Transforming Edtech: Abhimanyu Saxena on Bridging the Skills Gap in the Tech Industry

Abhimanyu Saxena, the co-founder of Scaler and InterviewBit, shares insights into the journey of building one of India's leading edtech platforms. Starting with InterviewBit in 2015, the mission evolved into Scaler in 2019, aimed at bridging the gap between traditional education and industry needs. In this interview, Saxena discusses the motivation behind launching Scaler, the expansion into the Scaler School of Technology and Business, and the evolving business model. He highlights Scaler's unique approach to tech education, success stories, and how technology and strategic investments are shaping the platform's future.

StartupTalky: Briefly describe the journey of starting Scaler, including how and when it began and what motivated you to create it. 

Mr. Saxena: The journey of starting Scaler began with a deep understanding of the gaps in the tech education landscape, which my co-founder and I encountered firsthand during our careers. Having worked in high-growth tech environments like Facebook and Fab.com, we realized that despite the increasing number of graduates entering the tech industry, there was a significant disconnect between what the industry needed and what traditional education offered.

In 2015, we launched InterviewBit as a platform to help aspiring software engineers prepare for their dream jobs by honing their coding and problem-solving skills. However, as we engaged more deeply with learners and industry leaders, it became clear that the challenges went beyond interview preparation. There was a pressing need for a more structured and industry-aligned educational experience that could bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world requirements.

This realization led us to launch Scaler in 2019. Our mission was to create an upskilling platform that imparts cutting-edge technical knowledge and equips learners with the practical skills and mindset needed to thrive in top tech roles. We developed a curriculum collaborating with industry veterans, ensuring our learners are always at the forefront of technological advancements. Over the years, more than 35,000 working professionals have enrolled in Scaler’s programs, benefiting from personalized mentoring, hands-on projects, and access to a network of top industry professionals.

Our journey has been driven by the vision to empower the next generation of tech leaders and create a benchmark for excellence in tech education. With Scaler, we aim to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tech education, ensuring that our learners are well-equipped to meet the industry's evolving demands.

StartupTalky: When was Scaler School of Technology established? What drove the decision to expand into specialized areas like the Scaler School of Technology?

Mr. Saxena: Scaler School of Technology was established in 2023 as part of our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between traditional education and the evolving needs of the tech industry. Our mission to provide a more comprehensive and industry-aligned education experience for the next generation of tech leaders drove our decision to expand into specialized areas like the Scaler School of Technology.

While Scaler had already successfully upskilled working professionals and prepared them for top tech roles, we recognized the need to start this transformation earlier—at the undergraduate level. The tech industry is rapidly changing, and we saw a significant opportunity to create a curriculum that covers computer science fundamentals and provides deep exposure to emerging technologies and hands-on experience through internships and projects.

By establishing Scaler School of Technology, we aimed to create a world-class institution that goes beyond traditional academic offerings. The school’s industry-validated curriculum, expert faculty, and innovative mentorship model are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to excel in today’s competitive tech landscape.

StartupTalky: How did the concept of Scaler evolve from InterviewBit? Are there any notable differences between the two?

Mr. Saxena: While InterviewBit is a free-to-use interview prep platform, Scaler offers a more comprehensive upskilling experience with structured programs aimed at transforming individuals into skilled software engineers and tech leaders. While InterviewBit is a great tool for sharpening interview skills, Scaler provides a more holistic learning experience aimed at long-term career growth in the tech industry.

StartupTalky: Could you walk us through the founding team? How did you and your co-founder come together to start Scaler?

Mr. Saxena: Anshuman and I first crossed paths during our time at IIIT-Hyderabad, where we both developed a deep passion for coding and problem-solving. Our shared experiences in competitive programming, particularly the intense preparation for contests like ACM ICPC, forged a strong bond between us. After graduating, we each pursued different paths—I led the front-end design for Fab.com, while Anshuman worked at Facebook, where he had the opportunity to scale the Messenger feature and help establish the London office.

Despite our different experiences, we both recognized a common challenge in the tech industry: there was a significant gap between academic knowledge and the skills required to excel in real-world tech roles. This realization inspired us to come together and create InterviewBit, which initially focused on helping candidates prepare for technical interviews. However, as we worked with more learners, we realized that there was a need for a more comprehensive platform to address the deeper challenges of upskilling and career growth in tech.

This led to the founding of Scaler, where we combined our strengths—my entrepreneurial experience and my background in scaling products—to build a platform that not only prepares individuals for interviews but also equips them with the advanced skills needed to thrive in their careers. Our journey from IIIT-Hyderabad to founding Scaler has been driven by our shared vision of transforming tech education and empowering the next generation of software engineers.

StartupTalky: Could you elaborate on the Scaler business model? How does it align with the growing demand for tech education and career-oriented learning?

Mr. Saxena: Scaler’s business model is designed to address the rapidly evolving needs of the tech industry by providing a rigorous, industry-relevant education to individuals who are serious about advancing their careers. Unlike traditional educational platforms, Scaler offers a deeply immersive and structured learning experience that includes live classes, mentorship from industry experts, and access to a community of like-minded professionals.

Our courses are prepaid, reflecting the value we deliver in terms of career outcomes. We’ve seen that when learners invest in their education, they are more committed to the journey, and the results speak for themselves. The curriculum is constantly updated to keep pace with industry trends, ensuring that our students are equipped with the most in-demand skills.

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StartupTalky: How has Scaler’s revenue model evolved?

Mr. Saxena: Our revenue model has evolved significantly since our launch in 2019. We transitioned from an Income-Sharing Agreement model to an upfront fee structure, which provided a fairer and more predictable pricing model for our students. This ensures that everyone pays the same amount for the same quality of education, regardless of their circumstances. 

StartupTalky: How has Scaler grown over the years? What role has funding played in shaping your strategy, and have you received additional support from angel investors?

Mr. Saxena: Scaler has seen remarkable growth, and funding has been a driving force behind this success. Our initial backing from Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India) and Tiger Global laid the groundwork, enabling us to hire top-tier instructors, develop a cutting-edge learning platform, and keep our curriculum aligned with industry needs.

As we scaled, additional funding led by Lightrock India, a new investor, and existing investors Peak XV Partners and Tiger Global allowed us to expand into specialized areas like Data Science, DevOps, and offline expansion with Scaler School of Technology and Scaler School of Business, while also investing in technology to deliver personalized learning experiences.

This strategic expansion has yielded significant results and has allowed us to grow tremendously. This growth reflects our commitment to delivering quality education and strong career outcomes. The funding has also helped us grow our mentor network with industry leaders and enhance our career services, securing top job placements for our graduates. Beyond the financial support, our investors have provided invaluable strategic guidance, helping shape our long-term vision.

StartupTalky: What courses does Scaler offer? Could you provide a brief overview of the courses available at Scaler and Scaler School of Technology?

Mr. Saxena: Scaler provides a diverse array of courses specifically designed for tech professionals and aspiring programmers. While Scaler School of Technology and Scaler School of Business are completely residential offline programs, Scaler's upskilling offerings (Scaler Academy, Scaler DSML, Scaler DevOps) are online courses. 

These programs are not only comprehensive but also intensive, offering deep insights and practical knowledge. Crafted and delivered by seasoned industry experts and tech leaders, each course is structured to equip learners with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Here is a summary of the available courses:

Scaler

Scaler specializes in upskilling individuals in software development through structured online courses. 

Scaler Academy is the first program that we launched in 2019. It is an online accelerator program that enhances the coding skills of software professionals with a specific focus on data structures and algorithms. Its curriculum is designed to make you a solid engineer.

In 2021, Scaler launched a Data Science and Machine Learning program (Scaler DSML) developed based on insights from over 100 data scientists at leading global tech companies. The course begins with a foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms, followed by modules on Mathematics, Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Big Data.

In 2022, Scaler introduced Scaler Neovarsity, an online Master’s program in computer science with specializations in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This program was developed in partnership with Woolf University, a global higher education institution offering programs under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

In 2024, Scaler launched a new upskilling program focused on DevOps and cloud computing (Scaler DevOps). The curriculum covers Python, Data Structures and Algorithms, DevOps tools, and AWS. This program is designed for beginners interested in becoming DevOps engineers or Site Reliability Engineers (SRE) and does not require prior coding experience.

Scaler School of Technology

Scaler School of Technology is a 4-year residential undergraduate computer science program designed to revolutionize higher education for the next generation of India’s software professionals. This program offers specializations in cutting-edge technologies such as Data Science, Machine Learning, Algorithmic Trading, and Competitive Programming. What sets Scaler apart is its industry-endorsed curriculum, a faculty of leading tech professionals, and an innovative 1:1 mentorship model. Scaler School of Technology graduates earn a 3-year BSc in Computer Science from BITS Pilani and a one-year Master in Computer Science from the globally recognized Woolf University.  The master’s degree awarded by Woolf is globally recognized, with recognition from ECS and CES.

Scaler School of Business

Scaler has also introduced the Scaler School of Business, a full-time, on-campus postgraduate program in Management and Technology in Bangalore. As India’s first business school designed by industry leaders for aspiring industry leaders, it offers a curriculum that reflects the realities of today’s tech and innovation-driven businesses. The program combines rigorous theoretical learning with practical application, moving beyond traditional academic boundaries. It includes a three-month internship, case studies, industry-driven assessments, and immersive projects from top companies. This program enables students to delve deeply into emerging technologies and innovations, equipping them with cutting-edge skills in AI and related fields, making them significantly more tech-savvy and effective than the average MBA graduate.

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StartupTalky: What does the Scaler School of Business aim to achieve? How does it differentiate itself in the competitive business education market?

Mr. Saxena: According to LinkedIn data, the average number of active job openings requiring an MBA at entry and mid-junior levels decreased by 55% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Today’s job market increasingly values deep specialization over a general management MBA degree. 

Considering this, the postgraduate program at Scaler School of Business is specifically designed to bridge the gap between conventional business education and the industry's evolving needs. Developed under the guidance of industry veterans who have successfully navigated large-scale business challenges, the program offers a unique blend of theoretical rigor and practical application.

Our postgraduate program goes beyond traditional academia by incorporating a three-month internship, case studies, industry-led assessments, and hands-on projects directly sourced from top companies. This approach enables our students to delve into cutting-edge technologies and innovations, equipping them with advanced skills in AI and related fields, making them significantly more efficient and tech-savvy compared to the average MBA graduate.

In addition to an industry-aligned curriculum, through SSB, we provide students with access to top industry leaders who will design practical exercises to impart real-world wisdom. Students will receive personalized mentorship from experts in their chosen fields, emphasizing experiential learning where they tackle real-world challenges with guidance and feedback directly from industry professionals.

StartupTalky: Scaler recently went through a restructuring phase to enhance long-term growth and sustainability. Could you explain the strategic decisions behind this phase and how they impact the organization?

Mr. Saxena: The recent restructuring at Scaler is a part of our strategy to achieve long-term growth and sustainability. Currently, our focus is on cost management and, ultimately, profitability, and we had to make the difficult decision to reduce our workforce by around 10%. This was in no way a reflection of individual performance but a necessary move to optimize operations and drive sustainable growth. 

By restructuring, we aim to design a new way of working that enables growth and allows us to continue delivering the best learning experiences for our learners. This strategy will enable us to concentrate our resources better in areas that directly achieve our long-term goals by ensuring we remain competitive and adaptable to the ever-evolving edtech sector. This broader strategy is the key to ensuring we maintain both the quality of our offerings and our status quo in the education space.

StartupTalky: Scaler has invested INR 50 crore in the new Scaler School of Business (SSB). What are the main focuses of this investment, and how will it impact Scaler’s growth and the student experience?

Mr. Saxena: Our INR 50 crore investment into Scaler School of Business (SSB) was with a strategic focus on enhancing both the institution's growth as well as student experience. The amount will be primarily used to build offline infrastructure, formulate a curriculum aligned with the needs of modern businesses, foster partnerships with industry leaders, and onboard world-class experts as mentors and instructors. Through this investment, we aim to identify and address the gaps in traditional MBA programs that focus excessively on theoretical knowledge, often failing to equip students with the relevant practical skills required for today’s fast-paced, tech-driven business environment. 

We established SSB to commit to bridging this gap by offering a curriculum that promises a unique blend of both theoretical knowledge and practical application through the Postgraduate Program in Management and Technology (PGP-MT). This program has been designed to make our students ten times more competitive than the average MBA graduate. We encourage them to hone their entrepreneurial skills through industry-driven evaluations, real-life case studies from our partner companies, and access to emerging technologies such as AI. Additionally, our on-campus incubator, the Scaler Innovation Lab, allows our students to create and showcase prototypes, apps, and more, providing them with a launchpad into the world of business.

StartupTalky: What are the key success stories from Scaler? Could you share some examples of how Scaler has transformed careers and helped students achieve their goals?

Mr. Saxena: Scaler has been instrumental in transforming the careers of many aspiring tech professionals by providing them with the skills, mentorship, and support needed to achieve their goals. One of the most inspiring success stories is that of Antara Sarkar, a mother from a small town in West Bengal who, with little prior knowledge of coding, joined Scaler and built her own AI startup. Through relentless practice and the guidance of Scaler mentors, Antara turned her vision into reality, exemplifying how dedication and the right learning environment can lead to incredible achievements.

Another remarkable story is that of Prateek Agrawal, a software engineer from Bhopal, who overcame a significant speech impediment and secured a 250% salary hike after upskilling with Scaler. Prateek’s journey from a shy, underconfident individual to a self-assured professional at BookMyShow is a testament to the transformative power of Scaler’s comprehensive training and mentorship.

Manideep Siva’s story is another shining example. Hailing from Hyderabad, Manideep upskilled at Scaler, which helped him secure his dream role as SDE II at Slice with a 400% salary hike. His journey from a Tier-3 college to a high-growth startup demonstrates the impact of Scaler's personalized mentorship and industry-relevant training.

These stories highlight how Scaler is about imparting technical knowledge and empowering individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their passions, and achieve their career aspirations.

StartupTalky: How is Scaler positioned to compete in the evolving edtech landscape? What makes Scaler stand out from its competitors?

Mr. Saxena: Since its inception in April 2019, Scaler has been at the forefront of transforming tech education. Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional education and the dynamic demands of the tech industry. We achieve this by offering a meticulously structured program that enhances learners' skills and ensures they are equipped with the latest technological advancements.

Several key differentiators characterize Scaler's unique approach to tech education. One of the most notable aspects of our program is our emphasis on personalized learning. Unlike traditional educational methods, Scaler provides each learner with a dedicated Teaching Assistant (TA) who offers tailored support, guidance, and feedback. This personalized approach ensures that learners progress at their own pace and maximize their potential.

Another key differentiator is our industry-driven curriculum. Our curriculum is co-created with industry experts and is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends in technology. This ensures that our learners are not just learning but mastering the skills that are currently in demand.

In addition to personalized learning and an industry-driven curriculum, we offer our learners the opportunity to learn from over 2,000 professionals from leading global tech companies, including MAANG firms. These experts bring real-world insights and experience to the classroom and act as instructors, mentors, and career coaches.

Scaler has partnered with over 1,000 organizations, including Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Flipkart, and Uber. These collaborations enrich our curriculum and provide our learners with extensive job opportunities.

StartupTalky: What role does technology play in your vision for Scaler? How are you integrating emerging technologies into your curriculum and operations?

Mr. Saxena: LLMs offer a unique opportunity to hyper-personalize the learning experience for each student. We've been experimenting with using an AI teaching assistant, which students can chat with during the lecture and resolve their queries. Often, students feel shy in asking questions in the middle of class, stopping the whole class. However, we've seen many more students interacting with the chatbot, which is pre-trained on the content and context of the topic taught in the specific classroom.

Apart from just giving answers to specific queries, we're also experimenting with utilizing learning techniques like the Socratic method of teaching, where in response to a student's question, another question is asked, which leads students to discover the right answer instead of answering directly. This approach helps students build critical thinking and the ability to find the answers themselves using reasoning and logic rather than just knowing facts, which leads to them becoming much better problem solvers and first-principle thinkers. Building such tools was impossible until just a year back, as the kind of capabilities that advance LLM models like GHT-4 and Llama 16b expose were not available. However, we already see a significant impact on learning outcomes when such techniques are implemented in the student's learning process.

StartupTalky: What does the future hold for Scaler? How do you see Scaler evolving in the next five years, especially considering recent challenges and opportunities?

Mr. Saxena: In the near future, we plan to sustain substantial revenue growth from 30-40% from FY24 to FY25. Our focus extends beyond financial progress to consistently delivering high-quality education and essential skills to our learners. At Scaler, we believe execution is equally essential for success in online learning. Therefore, we continuously experiment with and incorporate new methodologies for teaching and learning to ensure effective outcomes.

Additionally, our foray into the offline space with Scaler School of Technology and Scaler School of Business represents significant strides towards creating a holistic educational environment. The decision to move offline was driven by the need for a residential program that not only imparts technical skills but also provides mentorship and guidance, focusing on soft skills, communication, teamwork, and strong technical foundations.

Ultimately, we aim to bridge the demand-supply gap in the tech industry by producing highly skilled and well-rounded professionals.

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