Gradvine: A Journey from Dorm Room to a Million-Dollar Startup
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Chapter 1: The Birth of Gradvine
Gradvine's tale is one of transformation, evolving from a side project into a flourishing enterprise generating million-dollar revenues. I had the privilege of interviewing Suraj, the co-founder, who shared insights into their journey of establishing a successful business.
Suraj, alongside co-founder Sreekar, launched Gradvine from their university dormitory. Fast forward to today, Gradvine operates out of a Banjara Hills office, employing 14 staff members and serving thousands of clients. They have successfully placed over 10,000 students from 19 different nations in prestigious universities, including Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon.
What set them apart in an already crowded market? Let's delve into the story.
The Difficult Decision to Return to India: Suraj's Perspective
During our conversation, I noticed Suraj's thoughtful demeanor; he chooses his words wisely. Each statement reflects his vast experience. His focus is impressive.
The founders initially crossed paths while studying in Hyderabad. Suraj recalls, "We bonded over badminton and our shared enthusiasm for engaging with others. I believed my ability to persuade was my strongest trait." Suraj smiles
In 2014, as their university days came to a close, both Suraj and Sreekar journeyed to the USA in search of better prospects. This pivotal decision laid the groundwork for Gradvine.
Suraj states, "I didn't want to rely on 'university agents' like many students in Hyderabad. Instead, I conducted thorough research and connected with alumni. This approach earned me admission to Carnegie Mellon!"
His extensive networking with alumni not only saved him consulting fees but also paved the way for the inception of Gradvine. After graduating from CMU, Suraj took on a role at Berkeley, where he began receiving numerous requests for assistance. "Can you help me with my application?" and "Do you think I can get into my dream school with my grades?" became common queries.
"In a saturated market, we found a way to stand out."
Gradvine officially launched in 2017 with 200 clients, even while the founders were still in the USA. Initially, they charged a modest fee of 12,000 rupees ($150) for consultations, significantly lower than the established consultants demanding over 100,000 rupees ($1200).
They quickly recognized that many competitors were merely superficial. "They lacked firsthand experience with the GRE or crafting personal statements. Many had never even stepped foot inside a university, yet they charged students exorbitant fees for advice. It was outrageous!"
Our Unique Selling Proposition
Gradvine's distinct advantage lies in its extensive mentor network, which now boasts around 1,000 mentors. Unlike traditional consultants who merely browse online resources, Gradvine connects clients with real people—those who have successfully navigated the educational landscape.
"Our mentor network is what sets us apart as an educational startup," Suraj explains. "This is why young graduates trust us. We provide peer-to-peer mentoring, not just consultancy."
"I envision significant growth for Gradvine in the coming years. There is a vast market, and we are well-connected. My goal is to expand Gradvine's reach to hundreds of thousands of students and mentors," Suraj expresses with optimism.
The Growth of Gradvine and the Founders' Return to India
In 2017 and 2018, Gradvine was already gaining traction while the founders continued their careers abroad. Upon returning in 2019, they found around 500 students utilizing their services. Sreekar and Suraj gradually left their stable jobs to fully commit to their startup.
With the founders now in India, the business flourished. BW Businessworld recognized Sreekar as one of its 30 under-30 entrepreneurs, and they now actively assist thousands in pursuing their ideal careers.
"My main concern is that many Indian students undervalue their potential," Suraj reflects. "I want to inspire those who are settling for less to aim higher and achieve what they truly deserve."
"Entrepreneurship is not glamorous," he adds, offering advice to budding entrepreneurs. "Focus on acquiring clients first—don’t get bogged down by paperwork or bureaucracy. The hard work is often behind the scenes; it's more tedious than it seems."
The Gradvine Team
The name Gradvine combines "graduate" and "gossip," symbolizing the network of mentors they've cultivated. From starting in a small conference room opposite KBR Park in Hyderabad, they have expanded to occupy an entire floor. They aspire to establish branches globally.
Thank you for sharing your story, Suraj. It was truly motivating. I wish Gradvine continued success in the future.
If you're interested in Gradvine's consultation services, check them out. I attended a seminar they hosted about MBA options for mid-career professionals, and it was incredibly informative!
For additional resources and tools, visit StartupStash. Also, Zendesk is offering $75,000 in credits and perks for startups! Apply now!
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Chapter 2: The Path to Global Expansion
In this video, Suraj shares why he moved to the US for his MBA and how it influenced the creation of Gradvine.
Meet the Gradvine team and discover their mission to empower students through mentorship and guidance.