A Chennai-based start-up BrainGroom aggregates information on a wide range of classes and institutions online to help searchers access and book classes through its web platform or mobile app.

Madhula Sathyamoorthy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BrainGroom, said the idea struck when she was looking for a hobby class. “Though there are many classes available online, there was no clarity,” she added.

“This is where BrainGroom differs,” she explains. All the details such as fee, number of sessions and glimpse of the classroom are available. “ Learners can book classes online or pay in person,” Sathyamoorthy said.

Currently, there are 5000 classes and over 2,000 tutors in Chennai and Bengaluru. BrainGroom sees 200 registrations weekly and so far has 10,000 registered learners.

Sathyamoorthy said: “Apart from tutoring we are establishing skill centres in engineering colleges, where the students will have access to video classes on latest technology in five core engineering departments, communication skills and aptitude.” The start-up has tied up with two colleges in Tamil Nadu and is in talks with 10 more. “ These services are available at ₹500 a month,” she added.

The application has social learning platform, where people can post queries and discuss issues. This is a major source of ad revenue for the company. Other source of revenue is through commission of 10-20 per cent per transaction.

In talks with VCs So far an investment of ₹1.5 crore has gone into BrainGroom. The company is in talks with venture capitalists to raise another $5 million for its expansion plans.

“We are expanding to Singapore next month. We are also in talks with potential tutors in Mumbai and Delhi,” Sathyamoorthy said. “Our target is to expand to all metros. We are targeting Kolkata and Hyderabad next,” she added.

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