GrayQuest, a Mumbai-based fintech startup focused on education loans, is raising ₹53 crore ($6 million) in a Series B funding round. The round is co-led by Pravega Fund and IIFL Fintech Fund, both investing ₹21.5 crore each. Additionally, GrayQuest’s founder, Rishab Sumer Mehta, is contributing ₹10.56 crore worth of shares. Some of the shares allotted to Mehta are partly paid, meaning the remaining payment will be made when the board decides.

Where Will the Money Go?

GrayQuest plans to use the new funds to meet its financial needs and expand its operations. The company’s filings show that they are focusing on growing their business and improving their services.

GrayQuest has also increased its employee stock option pool (ESOP) by adding 1,204 new options, bringing the total to 5,718 options. The ESOP pool is currently valued at $4.5 million. This helps the company reward and retain employees by offering them stock options.

GrayQuest’s Growth and Value

The startup has grown steadily since it was founded seven years ago. GrayQuest is an integrated fee collection platform for schools and other educational institutions. It allows parents to pay school fees in flexible monthly installments with no interest, making it easier for families to manage their education expenses.

GrayQuest had previously raised $7 million in a Series A round in March last year and $1.2 million in a pre-Series A round in August 2020. After this latest round, the company is valued at around ₹530 crore ($64 million), according to TheKredible, a startup data platform.

The Series B round is still ongoing, meaning GrayQuest could raise more money, which might lead to changes in its valuation. Once the funding is complete, Pravega Ventures will own 10.94% of the company, and IIFL Fintech Fund will hold 4.07%. Founder Rishab Sumer Mehta will retain a 38.59% stake.

GrayQuest’s Recent Achievements

GrayQuest was recently selected for the Co-Lab initiative, which was launched by HDFC Bank in partnership with Pravega Ventures. This initiative aims to support startups like GrayQuest by giving them the tools and resources they need to grow.

For the fiscal year ending March 2023, GrayQuest reported ₹8.76 crore in operating revenue but also experienced a ₹26.3 crore loss. The company has yet to release its results for the current fiscal year (FY24).

Competition in the Education Loan Space

GrayQuest operates in a competitive market. According to TheKredible, GrayQuest and its competitors, such as Leap, Auxilo, Avanse Financial, Financepeer, Propelld, Mpower Financing, and Eduvanz, have collectively raised around $500 million in funding over the past two years.

In July, Leap was reported to be in talks to raise new funds at a unicorn valuation, showing the growth potential in the education loan market.

GrayQuest’s recent funding will help it continue expanding and competing in this growing space.