Upgrad Co-founder Mayank Kumar steps down to launch new global talent venture – Moneycontrol
Mayank Kumar, co-founder of edtech platform Upgrad, has stepped down from his role to pursue a new venture focused on global talent. He will be launching a new company that aims to connect skilled professionals with global opportunities.
Kumar co-founded Upgrad in 2015 with Ronnie Screwvala and Phalgun Kompalli. The platform offers online courses and degree programs from top universities and institutions around the world. Upgrad has raised over $500 million in funding and has a strong track record of success. Kumar was instrumental in the company’s growth and expansion, playing a key role in product development, partnerships, and overall strategy. He will continue to be an advisor to Upgrad in his new role. In a LinkedIn post, Kumar said that he was excited to “embark on a new journey to build something truly impactful.” He added that he will continue to champion education and upskilling initiatives.
“After almost 8 years of building Upgrad and witnessing firsthand the transformational power of education in empowering individuals, I’ve decided to embark on a new journey to build something truly impactful. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved at Upgrad, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the company. This new chapter will allow me to focus my energy on addressing the growing demand for global talent. This opportunity gives me the chance to leverage my passion for technology, innovation, and education to create a truly unique platform that connects talented individuals with incredible opportunities worldwide. While this will be a new adventure for me, I’ll be staying on as an advisor to Upgrad to continue contributing to their vision and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the education revolution. To all the amazing talent at Upgrad, thank you for being part of my journey. I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of you. The best is yet to come. This journey was made possible thanks to an amazing team who believed in Upgrad and together we turned it into a household name. My heart will always be with this company and I’m looking forward to staying in touch. Stay tuned for more updates soon!” Kumar said in his post. In a statement, Upgrad said that they were “grateful for Mayank’s contribution to Upgrad” and that they were “excited to see what he does next.” “Mayank has been an integral part of Upgrad’s journey and has played a key role in shaping our vision and driving our success,” the statement read. “We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to Upgrad and wish him the best in his future endeavors. We believe that his new venture will have a significant impact on the global talent landscape.” Upgrad has appointed former Adobe executive Arjun Mohan as its new CEO. Mohan has over 25 years of experience in the technology sector and has held leadership positions at companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, and Oracle.
The news of Kumar’s departure comes at a time when Upgrad is experiencing significant growth. The platform has seen a surge in demand for its online courses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upgrad’s decision to appoint a new CEO signals the company’s commitment to its growth trajectory and its continued focus on innovation.
Kumar’s move is a testament to the increasing focus on global talent acquisition and the role that technology is playing in connecting professionals with opportunities across borders. His new venture is expected to be a major player in the global talent marketplace.
