Byju’s, a leading figure in India’s tech startup scene, faced a significant downturn as a court-appointed agent in the US declared bankruptcy for one of its units, following a default on $1.2 billion in debt. This development is part of a series of challenges for Byju’s, including alleged financial mismanagement and accounting irregularities, leading to a dramatic 95% drop in valuation from $22 billion in 2022 to $1 billion recently.
Investor Response and Leadership Challenges
Last week, significant shareholders, including Prosus, voted to remove Byju Raveendran, the company’s founder, from the CEO position amid governance and financial management concerns. Despite the unanimous resolutions passed by shareholders to address these issues and reconstitute the Board of Directors, Byju’s dismissed the extraordinary general meeting’s outcomes as invalid, citing a low turnout and legal protections from the Karnataka High Court.
The Rise of Byju’s
Founded in 2011 by teacher and engineer Byju Raveendran, Byju’s quickly ascended to prominence within the edtech sector. The company’s flagship product, Byju’s — The Learning App, achieved remarkable adoption, with the Covid-19 pandemic further accelerating its growth as demand for online education soared. This period saw Byju’s reaching over 100 million monthly students and embarking on an aggressive acquisition strategy to expand its offerings and market presence.
Market Saturation and Operational Struggles
The end of pandemic restrictions brought a slowdown in online learning, compelling Byju’s to downsize its workforce significantly. Governance concerns, the resignation of its auditor Deloitte, and the departure of key board members have further compounded the company’s troubles. Byju’s late financial disclosures revealed substantial operating losses, underscoring the urgent need for improved governance and financial health.
Future Outlook and Recovery Efforts
In response to its financial difficulties, Byju’s is pursuing a $200 million rights issue to address its liabilities and operational expenses. Despite the challenges, the company remains hopeful, emphasizing its commitment to governance improvements and stakeholder interests. The bankruptcy of Byju’s U.S. unit Alpha marks a critical juncture, but the firm’s leadership expresses confidence in rebuilding shareholder trust and navigating through these turbulent times.
