India: Edtech firm Simplilearn eyes global expansion after Blackstone funding

Edtech platform Simplilearn plans to aggressively expand to international markets, after global private equity major Blackstone acquired a 60% stake in the startup for $250 million, giving exit to its early investors. This is the first time Blackstone has picked a controlling stake in an Indian internet company. Simplilearn, which witnessed 40% growth in new learners amid the pandemic, is looking to grow its revenues from ₹365 crore to ₹1,000 crore by 2023. In an interview, Simplilearn founder and chief executive Krishna Kumar talks about future plans, and why it chose Blackstone as its majority stakeholder. Edited excerpts: