India’s edtech sector is buzzing once again—and this time, it’s about two of the most influential names in the space. This major Unacademy Co-Founders Exit is one of the most talked-about moves in India’s startup ecosystem. Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini, the visionary co-founders of Unacademy, are stepping down from their leadership positions in the prominent Indian edtech company. But their journey is far from over. The duo is now setting their sights on a new edtech startup in India—Airlearn—that promises to redefine the future of online learning platforms in India.
Let’s dive deeper into this transition, what it means for Unacademy, and what we can expect from Airlearn, a new-age education platform that reflects the evolution of Indian edtech.
Who Are the Visionaries Behind Unacademy Co-Founders Exit?
Gaurav Munjal, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, and Roman Saini, a former IAS officer, co-founded Unacademy in 2015 with the goal of democratizing education in India. What began as a YouTube channel transformed into one of the country’s largest edtech platforms, offering courses for competitive exams, upskilling, and more.
Their combined passion, vision, and bold decision-making helped Unacademy raise millions from top investors, acquire rival startups, and dominate the Indian edtech sector alongside Byju’s and Vedantu.
What Led to the Unacademy Co-Founders Exit and What It Means
The exit of Munjal and Saini from Unacademy’s leadership roles comes as a surprise to many. While official statements are yet to confirm the finer details, industry insiders suggest several possible reasons:
- Strategic Reset: Post-pandemic corrections have forced edtech companies in India to rethink growth strategies.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founders like Munjal and Saini thrive on building. With Unacademy now a mature business, they may be itching to start fresh with a new education technology startup.
- Airlearn’s Vision: Their new venture reportedly aligns better with emerging trends like micro-learning, creator-led content, and AI-based personalization—hallmarks of the next generation of online learning platforms in India.
While they may step away from day-to-day operations, they’re likely to remain connected as board members or strategic advisors.
“As the Unacademy Co-Founders Exit takes shape, their new project Airlearn is expected to bring a fresh approach to online education.”
What is Airlearn? The New Vision
Airlearn: The Startup Born After Unacademy Co-Founders Exit
Unacademy isn’t shutting down—it’s evolving. With the founders stepping aside, the company is expected to transition toward a more professionally-run organization, possibly preparing for long-term sustainability or even IPO readiness.
Potential Impacts Include:
- Fresh leadership perspectives and operational clarity
- A more stable governance model for investors
- Separation of new innovation (Airlearn) from Unacademy’s core
This could also help avoid internal competition between the two ventures.
The Unacademy Co-Founders Exit may also lead to strategic independence between the two companies—Unacademy and Airlearn.
What This Move Means for Unacademy’s Future
Details are still emerging, but Airlearn is being shaped as a next-generation Indian edtech startup—possibly lighter, more agile, and creator-friendly. Unlike Unacademy’s broader approach, Airlearn might focus on:
- Niche Skills: Quick, focused modules to learn high-demand skills.
- Creator-Led Learning: Empowering individual educators and content creators.
- AI & Personalization: Adaptive tech to deliver custom learning journeys.
This signals a shift from traditional exam-focused edtech to future-forward, on-demand learning experiences in India. The Unacademy Co-Founders exit could be a catalyst for a new era of professional governance and strategic focus.
How the EdTech Ecosystem is Reacting
The news has sparked mixed reactions across the Indian startup and investment community:
- Excitement: Many applaud the boldness of starting over, especially in a market that has become cautious.
- Curiosity: The nature of Airlearn and its unique value proposition has piqued interest.
- Skepticism: Some worry if Unacademy will lose momentum without its founding team at the helm.
However, most agree—this isn’t a retreat. It’s reinvention within India’s dynamic edtech landscape.
Lessons for Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs
This move holds several key takeaways for the entrepreneurial community in India. One major insight from the Unacademy Co-Founders Exit is knowing when to evolve or pivot to match market timing
- Know When to Let Go: Founders must recognize when a business needs new leadership for its next phase.
- Reinvention is Powerful: Even successful entrepreneurs can (and should) start over when the market demands it. For aspiring founders ready to take the plunge, our Startup India Registration 2025 guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to help launch your dream business in India
- Solve the Next Problem: Don’t get too attached to legacy—focus on what needs fixing next.
Munjal and Saini are setting an example of how success isn’t just about growth—it’s also about evolution in the startup and edtech sectors.
Final Thoughts: Reinventing in the Startup World
With the Unacademy Co-Founders Exit, India may witness a second wave of founder-driven innovation in the edtech sector. The journey of Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini—from building Unacademy into a unicorn to stepping away for Airlearn—is a rare blend of courage, clarity, and curiosity. In a world where many founders hold on too long, this story shows that sometimes the boldest move is to start again.
Airlearn has the potential to be India’s next big edtech disruptor—and the startup ecosystem is watching closely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Unacademy’s co-founders step down from their leadership roles?
Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini stepped down to start a new edtech venture—Airlearn. They’re driven by the desire to innovate and address emerging trends in online learning.
What is Airlearn and how is it different from Unacademy?
Airlearn is a new Indian edtech startup focused on niche skills, micro-learning, and creator-led content. It uses AI to personalize learning, unlike Unacademy’s broader exam-oriented approach.
Will Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini still be involved with Unacademy?
Yes, they may continue to serve in strategic or advisory roles, but they have stepped back from active daily operations.
Is Unacademy shutting down after the co-founders’ exit?
No, Unacademy is not shutting down. It’s transitioning to a more professionally managed model and may even be preparing for an IPO.
What can we expect from Airlearn in the coming months?
Airlearn will likely roll out bite-sized, high-impact learning modules, focused on personalization and creator-led education. Stay tuned to updates via platforms like Inc42 or TechCrunch.
How has the startup and investor community reacted to this news?
The response is mixed—many praise the move as visionary, while others wonder how Unacademy will fare without its founding leadership.
What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from this transition?
This shows the importance of knowing when to evolve or start fresh, even after success. It's a reminder that innovation often comes from letting go and moving forward.
Where can I follow updates on Airlearn’s launch?
You can follow Airlearn's journey on credible sources like YourStory, LiveMint, and Economic Ti_
