Edtech

Physics Wallah acquires UAE’s Knowledge Planet in first international move

• ByStartupStory     |    March 20, 2023

Indian edtech unicorn Physics Wallah has made its first international acquisition, acquiring UAE-based startup Knowledge Planet in a deal whose financial details were not disclosed. 

The move is part of Physics Wallah’s plans to expand its presence across the GCC region over the next year. As part of the partnership, Physics Wallah will also make an investment in the Dubai-based edtech company.

Although email queries sent to Physics Wallah and Knowledge Planet have not yet elicited a response regarding the deal’s confirmation, a senior investment advisor from EY has announced the acquisition on LinkedIn. 

Reliable sources indicate that the new entity will continue to expand, and the founders of Knowledge Planet will operate the GCC division of Physics Wallah.

In the previous month, Physics Wallah joined hands with e-learning platform Utkarsh Classes to establish a joint venture aimed at offering academic training and courses across various categories. In addition to this, the Indian edtech unicorn also acquired PrepOnline, an online learning platform for NEET, and Altis Vortex, a publisher of exam preparation books, for undisclosed sums in October 2022.

Knowledge Planet, which has been in operation for nearly a decade, provides a broad range of services that includes test preparation, enrichment courses, and training for major competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.

During a previous discussion, Sachin Bharti Gupta, Co-founder of Knowledge Planet, “highlighted the company’s ability to bridge a crucial gap for parents by offering high-quality entrance exam preparation tailored to meet the needs and expectations of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The platform provides a similar level of exam preparation as what is expected in India but customises it to fit the mindset and requirements of NRIs”.

Apart from catering to Non-Resident Indians, Knowledge Planet also provides training to students from 30 other nationalities who are pursuing the British, American, and IB curricula. Its core offering comprises after-school tutorials, placing it in competition with a host of other edtech companies in the region, including BYJU’S and Unacademy.

Indian edtech players are increasingly turning their attention to the GCC region, with BYJU’S already focused on expanding its operations in the area. Following a similar path, Physics Wallah is now seeking to establish its presence in the market through acquisitions.

According to a source, “the Indian diaspora has a significant presence in the Middle East, with many individuals focusing on competitive exams. Consequently, larger Indian edtech companies are increasingly exploring opportunities in the region”.

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