CarDekho Invests $10 Million in CollegeDekho to Enhance Reach in Tier II and III Cities

SUMMARY
CarDekho Group, a leader in the auto-tech sector, has announced a significant investment of $10 million in the edtech platform CollegeDekho, underscoring its commitment to the company’s long-term vision and its mission to enhance access to higher education throughout India. This latest funding effectively doubles CarDekho’s total investment in the educational startup.
Established in 2015 by Ruchir Arora, CollegeDekho serves as a comprehensive platform for higher education discovery and admissions, assisting students in exploring academic opportunities both in India and internationally. The platform provides a variety of services, including preparation for entrance exams, career counselling, course and college selection, and complete admission support.
Aiming for Greater Reach Beyond Major Cities
With the newly acquired funds, CollegeDekho intends to bolster its presence in Tier II and Tier III cities, where access to quality educational guidance is still limited. A key initiative will be the expansion of ‘CollegeDekho Assured’, a programme designed to help students enroll in industry-aligned degree programmes in collaboration with partner universities across the nation.
Over the years, CollegeDekho has established a robust institutional network, partnering with over 2,000 colleges and universities. The company reported nearly 170 million platform sessions last year and has successfully guided more than 4 million students through the admissions process.
Leadership Emphasizes Long-Term Goals
Amit Jain, co-founder and CEO of CarDekho, commented on the investment, stating that this continued support reflects the group’s belief in CollegeDekho’s vital role in making quality education and career guidance accessible to all. He highlighted the
platform’s importance in closing information gaps for students, particularly those from underserved regions.
Ruchir Arora, Founder and CEO of CollegeDekho, expressed that the funding would accelerate the company’s mission to create a more inclusive and future-ready educational ecosystem. He emphasized the focus on equipping India’s youth with relevant skills, personalized guidance, and access to meaningful career opportunities.
Financial Performance and Competitive Landscape
In FY24, CollegeDekho reported a 32% increase in revenue, reaching ₹216 crore. However, the company’s net loss remained steady at ₹129 crore. Advertising expenses surged by 35% to ₹97 crore, making up nearly 45% of operating revenue, as the platform continued to invest significantly in user acquisition. Employee costs amounted to ₹156 crore, showing a slight decline year-on-year.
Despite the revenue growth, CollegeDekho concluded FY24 with cash and bank balances of approximately ₹3 crore, while current assets stood at ₹211 crore. The edtech sector remains highly competitive, with several niche players, particularly in overseas admissions, achieving profitability and intensifying competition.
About CarDekho Group
Founded in 2008 by brothers Amit Jain and Anurag Jain, CarDekho Group manages a range of auto-tech and financial services platforms that cater to nearly 50 million active users each month. Over the years, the group has attracted investment from notable global and domestic investors, including Peak XV, Hillhouse Capital, CapitalG, Advent Group, LeapFrog, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank.
With this latest investment, CarDekho is not only reinforcing its presence in the auto tech space but is also positioning education as a crucial pillar in India’s digital growth narrative.
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