NumberOne Academy, a platform dedicated to equipping Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs with essential business skills, has successfully raised ₹3 crore in a pre-seed funding round.
The round was spearheaded by T.I.G.E.R Santosh Nair, reflecting strong investor confidence in the Kochi-based startup’s vision.
This funding milestone builds upon an earlier investment of ₹1 crore secured in December 2023, bringing the total raised during this pre-seed phase to ₹4 crore. The funds will fuel NumberOne Academy’s efforts to expand its offerings, including a suite of business courses in Hindi and other regional languages, and the development of its AI-powered platform into a Virtual Business Coach.
Launched in 2022 by co-founders Lajesh Kolath and Madhu Bhaskaran, NumberOne Academy stands out as a comprehensive enablement platform for SMEs. Entrepreneurs gain access to a curated library of over 60 business courses delivered by more than 25 expert coaches. These courses cover critical areas such as growth strategies, sales, marketing, branding, finance, operations, HR, and technology, offering practical insights to help businesses thrive.
NumberOne Academy takes a hybrid approach to learning, blending AI-driven digital tools with interactive workshops and community events. This model caters to diverse learning needs, ensuring that SME owners can access resources that align with their preferences and challenges.
A key innovation by NumberOne Academy is the introduction of NOA, an AI chatbot tailored for SMEs. Initially focused on addressing GST-related queries, NOA is set to evolve into a Virtual Business Coach capable of providing guidance across various domains in more than 10 regional languages. By integrating advanced AI capabilities with localized expertise, the platform is redefining how entrepreneurs tackle everyday business hurdles.
“At NumberOne Academy, our mission is to empower SME entrepreneurs by making high-quality business education accessible in their native languages. This funding will help us scale our vision and make a meaningful impact in the SME ecosystem,” the company stated.
By combining multi-lingual AI tools, upskilling courses, and an engaged community, NumberOne Academy is positioning itself as a transformative force in India’s SME landscape. With its focus on fostering sustainable growth and operational efficiency, the platform is paving the way for small businesses to achieve their full potential.
This funding round marks an exciting step forward for NumberOne Academy, further solidifying its commitment to supporting India’s thriving SME sector. As the startup continues to innovate and expand, it is poised to become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs across the country.
