Stoa School is a four-year-old edtech startup and backed by Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath. Surprisingly it has lately announced closure and this marks the end of an effort to reshape business education in India. It was founded in October 2020 and offered a six-month alternative for professionals who failed to fit into traditional academic settings. It competed with newer and innovative schools like Masters’ Union and Mesa School of Business.
Stoa co-founders shared their views on the journey of Stoa community with both gratitude and disappointment. They acknowledged that Stoa achieved many things such as building a strong as well as supportive community but the challenges faced were too great. They didn’t disclose specific reasons for closing but it is clear that running a sustainable edtech business in India is currently equipped with obstacles.
The goal of Stoa was simple and powerful to help such learners who were searching for something different in education. It brought together a diverse community of learners who were eager to upskill and reshape their careers. Its alumni have gone on to start their own ventures and join core teams at growing companies. All these show the impact of its unique program.
The co-founders shared some personal reflections and talked about the rollercoaster experience of trying to balance innovation with practical business needs. They expressed gratitude to those who supported Stoa. Building Stoa was about creating a community with a shared purpose.
Stoa School managed to raise $1.77 million from angel investors but world of edtech is highly competitive. The closure is a reminder of the difficult path faced by startups while challenging traditional models.
The co-founders expressed hope that the story of Stoa will inspire future innovators. Their journey highlights potential as well as challenges of alternative education.
