Startup by world’s fastest human calculator Neelakantha Bhanu raises US$ 16.5M

Bhanzu, the math-learning platform founded by Neelakantha Bhanu, the “world’s fastest human calculator,” has successfully raised US$ 16.5 million in Series B funding. The funding round was led by Epiq Capital with participation from Z3Partners, alongside existing investors Lightspeed Ventures and Eight Roads.

Bhanzu, the math-learning platform founded by Neelakantha Bhanu, known as the “world’s fastest human calculator,” has raised $16.5 million in its Series B funding round. Leading the round was Epiq Capital, with support from Z3Partners and continued backing from existing investors Lightspeed Ventures and Eight Roads. This latest round underscores Bhanzu’s rapid 8x growth since its last funding milestone, highlighting its strong product-market fit and positive cash flow across key markets in India, the US, the U.K., and the Middle East.

Bhanu, recognized as the world’s fastest human calculator, gained international fame when he won India’s first gold medal at the Mental Calculation World Championship during the Mind Sports Olympiad in London in 2020. Born in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Bhanu’s exceptional mathematical prowess was apparent from a young age. By 21, he had broken four world records and set 50 records in the Limca Book of Records, all related to mental calculations. With Bhanzu, he seeks to use his unique abilities and deep understanding of math to transform education.

Bhanzu’s curriculum is meticulously designed to overcome the widespread “math anxiety” many students experience, using a highly interactive, personalized approach to build confidence and math proficiency. The platform conducts classes in small groups, which encourages engagement and promotes problem-solving skills. These small-group sessions are led by experienced educators who follow a curriculum aimed at fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Bhanzu’s target audience ranges from kindergarten to ninth grade and beyond, tailoring its programs for students at varying levels of math proficiency.

A significant aspect of Bhanzu’s success lies in its integration of advanced AI, which dynamically adjusts each learning session in real-time to cater to individual students’ learning styles and progress. This innovative approach ensures that students remain engaged and are able to progress at their own optimal pace, making the learning process efficient and enjoyable. According to Bhanzu, this emphasis on adaptive, personalized learning improves student outcomes and prepares them for success in STEM fields, where math skills are foundational.

In addition to its innovative approach, Bhanzu is strategically positioned in the global education market. With the recent funding, Bhanu emphasized the company’s ambition to expand further, particularly in the U.S., where there is a notable gap in math education. Bhanu explained that many large, established companies in the U.S. math education market have been slow to innovate their curriculum and integrate modern technologies. Bhanzu aims to fill this gap by introducing a dynamic, tech-enabled approach to math education, providing students with tools to excel in an increasingly STEM-driven world.

Commenting on the investment, Chinmay Katdare, Partner at Epiq Capital, expressed enthusiasm for Bhanzu’s trajectory. Katdare noted Bhanu’s ability to build a strong, growth-focused team and create a sustainable business model that has achieved positive cash flow. This funding round, Katdare added, represents a commitment to supporting Bhanzu’s goal of revolutionizing math education not only in India but also in the U.S. and globally.

With the support of this funding, Bhanzu is well-positioned to expand its reach, continue its rapid growth, and enhance its curriculum to reshape math education on a global scale.