Early Life
Alakh Pandey was born in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, on October 2, 1991. Growing up in a middle-class family, he experienced financial hardships from an early age, which instilled in him the value of hard work and the importance of education. He attended Bishop Johnson School, where he excelled academically, especially in physics and mathematics.
Rise to Success
Alakh began his career teaching physics at coaching institutes. Dissatisfied with the traditional teaching methods and the high cost of education, he started a YouTube channel, Physics Wallah, in 2016. He aimed to provide free, accessible physics lessons, which quickly gained popularity due to his engaging teaching style. His channel grew rapidly, attracting millions of students and transforming into a full-fledged Edtech platform in 2020. He partnered with Prateek Maheshwari to establish Physics Wallah as a company. The company became a unicorn in June 2022, with a valuation exceeding $1.1 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Physics Wallah's success stems from its commitment to affordability and quality. The platform offers courses for competitive exams at significantly lower prices than competitors. They have expanded into various subjects and introduced offline coaching centers, known as Vidyapeeths.
Philanthropy
Alakh Pandey's vision extends beyond business success; he is passionate about making education accessible to all. While specific figures for direct philanthropic donations are not readily available, his actions demonstrate a commitment to affordable education. He aims to democratize access to quality learning for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. He turned down job offers, including one worth ₹75 crores, to continue his work to provide free education to all students.