Edtech unicorn LEAD School reduced its net loss by over 20% to ₹34.5 crore in FY26 from ₹43.3 crore the previous year, while its operating revenue rose 10% to ₹386.7 crore, according to inc42.com. The Mumbai-based startup’s total income, including other income of ₹5.4 crore, reached ₹392 crore during the fiscal year.
LEAD School attributed the improved financials to cost optimisation and better school retention. EBITDA surged 7.5 times to ₹30.2 crore from ₹4 crore in FY25. Founded in 2012 by Sumeet Mehta and Smita Deorah, the company offers an integrated academic and technology ecosystem for schools, supporting students, teachers, parents, and administrators with tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
The startup’s revenue primarily came from sales of books, teaching aids, and devices, which contributed ₹275.4 crore to operating income. LEAD has expanded its product portfolio to include variants of its learning systems, competitive test-preparation embedded within schools, personalised learning via TECHBOOK, and AI-first solutions such as the AI-powered spoken-English product Miss Curie. LEAD joined the unicorn club in 2022 after raising $100 million in a Series E round led by WestBridge Capital and GSV Ventures.
LEAD School’s financial results highlight its focus on sustainable growth through technology and product diversification. The company’s operating revenue growth and significant EBITDA improvement demonstrate its progress in strengthening its market position in the edtech sector.