Skillsvest Raises ₹5.5 Crore to Scale “Pay Only If You Earn” Education Financing for Global Scholars
What is the news?
Skillsvest, a rising fintech force in the education sector, has announced a significant milestone with the closure of a ₹5.5 crore pre-seed funding round. Led by the renowned Plug and Play Ventures, the round also saw participation from Sascha Mornell and strategic backing from prestigious accelerators including UC Berkeley SkyDeck. This capital infusion is earmarked for scaling student financing operations, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and expanding their partner ecosystem.
Why is it interesting?
Founded by the visionary duo Sreemaan Thiruppathiraja and Deborah Schermann, Skillsvest is tackling the financial hurdles of international education head-on. Their unique platform offers Indian students pursuing master’s programs in the UK, US, and Europe a way to fund tuition and living expenses without the traditional burdens of collateral or co-signers. By implementing an income-linked repayment trigger, the startup ensures that students only begin paying back their support once they have secured a career that crosses a specific income threshold.
Currently, Skillsvest has already deployed over ₹1.2 crore and maintains a robust waitlist of over 3,000 aspiring global students. By leveraging a network of over 4,500 college counselors across India, the company is positioning itself as a vital bridge between Indian talent and global innovation hubs. Over the next year, the team aims to deepen this impact, fostering a broader ecosystem centered on successful career outcomes for the Indian diaspora.
Read more: Skillsvest raises Rs 5.5 Cr pre-seed round led by Plug and Play Ventures