Lenders initiate bankruptcy proceedings against Byju, marking a significant financial and regulatory crisis in India’s ed-tech industry.

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Setback for India’s Ed-Tech Star

In a startling turn of events, Byju’s, a well-known name in India’s education technology sector, is facing severe financial troubles. Lenders have begun bankruptcy proceedings against Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd., Byju’s parent company, signaling deepening woes for the once-booming startup.

The Debt Dilemma

The move to start insolvency proceedings comes after a prolonged 16-month period of negotiations and efforts to restructure Byju’s debts. The lenders, led by GLAS Trust Co, have filed a petition citing the company’s inability to repay its loans, marking a critical juncture in Byju’s financial journey.

Byju’s Counters Legal Move

Reacting to the lenders’ decision, Byju issued a statement dismissing the proceedings as premature and baseless. The company insists that this legal action does not reflect its financial health, suggesting a different internal perspective.

Big Names, Bigger Problems

Despite support from high-profile investors like General Atlantic, Prosus, and Silver Lake, Byju has faced multiple setbacks. According to Bloomberg News, the company is reportedly in talks to secure more than $100 million from its stakeholders at a significantly lower valuation than before. This starkly contrasts its once towering $22 billion valuation during its last funding round in 2022.

Regulatory Roadblocks

Adding to Byju’s troubles, the company has also been on the radar of India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), tasked with combating financial crimes. Byju has been accused of not complying with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), specifically related to delays in filing important documents about foreign investments and issues in share allocation.

In Conclusion

The unfolding drama around Byju paints a vivid picture of the challenges that big players in the ed-tech sector can face. With lenders pushing for bankruptcy and regulatory bodies keeping a close watch, the future of this educational giant hangs in the balance. The outcome of these proceedings will affect Byju and send ripples across the entire ed-tech industry in India.