NumberOne Academy (NOA), a cutting-edge enablement platform dedicated to empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs, has announced securing Rs 3 crore in a pre-seed funding round. The round was led by prominent investor T.I.G.E.R Santosh Nair, marking a significant milestone for the startup.
The company, which had previously raised Rs 1 crore in December 2023 as part of the same round, plans to utilize the proceeds to expand its suite of business courses. These courses will be offered in Hindi and other regional languages, furthering NOA’s mission of delivering accessible and comprehensive business education to SME owners across India. Additionally, the funds will support the enhancement of NOA into a Virtual Business Coach, an AI-powered tool designed to address diverse business challenges.
Established in 2022 by entrepreneurs Lajesh Kolath and Madhu Bhaskaran, NumberOne Academy has developed an innovative platform that combines technology and business expertise to foster SME growth. The platform offers over 60 meticulously curated courses taught by more than 25 seasoned business coaches, covering crucial domains such as sales, marketing, branding, finance, HR, operations, and technology. NOA’s hybrid learning approach integrates AI-driven tools, in-person workshops, and community events to cater to various learning styles and preferences.
As part of its tech-driven initiatives, NumberOne Academy has introduced NOA, an AI-powered chatbot aimed at helping SMEs navigate GST-related challenges. The chatbot is poised for transformation into a full-fledged Virtual Business Coach capable of interacting in over 10 regional languages, providing tailored guidance to entrepreneurs across India.
By integrating a multi-lingual AI layer over its learning platform, NOA aspires to build a holistic ecosystem that combines upskilling courses, digital tools, and community engagement. This approach aligns with the company’s goal of empowering SMEs with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable growth and scale their operations effectively.
“This funding milestone reinforces our commitment to empowering SMEs through innovative learning solutions and cutting-edge technology,” said Lajesh Kolath, Co-founder of NumberOne Academy. “We aim to make business education and support accessible to entrepreneurs across the country, breaking language and resource barriers.
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