TechCrunch Startup News India’s Emversity doubles valuation as it scales workers AI can’t replace
Jan 16, 2026
Emversity has secured $30 million to expand its job-training programs in India, addressing a significant skills gap in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. The company's unique model integrates employer-designed training into university curricula. Founder Vivek Senna highlights the irreplaceable human roles in hands-on jobs, emphasizing that AI can assist, but not replace. With plans for over 200 new locations and a focus on healthcare, Emversity aims to meet global demands for skilled workers, especially from aging markets.
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India's Growing Skills Gap Meets Persistent Demand
- India faces a widening skills gap where graduates lack job-ready abilities despite strong sector demand.
- Emversity targets this mismatch by focusing on hands-on, credentialed gray-collar roles employers still need.
Embed Employer-Led Training In Degrees
- Integrate employer-designed training into university curricula to create job-ready graduates.
- Partner with hospitals and hotels to co-design role-specific modules that embed into degrees.
High Margins From Embedded Programs And Organic Growth
- Emversity scales via university partnerships and NSDC-affiliated skill centers, yielding high gross margins and low CAC.
- It relies on organic channels and a counseling platform that also drives substantial revenue.