Pandai: From Y Combinator to RM16M Funding & 1M+ Users

A school reunion eventually led to an AI-powered edtech that raised RM16 million, and is now an 8-figure business with over 1 million users and on track for profitability in 2025.

Pandai wants to reshape education in Malaysia and beyond with its AI-powered learning platform. Founded in 2020, the edtech startup has scaled to over 1 million users, providing personalised learning, gamified assessments, and real-time teacher support. CEO and Founder Khairul Anwar shares how Pandai differentiates itself in a competitive landscape, including its curriculum integration, AI-driven tutoring, and B2B partnerships with corporate sponsors and government agencies.

A Y Combinator-backed company, Pandai has raised over RM16 million from investors like 500 Global, RHL Ventures, and Harvard Endowment, while maintaining rapid revenue growth of 2-3X annually. With eight-figure revenues and profitability expected in 2025, Pandai is pushing its expansion across Southeast Asia, navigating challenges such as localisation and market competition.

In this conversation, we dive into the company’s scaling strategy, its AI-driven student analytics, and the future of edtech in Malaysia. Is an IPO or strategic acquisition on the horizon?

Tune in to find out how Pandai is transforming learning and what’s next for the startup.

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