Schoolguru

TeamLease EdTech, formerly known as Schoolguru Eduserve, operates as a technology-driven academic services organization. The company was established in Mumbai in 2012 by Shantanu Rooj, Anil Bhat, and Maqsood Khan. Rooj, a serial entrepreneur with a background in engineering from IIT (BHU) and an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, identified a significant opportunity for improvement within India's distance learning sector. He observed that poor quality learning materials and inadequate student support were significant hindrances. This insight, developed over a year of research, led to the creation of Schoolguru. His co-founders, Anil Bhat and Ravi Rangan, also brought extensive corporate and IT experience to the venture.

The firm was conceptualized to act as a back-end service provider for universities, particularly government institutions, helping them launch, manage, and administer online degree programs. This model allows universities to leverage Schoolguru's cloud-based platform and services while retaining their established brand and student base. In 2017, TeamLease Services, a major staffing company, acquired a 40% stake in Schoolguru, which then became an associate company, eventually rebranding to TeamLease EdTech. This strategic acquisition was aimed at bolstering TeamLease's employability mission, which focuses on education, employability, and employment.

TeamLease EdTech's business model is centered on a revenue-sharing arrangement with its partner universities. The company earns a percentage of the student fees, which can range from 20% to 70%, depending on the scope of services provided. These services are comprehensive, encompassing a learning management system, a digital library, mobile learning platforms, admission management, fee management, and examination management systems. The company also offers content digitization and develops customized course content in multiple languages, including nine regional Indian languages. It works with a network of academics and professors to create syllabus-based content.

The company serves a dual clientele: higher education institutions and corporate clients. For universities, it transforms traditional distance education into a more engaging digital format. For corporates, it provides a suite of training solutions, including induction programs, upskilling, and work-linked learning programs designed to enhance employee productivity. A key offering is the degree apprenticeship program, which integrates on-the-job experience with formal education, allowing students to 'learn while they earn'. This approach addresses the skills gap by making students more employable upon graduation. Through its mobile application, Lurningo, students can access downloadable lectures, interactive materials, and participate in discussion forums, making education more accessible, especially in remote areas.

Keywords: edtech, higher education services, online program management, OPM, distance learning solutions, employability training, corporate training, degree apprenticeship, skill development, learning management system, university partnerships, digital content creation, student support services, Shantanu Rooj, academic services, workforce development, online degrees, e-learning platform, TeamLease, Schoolguru