Startup Originals Team
Physics Wallah began in 2016 as a modest YouTube channel, founded by teacher Alakh Pandey with a simple mission: deliver affordable, high-quality education to every student. Today, it stands tall as India’s 101st edtech unicorn, valued at roughly $2.8 billion by late 2024. Its journey from humble origins to industry leader is both inspiring and instructive.
Humble Beginnings: A Teacher’s Vision
Alakh Pandey, hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, launched the “Physics Wallah” YouTube channel after dropping out of college in 2016. His approachable teaching style, especially for JEE (engineering entrance) exams, resonated deeply with students. By 2019, the channel had amassed over 2 million subscribers.
Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari, an IIT graduate and serial entrepreneur, brought strategic direction from the start, strengthening the team’s foundation.
Building the Platform: App, Offline Centers, and More
In 2020, Physics Wallah launched its proprietary mobile app, catering to JEE and NEET aspirants with affordable, structured learning.
The startup strategically expanded into offline education through ‘PW Vidyapeeth’ in Kota and ‘PW Pathshala’ centers, reinforcing the trust that physical venues bring even as online operations flourished.
By early 2025, the app had surpassed 10 million downloads and the YouTube channel boasted 13 million+ subscribers, a clear mark of its widespread impact.
Unicorn Status & Massive Funding
In June 2022, Physics Wallah closed a $100 million Series A, catapulting its valuation to $1.1 billion, thereby achieving unicorn status.
Building on that momentum, in September 2024, it secured a $210 million Series B round, led by Hornbill Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, GSV, and WestBridge, doubling the valuation to $2.8 billion.
These funds are fueling expansion into K–12 education, bolstering offline presence, and supporting acquisition opportunities.
Financial Growth & Business Model
Physics Wallah’s revenue soared in FY24, with operating income jumping to INR 1,940 crore from INR 744 crore in FY23. However, losses also rose due to increased expansion-related spending.
The platform operates multiple revenue streams, including:
- Paid courses and subscriptions
- YouTube advertising
- Merchandise like branded apparel and accessories
Expansion, Innovation & Community Engagement
Beyond academics, Physics Wallah launched the PW School of Startups in August 2024—a ₹100 crore fund to support aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and funding programs like Aarambh and Prarambh.
Challenges Along the Way
- In May 2020, its app crashed under heavy traffic (over 200,000 users), testing user trust and technical resilience. Alakh’s reputation helped retain student confidence despite the glitch.
- In 2021, rival firms attempted acquisitions and poached staff, yet Physics Wallah persevered, ultimately rising above criticism to solidify its unicorn status.
Conclusion
Physics Wallah’s transformation from a simple YouTube experiment to a unicorn edtech enterprise is a testament to the power of passion-driven education, trust-building, and smart scaling. With its continuing expansion into offline teaching, entrepreneurship initiatives, and deeper market penetration, Physics Wallah is poised to shape India’s educational landscape for years to come.
