From Tutor to EdTech Pioneer. The Inspiring Journey of Mr. Taran Singh

Mr. Taran Singh (2019/BT/AE) epitomizes entrepreneurial excellence and innovation. As an alumnus of IIT Madras, Taran has parlayed his academic experiences and insights into the successful founding of Melvano, an education technology platform. Taran's journey is a testament to how solid academic foundations and a resilient entrepreneurial spirit can carve paths of remarkable success.

IIT Madras has always stood as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. For Taran Singh, founder of Melvano and Skillbary, it was no different. The lush green campus, the serene environment, and the vibrant academic culture fostered his early interests in entrepreneurship and innovation. This is how a young student's passion for education and mathematics evolved into a pioneering venture in the EdTech industry, inspiring countless others.

Even during his early academic years,  Taran showed a keen interest in mathematics. He initially received an offer from the prestigious Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Calcutta but chose to pursue his dual degree in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras. This decision has significantly influenced his career path, especially during his second year when he became a part of the Saathi program, tutoring first-year students in mathematics and physics.

“So, I started tutoring in my second year for extra pocket money. From one student, I got a bunch of 10 to 15 students. I used to dedicate my weekends to teaching students mathematics. Some of them are actually in IIT Madras now,” said Taran.

This teaching experience ignited his passion for education and led him to realize his potential in simplifying complex concepts for students. Taran's tutoring skills didn't just remain a side hustle. His positive feedback from his mentee students and his profound satisfaction from teaching influenced his decision to start Melvano.

The vision behind Melvano was clear from the start: provide effective and affordable learning solutions for the masses. The name "Melvano," derived from the Tamil word "Malivaana," meaning affordable, encapsulates Taran’s commitment to making quality education accessible. The platform initially focused on providing rigorous preparatory courses for JEE and NEET exams.

During his fourth and fifth years at IIT Madras, Taran's entrepreneurial journey began to take shape. Balancing his education with his startup responsibilities was no small feat. He was part of a five-year integrated dual degree program, which meant he had demanding academic requirements, including multiple courses and projects.

Despite these challenges, Taran's resolve remained unshaken. He also received substantial support from the IIT Madras incubation cell, which provided initial funding and mentorship.

“Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri has been an unwavering support for me, consistently clearing every roadblock in my path. His guidance was invaluable to my startup, and I truly believe it would have been challenging without his help. I also want to extend my gratitude to Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, who provided significant assistance during the early stages of my startup. Additionally, I am thankful to the unsung heroes, such as my project guide, Prof. Sunetra Sarkar, and other professors in the aerospace department, who offered their understanding and support throughout my journey.” added Taran.

His dedication to Melvano often meant late nights and extensive multitasking, yet the environment at IIT Madras, filled with supportive professors and a focus on holistic development, kept him motivated.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges, and Taran’s startup was no exception. “During this time, many investors, including those who had already committed to us, withdrew their offers due to market uncertainties. This created a significant low point for me in 2020, as the pandemic disrupted investment flows and destabilized many businesses,” he added.

Reflecting on that period, he realized that the pressure he faced during his college years, particularly in his fourth and fifth years, had prepared him well. As he recalls, "Overcoming those college challenges made navigating the pandemic seem like a cakewalk,"  Although the journey was far from smooth, with many ups and downs in the initial years of running Melvano, especially during and after COVID, he remained resilient.

The pandemic caused a sudden shift in market dynamics, leading to a surge in demand for online education. “Melvano experienced explosive growth, with our user base skyrocketing from 50,000 to over 100,000 in just three months. This rapid expansion posed new challenges, such as scaling our server capacities and managing the increased user load. However, Adapting swiftly to these changes was crucial," he noted.

However, as physical coaching centers reopened post-pandemic, the market dynamics shifted again. This necessitated another strategic pivot for Melvano, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey. Taran's experiences at IIT Madras, where he juggled academics and startup commitments, equipped him with the mental fortitude and problem-solving skills to navigate these fluctuations effectively.

While Melvano continues to thrive, Taran has already embarked on new ventures. In 2023, he launched Skillbary, an upskilling platform designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. The platform partners with colleges to train students and help them secure internships, thus enhancing their employability.

Taran's vision for the future remains ambitious. “We are in the middle way of launching Melvano for CAT,” he added. Melvano is expanding to cater to CAT (Common Admission Test) aspirants, and the team is working on other competitive examinations to broaden their educational impact. Moreover, with a recent seed funding of around five crores, Melvano is poised for further growth and innovation.

Taran advises budding entrepreneurs to jump into their venture without overthinking the logistics. Taran said, “When I launched my startup as a college student, I had little knowledge of marketing, technology, or sales. Despite this, I embraced the learning curve and gradually acquired these skills as I progressed.”

Taran's journey from a student at IIT Madras to the founder of a successful startup highlights the potential within each of us to create impactful ventures when guided by passion and perseverance. For aspiring entrepreneurs, he offers simple yet profound advice: “Just jump right off the cliff. You'll figure out how to build your parachute along the way.”

His emphasis is on action over endless planning. He believes that if you genuinely love what you do, you’ll find ways to overcome obstacles and succeed. The key is to take that leap of faith and trust in your ability to navigate the challenges that come your way.

Taran's entrepreneurial journey, deeply rooted in the nurturing environment of IIT Madras, is a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and innovation. His journey from a student tutor to the founder of a thriving EdTech platform inspires aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

With Melvano continuing to grow and new ventures like Skillbary on the horizon, Taran’s journey is far from over. His commitment to making education affordable and effective remains at the heart of his endeavors, promising a bright future for students across India.

As Taran moves forward, his story will undoubtedly inspire many more to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, equipped with the belief that anything is possible with dedication and a robust support system.