Tech education firm Simplilearn raises $15 mn

Leading technology education provider Simplilearn has raised $15 million (Rs.9.5 crore) in a fresh round of funding from three venture partners to fuel its growth plans and reach out to more customers worldwide.

"Mayfield, Kalaari Capital and Helion Venture Partners participated in the third round of funding (series C), raising our cumulative paid-up capital to $27 million, including funds raised in two rounds earlier," Simplilearn chief executive Krishna Kumar said in a statement here on Friday.

The city-based start-up provides certification courses to professionals and had impacted about 40,000 learners globally so far since its inception in 2010.

"With 15,000 learners every month the world over, we have been providing a range of certification-based courses that have a direct impact on their career," Kumar said.

The start-up will also invest in its platform, enlarge its course coverage and expand its presence in the US and other primary markets to cater next-generation of learners moving to mobile and online learning.

"As Simplilearn has reported consistent growth over the last few years, we are confident that the momentum will continue, as more seek professional certification(s) to succeed," Mayfield managing director Navin Chaddha said on the occasion.

Admitting certification training was a serious business as it involved career prospects of thousands of professionals, Kalaari managing director Rajesh Raju said Simplilearn made significant progress in the domain space and is in position to strengthen its presence in the US and international markets.

Helion partner Rahul said in view of the phenomenal growth of certification-based training industry, the additional capital infusion would enable Simplilearn to invest in scaling up its operations in India and overseas.

With a large 24x7 back office in this tech hub, Simplilearn represents 20 certification bodies, including PMI, Exelos, Scrum Alliance, Peoplecert, and the Open Group.

"We are diversifying into vendor certification like those from Microsoft, Cisco and Salesforce," Kumar added.