileged students. The deal also opened up new opportunities for the
platform, allowing it to reach more students across India and beyond. Ayush and
Praveen are now focused on refining their business models and implementing the
advice they received from the sharks, ensuring the platform remains impactful
and sustainable.
A Public Recognition of Impact
Ayush’s dedication to making a difference in the education
sector has earned him recognition both in India and internationally. In 2016,
he was selected as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs by the US State Department
and attended the Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by President Barack
Obama. His efforts have also led to iDreamCareer being recognized as one of the
top 200 EdTech companies globally, cementing his reputation as a leader in the
field of career counseling.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
As with any entrepreneurial journey, Ayush has faced
numerous challenges along the way. Building a business from the ground up has
required constant adaptation, and Ayush has had to refine his approach to
address both business growth and the social impact of his platform. Through his
experiences, he has learned the importance of clear vision, flexibility, and
the ability to respond to feedback from stakeholders and investors.
A Bright Future Ahead
The future of iDreamCareer looks promising. With continued
backing from investors, strategic partnerships, and a strong commitment to
social change, Ayush and his team are poised to help millions of students make
informed decisions about their futures. As the platform evolves, Ayush remains
dedicated to expanding its reach and ensuring that career counseling is
accessible to students from all walks of life, particularly those in
underserved communities.
Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Ayush Bansal’s journey from a career in investment banking
to founding one of India’s most influential career counseling platforms is a
story of passion, dedication, and a strong desire to create positive change.
His work with iDreamCareer and Aasman Foundation has already touched the lives
of millions, and with the continued support of his investors and partners, he
is determined to continue making a difference in the lives of students across
the world.
A timeline for Ayush Bansal's journey:
2008: Ayush helps a domestic worker return to education,
sparking his passion for career counseling.
2012: Ayush co-founds Medhavi Foundation to focus on
vocational training.
2012: Launches iDreamCareer, aiming to provide career
counseling to students.
2016: Recognized as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs by the
US State Department.
2017: Founding of Aasman Foundation to provide career
counseling to underserved students.
2017: Exits Medhavi Foundation to focus on iDreamCareer.
2024: Pitches iDreamCareer on Shark Tank India, securing a
deal with investors Aman Gupta and Ritesh Agarwal.
2024: iDreamCareer is recognized as one of the top 200
EdTech companies globally.
