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Case
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Reference no. 1-12-001
Subject category: Entrepreneurship
Published by: The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT
Originally published in: 2012
Version: July 1, 2012
Length: 17 pages
Data source: Field research

Abstract

This case provides a background for discussion of these start-up issues: learning from early mistakes, the importance of a competent and committed team, scaling up to service a huge market, possibilities of technology to enhance the product / service, and the challenges of redefining the entrepreneur’s role as the business grows. In 2002, iDiscoveri had developed a progressive system of teaching methods and classroom materials that was markedly improving elementary school education for children in India. By mid-2012, more than 650 public and private schools had adopted the system; some 400,000 K-7 students were using iDiscoveri’s materials. Equally important, the fast-growing business had demonstrated scalability, was cash-flow positive, and was nearly profitable. Looking forward, founder Ashish Rajpal saw no impediment to his intermediate goal of reaching one million students but there were 300 million elementary school students in India and millions more in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Could the company scale up to the point of meeting the needs of these larger populations? Rajpal also wondered about his future role at iDiscoveri. He had been deeply involved in every aspect of the business since its founding. He knew this would have to change, but who had the ability and sense of mission to carry the company to a higher level? This case is part of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology free case collection (visit www.thecasecentre.org/legatum for more information on the collection).
Location:
Industry:
Size:
300+ employees
Other setting(s):
2002-2012

About

Abstract

This case provides a background for discussion of these start-up issues: learning from early mistakes, the importance of a competent and committed team, scaling up to service a huge market, possibilities of technology to enhance the product / service, and the challenges of redefining the entrepreneur’s role as the business grows. In 2002, iDiscoveri had developed a progressive system of teaching methods and classroom materials that was markedly improving elementary school education for children in India. By mid-2012, more than 650 public and private schools had adopted the system; some 400,000 K-7 students were using iDiscoveri’s materials. Equally important, the fast-growing business had demonstrated scalability, was cash-flow positive, and was nearly profitable. Looking forward, founder Ashish Rajpal saw no impediment to his intermediate goal of reaching one million students but there were 300 million elementary school students in India and millions more in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Could the company scale up to the point of meeting the needs of these larger populations? Rajpal also wondered about his future role at iDiscoveri. He had been deeply involved in every aspect of the business since its founding. He knew this would have to change, but who had the ability and sense of mission to carry the company to a higher level? This case is part of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology free case collection (visit www.thecasecentre.org/legatum for more information on the collection).

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
300+ employees
Other setting(s):
2002-2012

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