
Ambitio, an AI-driven admissions startup, has successfully raised $2 million in a seed funding round to enhance its services and expand into undergraduate admissions. The startup, co-founded by IIT-BHU alumni Dirghayu Kaushik and Vikrant Shivalik, has been primarily catering to postgraduate students. With this fresh infusion of capital, Ambitio is now set to broaden its scope and offer specialized undergraduate admission services, ensuring a seamless application process for students worldwide.
Unlike traditional education consultants who often rely on recruitment agents working with universities, Ambitio differentiates itself through its AI-powered approach. Instead of partnering with institutions, Ambitio focuses on students, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance application success rates.
“This entire system is traditionally driven by recruitment agents who collaborate with foreign universities. Our approach is fundamentally different. We don’t work with universities; we work directly with students. By sourcing extensive data on past applicants, their profiles, and essay submissions, we’ve developed an AI-powered platform that understands how university admissions officers evaluate applications,” explained Kaushik.
With more than 80% of its current user base comprising postgraduate applicants, Ambitio aims to extend its services to undergraduate students as well. The newly acquired funding will be used to strengthen its distribution network, reaching students in regions where access to quality admission guidance is limited.
“Many students miss out on opportunities due to a lack of proper guidance. We want to bridge that gap and make top-tier university admissions accessible to everyone, irrespective of their location,” Kaushik added.
Since its inception, Ambitio has witnessed exponential growth. The platform now boasts over 75,000 monthly active users and more than 50,000 signups. Hundreds of students have secured admissions to prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, and Oxford.
“One of our students is getting into a top university almost every day. The fact that we’ve achieved this in under two years speaks volumes about the effectiveness of our AI-driven model,” said Kaushik.
What sets Ambitio apart is its ability to provide customized recommendations based on years of applicant data. The platform analyzes student profiles, academic history, and personal preferences to create tailored admission strategies.
“Every student is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Our AI-powered system ensures that each student gets a personalized action plan that maximizes their chances of acceptance into their dream university,” said Shivalik, co-founder of Ambitio.
Ambitio has observed shifting trends in student preferences for study destinations. While the US remains a top choice despite political uncertainties, Canada has seen a decline in interest. Meanwhile, European universities and institutions in the UK continue to attract students, with many prioritizing programs based on return on investment and academic excellence over geographical location.
“At the end of the day, students are making more data-driven decisions. They want value for their investment, and our platform helps them find the best-fit universities based on their goals,” Kaushik explained.
With ambitious plans for expansion, Ambitio aims to generate $2 million in revenue in the next financial year (FY26). Although the startup has the potential to become profitable within a year, the founders intend to reinvest in technology and distribution to enhance user experience further.
“We could focus on profitability right now, but our primary goal is to create the most advanced AI-powered admissions platform. Our focus is on long-term growth and making our services even more effective,” Kaushik added.
Ambitio’s success highlights the increasing demand for AI-driven education solutions. Traditional admission consultancies are becoming outdated, and students are looking for more efficient, data-backed approaches. With its unique model, Ambitio is poised to disrupt the sector and establish itself as a leader in the global education space.
As the competition for top universities intensifies, platforms like Ambitio are becoming indispensable for students seeking guidance. This funding marks a significant step toward democratizing access to quality education, ensuring that students worldwide have the resources they need to achieve their academic dreams.
Looking to secure admission to a top university? Get started with Ambitio today and take the first step toward your dream career!
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Shashank Prakash is the force behind StartupByDoc, a powerhouse of startup intelligence, disruptive trends, and insider revelations. He deciphers the chaos of the entrepreneurial world, transforming breaking news and industry shifts into actionable insights. With a pulse on innovation and a knack for storytelling, Shashank empowers founders, investors, and dreamers to navigate the startup ecosystem with clarity and confidence.