Divya Gokulnath, co-founder of Byju’s and wife of entrepreneur Byju Raveendran, is one of India’s most influential women in business. Her story is a powerful testament to passion, perseverance, and innovation in the world of education technology (edtech). From her humble beginnings as a teacher in a classroom of just 100 students, she has helped build one of the largest edtech platforms in the world, with over 100 million users and a reported personal net worth of $3.6 billion.
The Beginning of an Edtech Revolution
Divya’s journey began in a traditional setting — a classroom. A graduate in Biotechnology from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru, she initially joined Byju Raveendran’s CAT prep classes as a student. Impressed by the teaching methods and the passion behind the initiative, she soon became a teacher herself. At the time, she wore sarees to appear older and gain credibility among her students — many of whom were close to her age.
This marked the start of a powerful partnership between Divya and Byju, both professionally and personally. Together, they laid the foundation for what would eventually become Byju’s — now a global education technology company catering to K-12 students, competitive exam aspirants, and international learners.
Scaling from Classrooms to Smartphones
Under Divya’s leadership, Byju’s transformed from an offline coaching center into an online learning app launched in 2015. With her keen understanding of student needs and modern learning methods, she played a pivotal role in product development, content strategy, and student engagement. The app quickly gained traction for its interactive videos, conceptual clarity, and personalized learning paths.
Today, Byju’s boasts over 100 million users, with millions of paid subscribers across India and abroad. Divya’s work has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s educational vision and expanding its global footprint through acquisitions and innovation.
Championing Women and Education
Beyond her executive role at Byju’s, Divya Gokulnath is a vocal advocate for women in leadership and gender equality in the workplace. She regularly speaks about the importance of empowering women in tech and entrepreneurship and has become a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs in India.
Her journey reflects not only professional success but also personal commitment to societal change. Divya emphasizes balancing career and family life — often sharing insights about parenting, work-life balance, and nurturing curiosity in children.
Conclusion
Divya Gokulnath’s story is more than a business success; it’s a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and vision. From a classroom with 100 students to a $3.6 billion net worth and 100 million users, she continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs — especially women — to dream big and lead with purpose in the evolving landscape of edtech.