Leap, a Bengaluru-based study abroad platform, has secured $65 million in a Series E funding round, further strengthening its position in the global education market. This round was led by Apis Growth Markets Fund III and Apis Global Growth Fund III, both managed by UK-based Apis Partners. Existing investors, including Owl Ventures, Jungle Ventures, and Peak XV Partners, also participated in the funding. With this latest capital infusion, Leap has now raised over $200 million, reinforcing its vision to simplify international education for students worldwide.
Leap’s Business Model and Growth Strategy
Founded in 2019 by Vaibhav Singh and Arnav Kumar, Leap has emerged as a leading platform offering end-to-end services for students aspiring to study abroad. The company provides essential solutions such as counseling, visa assistance, education loans, and a suite of financial products designed for international students. Its unique combination of human expertise and AI-powered tools allows it to offer personalized guidance, setting it apart in a competitive market.
What makes Leap’s business model compelling is its integrated approach to student support. Unlike traditional platforms that only focus on application processes, Leap covers the entire journey—from career counseling and university selection to securing financial aid and visa approvals. This seamless experience has contributed to its rapid growth, with the company serving over a million students across 10+ countries. Its strong network includes partnerships with more than 1,000 educational institutions globally, enabling students to access diverse opportunities.
Funding Impact and Future Plans
The new funding will enable Leap to expand its operations, enhance its AI-driven offerings, and introduce more innovative products to streamline the student journey. With the increasing demand for global education, Leap aims to strengthen its technological capabilities, ensuring students receive better insights, tailored recommendations, and faster application processing.
Vaibhav Singh, co-founder of Leap, highlighted the company’s exponential growth, stating, “Students love Leap’s one-stop approach to their international education needs. We have witnessed 5x growth since our Series D two years ago. Today, Leap is not only the study abroad platform of choice in India but is fast establishing itself as a global leader with scaling operations in 10+ countries. Building for the world from India is something we are very proud of.”
Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap, also emphasized how AI-driven advancements will accelerate their offerings, making global education more accessible. “Ensuring student success is why we exist, and the AI revolution we are seeing today will allow us to continue to deepen our existing offerings at a faster pace than ever before,” he added.
Investor Confidence and Market Potential
Leap’s latest funding round underscores strong investor confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory. Matteo Stefanel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Apis Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about Leap’s potential, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Leap and to support its transformative approach to global education. Leap is using technology to not only help students find and access the right educational opportunities but also equip them with the tools to succeed.”
Owl Ventures, another key investor, acknowledged Leap’s dominance in the study-abroad space. “Having funded close to $200 million in student loans and secured partnerships with thousands of universities globally, Leap is the de facto platform that students rely on to make their international education dreams a reality,” said Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures.
Jungle Ventures, which has backed Leap in previous funding rounds, reiterated its belief in the company’s potential to expand regionally and globally. Yash Sankrityayan, Managing Partner for SE Asia investments at Jungle Ventures, remarked, “Leap has continued to scale profitably while also expanding regionally to prove that they are building for a global demand.”
The Evolution of the Study Abroad Market
The global education industry has witnessed a significant shift, with more students opting for international studies than ever before. The increasing availability of student loans, scholarships, and financial products has made global education more accessible. Leap’s role in this evolving landscape is crucial, as it not only facilitates smoother transitions for students but also simplifies the complexities of overseas education.
India, in particular, has emerged as one of the largest markets for students seeking international degrees. The demand for study-abroad services is expected to rise further, driven by factors such as enhanced career prospects, better earning potential, and exposure to global academic environments. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, Leap is well-positioned to address this demand effectively.
Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
Leap’s journey provides valuable insights for startups and entrepreneurs looking to build scalable, impact-driven businesses. One of the key takeaways is the importance of addressing real-world problems with innovative solutions. By combining technology with personalized services, Leap has created a niche for itself in a highly competitive industry.
Additionally, the company’s ability to pivot and expand internationally showcases the power of strategic partnerships and investor backing. Scaling a business globally requires a deep understanding of market needs, a strong network of stakeholders, and a robust technological framework—all of which Leap has successfully implemented.
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