Finance

Byju Raveendran's Wealth Dips as Byju's Faces Markdown from Major Stakeholder Prosus

Published December 2, 2023

Once lauded as a groundbreaking entrepreneur in the edtech space, Byju Raveendran has seen a stark reversal in fortune. The current valuation woes of Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of his flagship venture Byju's, has led to his net worth dwindling significantly. The Bangalore-based educational technology and online tutoring firm has been under scrutiny as it contends with consecutive markdowns from its stakeholders, with the latest being from Prosus, an Amsterdam-listed investment entity.

Prosus Downgrades Its Byju's Stake

Prosus PROSY has once again adjusted the value of its investment in Byju's, marking the third such occurrence in just over a year. By holding a 9.6% stake in Think & Learn, the markdown by Prosus not only reflects on the finances of Byju's but also sends ripples through the edtech industry, suggesting possible overvaluations within the sector. This latest revaluation by Prosus underscores a persistent skepticism among investors regarding the sustainability and profitability models of tech-driven educational platforms.

Impact on Raveendran's Net Worth

The repercussions of this markdown have been personal for Byju Raveendran, whose net worth once ascended into the realm of a billionaire. As a result of the lowered valuation, Raveendran has seen his wealth contract to an estimated $100 million. The shrinkage in his personal net worth is illustrative of the larger issues and market adjustments facing Byju’s business operations. This significant financial impact raises questions about the future direction of Byju's, and the broader implications for the edtech industry as it navigates a challenging economic environment.

Edtech, Prosus, Valuation