Biography of Himanshu Chaurasia: Founder and CEO of CoGrad -Entrepreneur
Biography of Himanshu Chaurasia:
Vision for Education: The Story of CoGrad
In a small village in Uttar Pradesh, two young visionaries,
Himanshu Chaurasia and Saurabh Yadav, dreamed of transforming education. Having
experienced firsthand the challenges of rural schooling, they recognized the
urgent need for quality, affordable education. This vision led to the birth of
CoGrad, an innovative education platform that aims to provide students with
modern learning opportunities while empowering teachers with AI-driven tools.
A Journey of Passion and Innovation
Himanshu and Saurabh, both alumni of prestigious
institutions—Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology and IIT—founded
CoGrad in 2021. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to revive closed-down
village schools and convert them into centers of learning excellence. With a
deep understanding of education gaps, they designed a model that integrates
affordability, technology, and inclusivity.
Making Learning Accessible and Affordable
CoGrad operates with a student-centric approach. For just
₹500 per month, children from classes 1 to 8 gain access to quality education,
well-trained teachers, and a structured curriculum. Their model aligns with NEP
2020 and NCF 2023, ensuring that students receive education relevant to modern
challenges.
The Power of AI in Education
A standout feature of CoGrad is Medha AI, an assistive tool
that helps teachers generate lesson plans, assessments, and educational
materials. What makes it unique is its ability to function even in offline
environments, making it highly useful for remote villages with limited internet
access.
Impact Beyond Classrooms
The results of CoGrad’s efforts have been remarkable. Their
students actively participate in prestigious competitions and conclaves at top
universities in India. These success stories are proof that given the right
opportunities, children from rural backgrounds can excel just as much as those
from urban areas.
The ‘OYO of Schools’ Approach
To expand their reach, CoGrad follows a low-cost,
high-impact model—renting out shut-down schools and revamping them into fully
functional institutions. Their long-term goal is to establish 1,000 schools
across India, bringing quality education to four lakh students in the next
decade.
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Shark Tank India: A Game-Changing Moment
CoGrad’s journey took a big leap when they pitched their
idea on Shark Tank India, Season 4. Seeking ₹1 crore for 2% equity, the
founders passionately explained their vision to the panel of investors,
highlighting their commitment to rural education.
Winning Over the Sharks
The judges were deeply moved by their efforts, especially
when they revealed that 60% of their students are girls. One story, in
particular, left Ritesh Agarwal with goosebumps—a mother of three daughters
shared how she faced criticism for not having a son, yet she was determined to
give her girls the best education possible.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite their impactful mission, the Sharks raised concerns
about CoGrad’s revenue model. Surprisingly, 80% of their revenue came from
teacher training and skill-based courses rather than the school business
itself. This raised doubts about whether the core focus was on education or
financial sustainability.
Navigating Tough Questions
Kunal Bahl and Anupam Mittal hesitated, questioning whether
CoGrad was chasing money instead of focusing on scaling their schools. However,
the founders clarified that these additional revenue streams were a means to
sustain and grow their educational efforts.
A Deal is Struck
Impressed by their dedication, Ritesh Agarwal, Namita
Thapar, and Vineeta Singh stepped forward with an offer. After negotiations,
CoGrad secured ₹50 lakh for 6% equity and ₹50 lakh as debt at 9% interest for
three years. This valued the company at ₹8.33 crores, significantly lower than
their initial ask but still a crucial investment.
A Moment of Triumph
For Himanshu and Saurabh, this deal was more than just
funding—it was a validation of their mission. The Sharks’ belief in their
potential reinforced their determination to expand CoGrad and make a lasting
impact on rural education.
Scaling Up for the Future
With financial backing and mentorship from the Sharks,
CoGrad is now focused on expanding its network of schools, improving its
AI-powered tools, and reaching more underserved communities. Their journey is
just beginning, but their vision remains unwavering.
A Legacy in the Making
CoGrad is not just about education; it’s about empowerment,
inclusivity, and change. By giving children in rural India access to quality
learning, Himanshu and Saurabh are shaping the future of the nation—one school
at a time.
Inspiring Generations to Come
Their story is a testament to the power of vision,
resilience, and determination. CoGrad’s success proves that education is the
most powerful tool for transformation, and with the right support, even the
most ambitious dreams can become reality.
Timeline for story
2021 – CoGrad founded by Himanshu Chaurasia and Saurabh
Yadav.
2022 – Launched first revived village school with AI-powered
tools.
2023 – Expanded to multiple rural schools; introduced Medha
AI.
2024 – Featured on Shark Tank India S4; secured ₹50 lakh for
6% equity and ₹50 lakh as debt at 9% interest.
Future Goal – Plans to establish 1,000 schools and educate 4
lakh students in the next decade.
