Ed-tech unicorn Byju’s acquired WhiteHat Jr for $300 million. But since
the acquisition, WhiteHat Jr has been in the news for all the wrong
reasons.
Earlier this year, when most Indian businesses were struggling to cope
with the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Indias largest
ed-tech startup impressed many by spending a small fortune on an
acquisition that would add a new vertical to its already robust business.
But just three months later, the prized buyout is quickly becoming a pain
point that could have lasting damage on its new parent.
In August, Bengaluru-based ed-tech unicorn Byjus acquired WhiteHat Jr,
an online coding school for young kids, for $300 million (Rs2,223 crore).
At the time of the acquisition, WhiteHat Jr seemed like a promising bet.
After all, the 18-months-old firm already had learners in India and the
US. It was also planning to expand to Canada, the UK, Australia, and New
Zealand. …
