A New Chapter or Final Act?
When Byju Raveendran declared, “Broke, not broken. We will rise again,” the statement wasn’t just a social media post. It was a flare shot into the turbulent skies over India’s edtech sector. Once hailed as the crown jewel of Indian startups, Byju Raveendran’s has fallen from a staggering $22 billion valuation to a cautionary tale riddled with lawsuits, layoffs, and loan defaults. Now, with a social media reawakening and a pledge to rebuild, Byju Raveendran is trying to reframe the narrative—but not everyone is ready to forgive or forget.
Broke, not Broken. We will rise again. pic.twitter.com/dAekepwCtf
— Byju Raveendran (@ByjuofBYJUS) March 30, 2025
The Rise: An Edtech Revolution Fueled by Dreams
Byju’s was not just a company; it was a movement. Founded with the aim of democratizing education, it recruited over 215,000 fresh graduates in less than a decade, many of whom had no prior work experience. With a base salary of Rs 6 lakh per year, it provided an unprecedented launchpad for youth across India.
Raveendran, once a teacher himself, framed this hiring spree as a personal mission. “Providing these talented youths with their first career opportunity has been one of my life’s greatest honors,” he recently reflected. Many of these former employees have since become entrepreneurs, educators, and even job creators in their own right.
The Fall: From Unicorn to Unraveling
The crash, however, was swift and brutal. Byju’s financial woes began surfacing when it defaulted on a $1.2 billion loan. Regulatory scrutiny followed, along with mass layoffs, delayed salaries, and lawsuits from investors and creditors. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) became a familiar acronym in media coverage of the firm’s spiraling troubles.
Perhaps the most damning were the stories of disillusioned parents and students who felt misled. Some accused Byju’s of pushing expensive products through aggressive sales tactics, trapping lower-income families in debt with promises of academic success. “Selling tabs to the poor in the name of education… what an evil organization,” one user commented online.
The Comeback: Vision or Delusion?
Despite the chaos, Raveendran’s optimism remains unshaken. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he hinted at an imminent relaunch:
To some, this is the hallmark of a resilient founder refusing to surrender. To others, it smacks of tone-deafness. “You shattered the dreams of many students and families,” one netizen responded. Another was more direct: “Please remain where you are. Humble request to stop rising.”
Supporters Speak: The Case for Redemption
Raveendran’s defenders argue that failure is an integral part of entrepreneurship. “Nothing is ever as good as it seems, nor as bad as they make you believe,” he wrote, alluding to a two-decade-long journey that included 17 years of growth and just a few of chaos.
Some point to India’s broader startup ecosystem and the risks inherent in scaling education for millions. They believe Raveendran is being unfairly villainized for systemic failures that go beyond one man or company.
Critics Push Back: Trust Once Broken
Yet the skepticism runs deep. Former employees accuse the company of treating staff poorly, while customers recount feeling manipulated by sales agents. The emotional toll, especially on young families and aspirational students, has left a scar that won’t be healed by hashtags.
“You get one chance in life to make an impact. You blew it away,” wrote one user, summarizing a sentiment that many seem to share. The accusations of greed, mismanagement, and exploitation continue to dominate comment threads on every post Raveendran makes.
What Lies Ahead: A Complicated Reboot
Raveendran says he’s back to reveal the “truth” about the last 20 years—no filters, only facts. But any comeback will require more than storytelling. Byju’s must rebuild not just operations, but trust: with regulators, with investors, and most critically, with the public.
A relaunch, if it happens, will unfold under the most intense scrutiny. The days of unchecked valuations and uncritical praise are over. In their place stands a public armed with questions, and a media less willing to give second chances.
Redemption or Reckoning?
Byju Raveendran’s declaration might inspire those who believe in the phoenix-like rebirth of visionary founders. But for every hopeful supporter, there’s a detractor with a receipt. As Byju’s plans its return, the startup stands at a crossroad—poised between redemption and reckoning.
Only time, and transparency, will reveal which path it ultimately takes.
FAQ
What led to Byju’s downfall?
Financial mismanagement, regulatory issues, debt default, investor lawsuits, and customer dissatisfaction contributed to its sharp decline.
Who is Byju Raveendran?
A former teacher and founder of Byju’s, once India’s most valued edtech startup.
What does ‘Broke, not broken’ mean in this context?
It’s Raveendran’s way of saying the company has lost money, but not its spirit or potential to rebound.
Is Byju’s planning a comeback?
Yes, Raveendran has indicated that a relaunch is expected sooner than anticipated.
Will Byju’s rehire former employees?
Raveendran pledged to rehire exclusively from its pool of former employees.
Why are people skeptical of Byju’s return?
Many customers and former staff feel betrayed due to past experiences involving aggressive sales tactics, unpaid dues, and broken promises.
What was Byju’s peak valuation?
In 2022, it was valued at approximately $22 billion.
What does the future look like for Byju’s?
The future remains uncertain. Success depends on transparency, rebuilding trust, and fixing operational and ethical issues.
