Online learning institution Harappa Education on Wednesday said it has raised an undisclosed amount from James Murdoch-led Lupa Systems in a funding round.
The investment will help Harappa accelerate product development, invest in high-quality curriculum creation, build a rich learning experience, and significantly scale its presence across corporates and campuses throughout India, according to a company statement.
This marks Lupa Systems’ first ever investment in India, giving it a majority stake in Harappa and secures Harappa’s growth plans for the next three years.
Established in 2018 by Pramath Raj Sinha and Shreyasi Singh, Harappa is targeted at young professionals regardless of their area of specialization.
Its unique curriculum of 5 Habits and 25 Skills, delivered through an engaging online-first approach, focuses on the cognitive, social, and behavioral skills that employers seek at the workplace. Harappa aims to enable learning of these life skills at scale, leveraging the most innovative digital learning technologies and online pedagogical tools.
Founder and chairman, Harappa Education, Pramath Raj Sinha said, “I am looking forward to a strong partnership with James and his team. We have been struck by their belief in and enthusiasm for our mission. Their validation is a tremendous source of strength for us and fuels our passion to drive transformational learning outcomes at scale.”
Lupa Systems, founded in 2019 by James Murdoch, son of media baron Rupert Murdoch, is a private investment vehicle which has invested in Tribeca Enterprises, Vice Media and The Void, among others. Lupa Systems India is headed by former Star Sports CEO, Nitin Kukreja. “Lupa Systems’ investment in Harappa is a meaningful transaction and a committed partnership. Our investment gives Lupa a majority stake in Harappa and provides at least a 3-year funding runway to the organization. As private companies, we are not disclosing any further transaction details,” said Kukreja.
Murdoch feels that the potential in India is enormous. “I am excited to help realize the inspiring vision Harappa has to become a pre-eminent online learning institution with a curriculum that is both foundational and unique. Pramath’s passion and track record of establishing pioneering higher education institutions sets us up well to build a unique enterprise,” said Murdoch.
Source: Mint