EnglishYaari was created around a problem experienced by many learners in India: having the knowledge and skills but lacking confidence while speaking English.
The platform was founded by Vikas Gupta, Piyush Shekhar and Sandeep Kumar Singh, who studied at Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology in Bihar. During college competitions, interviews and technology events, the founders experienced how hesitation in spoken English could affect opportunities despite strong academic and technical abilities.
They identified a wider gap among students from tier-two and tier-three cities and decided to build a platform focused on practical communication rather than classroom-based grammar alone.
Starting With ₹1,300
EnglishYaari began in 2021 with an initial investment of just ₹1,300, primarily used to purchase a domain. The founders initially worked without an office, external funding or a large team.
The platform was designed around live conversations with trained tutors. Instead of relying primarily on memorisation, learners could practise speaking, receive personalised corrections and gradually become more comfortable communicating in English.
The name EnglishYaari combines English with the Hindi word for friendship, reflecting the founders' aim of creating a less intimidating learning environment.
From Students to Working Professionals
As the platform developed, its audience expanded beyond college students. Job seekers, working professionals and homemakers also began using the service, particularly learners who had limited opportunities to practise spoken English in traditional educational settings.
The company says more than 10,000 learners have reported improvements in spoken English and confidence. It has also expanded its tutor network and reached learners across different Indian states and international markets.
From Bootstrapping to Funding
EnglishYaari later received support through the Bihar Startup Policy and raised ₹1 crore at a reported valuation of ₹10 crore.
The funding has been directed toward areas including technology development, AI-assisted learning tools and expansion beyond the Indian market.
The founders' longer-term ambition is to build EnglishYaari into a broader communication and confidence-building platform, where language skills can support career opportunities and professional mobility.
Building Around Confidence
EnglishYaari's story highlights a different approach to language learning—one that places regular practice and confidence alongside traditional language instruction.
For learners who understand English but hesitate to speak it, consistent conversation and personalised feedback can be an important part of the learning process.
From a ₹1,300 beginning in Bihar to a funded edtech startup, EnglishYaari is attempting to address a challenge that extends beyond language itself: helping learners feel confident enough to use the skills they already possess.
Related: EnglishYaari on LinkedIn
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