Information on the Target

Leap is a premier global embedded finance platform that facilitates international education and career aspirations for students. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Leap operates a multifaceted student mobility platform encompassing various services such as LeapScholar, LeapFinance, GeeBee, and Yocket. With over 1 million students served and partnerships with more than 1,000 leading educational institutions worldwide, Leap is surpassing traditional boundaries of study abroad services.

The company’s integrated approach simplifies the international education journey, offering products that include test preparation for standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT, alongside admissions and visa counseling. Additionally, Leap provides financial solutions like international student loans, making it a one-stop-shop for aspiring students.

Industry Overview in India

The education sector in India is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly in the international study space, driven by an increasing number of students seeking education abroad. The market for foreign education is projected to flourish as more Indian students regard higher education from international universities as a launch pad for their careers. According to recent studies, over 600,000 Indian students enrolled in foreign institutions in 2021, a number that is likely to continue climbing.

Furthermore, the rise of digital platforms has revolutionized access to educational resources and counseling services, providing students with essential tools and information to prepare for their international journey. This increased accessibility supports Indian students’ ambitions, creating a burgeoning ecosystem for companies like Leap.

In recent years, there has also been a surge in investment in educational technology following the pandemic, leading to innovative solutions that cater to student needs. As a result, platforms specializing in holistic educational experiences are witnessing rapid adoption, further validating their business models and the significance of their offerings.

In this context, Leap's commitment to democratising access to quality global education positions it strategically within an evolving industry landscape ripe with opportunity for growth and expansion.

The Rationale Behind the Deal

The recent USD 65 million investment in Leap, spearheaded by UK-based Apis Partners, signifies a strong endorsement of Leap’s growth trajectory and its vision to enhance global education access. With existing investors such as Owl Ventures, Jungle Ventures, and Peak XV Partners also participating, this funding round is a testament to Leap's positive market reception and operational achievements.

Leap's intent to broaden the reach of its services across multiple countries aligns seamlessly with Apis Partners' expertise in growth-stage financial services and technology investments. This partnership provides Leap with the necessary capital and strategic support to accelerate its unique offerings, solidifying its position as a leader in the international education domain.

Information About the Investor

Apis Partners is a UK-based private equity asset manager that specializes in growth-stage investments within the financial services and technology sectors. With a portfolio that spans across various emerging markets, Apis employs a strategic approach to enhance the value of its investments through operational improvements and strategic advisement.

The firm’s focus on embedding financial inclusion within its investment themes mirrors Leap’s mission to democratise global education access. With a dedicated team experienced in the intricacies of growth-stage financing, Apis is well-equipped to assist Leap in scaling its operations and optimizing its service offerings on a global scale.

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This investment into Leap is poised to be beneficial, both for the investors and the company itself. Through the infusion of funds from Apis Partners, Leap can further develop its technology-driven solutions, allowing more students to access critical educational resources and financial assistance. Given Leap’s track record and proven scaling ability across multiple countries, the growth potential in this sector is substantial.

Moreover, the increasing trend of Indian students pursuing education abroad indicates a robust demand that Leap is strategically positioned to meet. This landscape presents a prime opportunity for enhanced services and greater traction in a competitive marketplace.

Additionally, the partnership with Apis Partners, a firm aligned with Leap’s vision, provides a critical advantage in executing its growth strategies. The investor's commitment to both financial returns and societal impact resonates well with Leap’s purpose-driven approach.

As educational needs evolve, Leap’s innovative approach, coupled with the backing of experienced investors, makes this deal promising. The potential for transformative impact in the lives of students underscores why this investment is not only timely but could result in considerable future success.

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