Unacademy, one of India’s most recognised edtech startups, has opened up about being in active merger and acquisition (M&A) discussions. The confirmation came directly from co-founder Gaurav Munjal, who reflected on the company’s ten-year journey while sharing this important update. His message was clear and honest: Unacademy is exploring possibilities that might shape its future, but only if the move makes the business stronger and more meaningful for learners and educators. This announcement has sparked curiosity across the startup world, as the company has been a major player in India’s digital education boom.
The Shift in EdTech and Why the Talks Matter
Unacademy became a household name during the peak of online learning, especially during the pandemic. Students shifted entirely to digital platforms, and the company saw record growth. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Many learners have returned to offline coaching, competition has increased, and investor sentiment in edtech has cooled down. These changes have encouraged the company to rethink and reassess its long-term plans.
The M&A discussions highlight a broader trend in the startup ecosystem, where sustainability is now valued more than rapid expansion. Unacademy’s decision reflects an understanding that the future will belong to businesses that can balance innovation with financial discipline. Munjal’s message also hinted that the aim is not to chase large valuations but to make decisions that secure the company’s long-term stability.
A Decade of Growth and Transformation
Unacademy’s journey has been eventful and inspiring. It began over a decade ago as a simple YouTube channel created to share helpful lessons. In 2015, it transformed into a formal startup and quickly attracted attention for its ability to reach students across India. Over the next few years, it raised large sums of funding, partnered with top educators, and scaled rapidly. At one point, it became one of India’s highest-valued edtech companies.
But as the market shifted, the company found itself at a turning point. The demand for online learning normalised, and the push for offline coaching made growth more challenging. In response, Unacademy worked on strengthening its business model. It reduced heavy expenses, improved operational efficiency, and focused on offering more value-driven courses. This helped the company reduce its losses and regain a more stable financial position. These improvements have now positioned Unacademy to consider strategic mergers that could take the brand forward.
What the Next Chapter Could Look Like
M&A talks can mean many things. It could be a merger with another major education company or an acquisition that gives Unacademy access to new resources, technologies, or learners. Munjal made it clear that the company will only move ahead if the deal helps every part of the ecosystem, especially students and teachers. For Unacademy, this moment represents an opportunity to build something more impactful by combining strengths with the right partner.
The potential deal could open doors to a wider audience, new products, and advanced learning formats. It could also help the company compete better in a crowded market. While the final outcome of these talks is still unknown, the direction suggests that Unacademy is preparing for a smarter and more resilient future.
An Important Moment for India’s EdTech Industry
Unacademy’s openness about M&A discussions marks an important shift for the Indian edtech sector. The industry is entering a phase where growth depends on strategy, partnerships, and long-term thinking. Companies are becoming more selective, practical, and focused on building sustainable operations.
Unacademy’s willingness to adapt shows maturity and awareness of where the industry is heading. As it explores this new path, the next few months will likely determine how the company evolves in a fast-changing learning environment. What remains unchanged is its goal to make education accessible, enjoyable, and effective for students across India.