Who is Ashwin Damera?
Ashwin Damera isn’t your average entrepreneur. He’s a visionary who dared to bring Harvard, Wharton, and MIT to your laptop—no student visa required. As the co-founder and CEO of Eruditus, Ashwin is building bridges between top-tier global universities and lifelong learners across the world.
Before starting Eruditus, Ashwin had already tasted startup success. He co-founded Travelguru, which was acquired by Travelocity in 2009. But his passion for education, especially accessible education, led him to something even bigger.
The $150 Million Move That Made Headlines
In late 2024, Eruditus raised $150 million in Series F funding, led by TPG. This brought its valuation to a massive $3 billion. But what’s truly interesting is why investors are backing him.
Ashwin’s goal is crystal clear: make world-class education available to the masses, especially in emerging markets like India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. In a world where tuition is skyrocketing and traditional education often feels out of reach, Eruditus is a breath of fresh air.
💡 Example: A working professional in Mumbai can now access a leadership course from Wharton without quitting their job or moving abroad.
The Global Footprint of Eruditus
Eruditus isn’t just serving Indian students. It works with over 50+ universities globally, including Columbia, INSEAD, and UC Berkeley. These institutions trust Eruditus to build and deliver their online and hybrid programs in emerging markets.
And it’s working.
- Over 500,000 learners from 80+ countries have taken their programs.
- Courses are localized, translated, and priced affordably.
- Students range from college grads to senior executives.
What Startups Can Learn from Ashwin Damera
If you’re an aspiring founder, Ashwin’s journey offers plenty of gold:
1. Find a Big Problem to Solve
Ashwin didn’t start with flashy tech. He started with a simple idea: people want better education, but can’t always access it. That insight shaped the entire business.
2. Build Strategic Partnerships
Rather than compete with universities, he collaborated with them. This opened doors—and wallets.
3. Think Global, Act Local
From day one, Eruditus focused on solving real problems in India and beyond. Their approach? Localize courses, use native languages, and offer installment payment options.
What’s Next for Eruditus?
In Ashwin’s own words, AI is the future of education. Eruditus is now developing AI-powered teaching assistants to help personalize learning at scale. With its strong tech team and university network, Eruditus is poised to lead the next wave in edtech.
And there’s more.
Ashwin is planning to scale enterprise learning programs and double down on career-relevant skills. The goal? Help companies upskill employees affordably and effectively.
Why We’re Following Ashwin Damera on VentureLinkUp
At VentureLinkUp.com, we believe in spotlighting founders who are not just building businesses—but reshaping industries. Ashwin Damera checks every box. He’s got grit, vision, and a roadmap that others can learn from.
Whether you’re building an edtech platform or launching your first startup, Ashwin’s story is one to watch in 2025.
Final Words
Ashwin Damera’s rise isn’t just about raising capital or scaling a company. It’s about creating real impact. He’s proof that when you solve a meaningful problem, the world—and investors—take notice.
So the next time you wonder if your idea can go global, remember Eruditus. Remember Ashwin.
And of course, stay tuned to VentureLinkUp for more stories like this.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is written based on publicly available information and current reports. While we strive for accuracy, readers are encouraged to do their own research to verify facts and figures. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. VentureLinkUp.com is not affiliated with Eruditus or Ashwin Damera.
