Manan Khurma, the founder and CEO of Cuemath, has emerged as a transformative figure in math education, driven by a passion to make mathematics a life skill for young learners. His journey from a college tutor to the leader of a globally recognized edtech platform is a testament to his vision, dedication, and innovative approach. Through Cuemath, Manan has redefined how children perceive and learn math, impacting thousands of students and educators worldwide.
Born to university professors, Manan Khurma grew up in an environment where intellectual curiosity was a way of life. This academic upbringing likely sparked his early interest in education and problem-solving. Manan pursued higher education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi), where he earned a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering in 2007. Despite his technical background, his heart was set on education, particularly in mathematics, which he saw as a universal language with real-world applications.
The Spark of a Teaching Career
Manan’s journey as an educator began during his college years at IIT Delhi. As a second-year student, he started tutoring high school students preparing for the highly competitive IIT-JEE entrance exam. This experience was eye-opening, as he noticed that many students struggled with math due to conceptual gaps formed in their primary and secondary school years. These early interactions with students gave him deep insights into how children think about math and the challenges they face.
In 2007, fresh out of college, Manan founded Locus Education, a test-prep startup focused on creating math learning programs for IIT-JEE aspirants. Over the next six years, he trained over 10,000 students, honing his skills as an educator and curriculum developer. His time at Locus Education revealed a critical flaw in traditional math education: by the time students reached high school, their foundational weaknesses made it difficult to achieve significant learning outcomes. This realization became the cornerstone of his next venture, Cuemath.
The Birth of Cuemath
In 2013, Manan founded Cuemath through Cuelearn Pvt Ltd, with a bold mission to reimagine math education for children aged 4 to 14 (Kindergarten to Grade 8). Unlike traditional tutoring, Cuemath aimed to teach math as a life skill, emphasizing conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and problem-solving over rote memorization. Manan believed that starting early was key to building a strong math foundation, preventing the struggles he had observed in older students.
Cuemath’s approach is rooted in active learning, where students engage with challenging problem sets, workbooks, physical learning aids, and interactive simulations. Teachers play a crucial role, guiding students through foundational concepts and addressing doubts in real-time. The platform syncs with various school curricula, including CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and international boards, making it versatile and accessible. By October 2019, Cuemath had grown to include approximately 5,000 teachers and 50,000 students across India, reflecting its rapid acceptance and impact.
Growth and Global Recognition
Cuemath’s innovative model has attracted significant investment, fueling its expansion and technological advancements. In 2014, the company secured a seed round from Unitus Seed Fund, followed by a $4 million Series A from Sequoia Capital India in 2015. A major milestone came in 2017 with a $15 million Series B round led by Capital G, the investment arm of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. These funds have enabled Cuemath to scale its operations, enhance its digital platform, and expand its reach beyond India.
The company’s growth is not just financial. Cuemath has built a reputation for its engaging, gamified approach, incorporating comic characters and tab-based games to make learning fun. Its focus on one-on-one online tutoring and home-based centers ensures personalized attention, setting it apart in the competitive edtech landscape. By 2023, Cuemath had garnered over 2,056 reviews on Trustpilot, with a rating of 4.8, indicating strong user satisfaction and engagement.
A Philosophy of Math as a Life Skill
At the core of Manan’s vision is the belief that math is more than a school subject—it’s a language and a life skill essential for navigating a technology-driven world. In interviews, he has emphasized the importance of teaching children “the why of math,” fostering a deep understanding of concepts rather than memorizing formulas. He argues that math fluency is a fundamental right, equipping children to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers in a post-AI era.
Cuemath’s curriculum reflects this philosophy, using interactive tools and real-world applications to make math relevant. For example, Manan has cited the analogy of choosing a 16-inch pizza over two 10-inch pizzas to illustrate how math applies to everyday decisions, emphasizing area over circumference. This approach resonates with parents and educators, who see Cuemath as a way to help children thrive academically and beyond.
Leadership Through Challenges
Manan’s leadership has been tested by the challenges facing the edtech industry, particularly in the post-pandemic era. In 2023, Cuemath faced economic pressures, leading to a workforce reduction of approximately 100 employees across functions. During this period, Manan reassumed the role of CEO, transitioning from chairman to focus on building a sustainable learning and consumer experience. His hands-on approach, including daily teaching, underscores his commitment to Cuemath’s mission.
Despite these challenges, Manan’s leadership has driven positive outcomes. In FY24, Cuemath reported a 42.7% reduction in losses and a 4.9% increase in operating revenue, reaching Rs 126.4 crore. These figures reflect his ability to navigate a competitive and funding-constrained environment while maintaining a focus on quality education.
Empowering Educators and Communities
Beyond students, Cuemath has made a significant impact on educators, particularly women in STEM. The platform has provided opportunities for thousands of teachers, many of whom are homemakers, to revive their careers and contribute to math education. Manan has highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting in a 2023 interview with SheThePeople that Cuemath is not just an edtech company but a platform for creating problem-solvers and fostering inclusivity.
A Lasting Legacy
Manan Khurma’s journey from a college tutor to the founder of a leading edtech platform is a story of passion, innovation, and resilience. Through Cuemath, he has transformed math education, making it engaging, accessible, and relevant for young learners. His vision of math as a fundamental right continues to inspire parents, educators, and investors worldwide. As Cuemath grows, Manan’s commitment to building deeper thinkers and problem-solvers ensures that his legacy will endure, shaping the future of education in a rapidly evolving world.
