Leadup Universe
Leadup Universe is an India-based executive education acceleration firm, founded in 2021, that curates and manages programs with IIM Calcutta, XLRI, and IIT Kanpur for aspiring CXOs and senior leaders, supported by its EOTF research study and CXO Club community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersGurugram, India
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Leadup Universe does
Leadup Universe is a privately held, India-based executive education acceleration company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Mumbai. It curates and facilitates executive education programs in partnership with three of India's premier institutions — IIM Calcutta, XLRI Jamshedpur, and IIT Kanpur E&ICT Academy (a MeitY initiative) — offering programs ranging from 2-day executive certifications (e.g., AI for Business Growth at ~₹63K) to 18-24 month AICTE-approved postgraduate diplomas (XLRI PGDM Finance at ~₹14.8 lakhs, PGDM HRM at ~₹16.5 lakhs). Its core offerings include Emerging CXO Programs, curated CXO events, CXO mentorship and peer group networking through the CXO Club, and the proprietary Employers of the Future (EOTF) annual research study presented in association with Outlook Business. The company also operates a technology-enabled learning platform supporting live online sessions, recordings, peer learning, and remote library access for executive program participants.
The company monetizes through per-program tuition fees with installment payment options, group nomination discounts (3+/5+ participants), corporate sponsorship agreements with signed MOUs, and event participation fees tied to the EOTF study and mega-events. Since 2021, the company states it has supported 1,000+ leaders and engaged 300+ organizations through the EOTF platform across three editions (2022, 2023, 2024, with 2025 underway). Its go-to-market combines enterprise field sales (including a recently hired Assistant Vice President for enterprise business), event-driven demand generation through multi-city EOTF mega-events in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon, and community-led growth via the CXO Club. Revenue, funding, and ownership are not publicly disclosed; the company appears to be founder-led (CEO & Co-Founder Mayank Verma, Co-Founder Rashmi Mandloi) with a lean team of approximately 8 named members.
The business model is best characterized as an institutional brand-aggregator and program manager in the executive education market: Leadup Universe supplies demand generation, enrollment, delivery coordination, and learner support, while partner B-schools supply curriculum, faculty, certification, and alumni status. Strategic moats derive from these exclusive institutional partnerships, the proprietary EOTF content library, and the CXO Club community ecosystem. The company is not technology-led — its AI footprint consists of AI-themed curriculum taught through partner programs rather than proprietary AI products or platforms.
Leadup Universe firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Leadup Universe
- Legal name
- Leadup Universe
- Website
- https://leadupuniverse.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Leadup Universe is an India-based executive education acceleration firm, founded in 2021, that curates and manages programs with IIM Calcutta, XLRI, and IIT Kanpur for aspiring CXOs and senior leaders, supported by its EOTF research study and CXO Club community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Leadup Universe industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Executive Education
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Direct Mail Advertising Services (7331)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Executive Leadership & C-Suite Development (EDABAAAA)
Keywords
Where Leadup Universe is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gurugram
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Leadup Universe business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Executive Education Program Fees: Leadup Universe earns revenue by curating and facilitating executive education programs in partnership with top B-schools (IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, XLRI). Revenue is generated through program fees charged to participants, with installment payment options available. Programs range from 6-month certificates to 18–24 month diplomas, with fees spanning from approximately ₹2.88 lakhs to ₹16.5 lakhs per program.
- EOTF Study & Event Participation Fees: Organizations pay to participate in the Employers of the Future study, get shortlisted, and attend the mega events and roundtables. The EOTF platform serves as both a brand-building and revenue-generating vehicle through event registrations and recognition showcases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | AI for Business Growth - Standard |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | AI for Business Growth - Group Nominations |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | XLRI PGDM (HRM) for Emerging CHROs |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | IIM Calcutta Strategic Project Management |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | IIM Calcutta Digital & AI-Driven Marketing (DigiAIM) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | XLRI PGDM (Finance) - Standard |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | XLRI PGDM (Finance) - Diversity Scholarship |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Leadup Universe product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Leadup Universe is an executive education acceleration firm that curates and delivers advanced management programs in partnership with top Indian business schools including IIM Calcutta, XLRI, and IIT Kanpur. Its offerings include diploma and certification programs in finance, HRM, digital/AI marketing, project management, CTO and AI product leadership, alongside a CXO mentorship and curated peer-group program, and the proprietary EOTF (Employers of the Future) research study aimed at senior professionals and the organizations that sponsor them.
Product overview
Leadup Universe is an Executive Education Acceleration Firm that provides a portfolio of career acceleration programs for aspiring CXOs and senior professionals. The core offerings include Emerging CXO Programs (featuring capability development, coaching, and personal branding), Curated CXO Events, and CXO Mentorship with a rich peer group. The company also conducts the annual Employers of the Future (EOTF) research study in partnership with Outlook Business. Affiliated programs include executive education courses from top Indian B-schools: XLRI Jamshedpur (PGDM Finance, PGDM HRM for Emerging CHROs), IIM Calcutta (Digital & AI Driven Marketing, Strategic Project Management), and IIT Kanpur E&ICT Academy (Emerging CTO AI Leadership, AI Product Leadership, Lead with AI for Business Growth). The platform serves 1000+ leaders since 2021.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- EOTF (Employers of the Future): A unique and comprehensive study conducted by Leadup Universe in association with Outlook Business, analyzing how companies build capacities and capabilities to become future-ready. The study includes a compendium and series of events spanning across 12 months.
Products and services
- Emerging CXO Programs Career-acceleration programs designed for senior professionals aspiring to C-suite roles, delivered through curated learning paths, mentorship, and peer-group engagement.
- CXO Mentorship and Curated Peer Group Structured mentorship program pairing emerging senior leaders with experienced CXO mentors and an invitation-based peer community for ongoing professional exchange.
- EOTF (Employers of the Future) Research Study Proprietary research study and benchmarking study on the future of employers and workforce, used as both thought leadership and a corporate sponsorship product.
- PGDM (Finance) - Blended Blended Post Graduate Diploma in Management with a finance specialization, delivered in partnership with XLRI for working professionals seeking advanced finance credentials.
- PGDM (HRM) for Emerging CHROs Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management targeted at HR leaders progressing toward CHRO roles, delivered in partnership with XLRI.
- Digital & AI Driven Marketing (DigiAIM) Executive program in digital and AI-driven marketing, delivered in partnership with IIM Calcutta for senior marketing professionals.
- Strategic Project Management Programme Executive program in strategic project management, delivered in partnership with IIM Calcutta for senior project and program leaders.
- Emerging CTO AI Leadership Program AI-focused leadership program for technology executives progressing toward CTO roles, delivered in partnership with IIT Kanpur.
- AI Product Leadership Program Program for product leaders focused on building and scaling AI-driven products, delivered in partnership with IIT Kanpur.
- Lead with AI for Business Growth Executive program on applying AI to drive business growth, delivered in partnership with IIT Kanpur for senior business leaders.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,000+ leaders supported in talent growth and retention since 2021
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Leadup Universe
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Leadup Universe technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability8 records
Feature3 records
Leadup Universe partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Outlook BusinessflagshipLeadup Universe presents the EOTF (Employers of the Future) study in association with Outlook Business — an insightful business magazine for decision makers. Outlook Business provides editorial credibility, media reach, and co-branding for the annual study, compendium, and events. The partnership elevates the EOTF platform as a prestigious industry recognition initiative.
- Work UniversecoreLeadup Universe co-presents the EOTF (Employers of the Future) study and events with Work Universe. Work Universe contributes to the research framework and event execution, with both organizations jointly hosting EOTF forums in major Indian cities (Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore). The partnership has produced three editions of the EOTF compendium (2022, 2023, 2024).
- IIM CalcuttacoreLeadup Universe collaborates with IIM Calcutta as a primary program delivery partner for executive education programs including Strategic Project Management (SPM) and Digital & AI-Driven Marketing (DigiAIM). Programs are designed and delivered by IIM Calcutta faculty, with Leadup Universe handling program management, marketing, and participant support. Participants receive Executive Education Alumni Status from IIM Calcutta.
- XLRI - Xavier School of Management, JamshedpurcoreLeadup Universe is a primary program delivery partner for XLRI's executive education programs including PGDM (Finance) Blended, PGDM (HRM) for Emerging CHROs, and various certification programs. XLRI provides curriculum design, faculty, and certification. Leadup Universe manages enrollment, delivery coordination, and platform operations. Programs carry full XLRI alumni benefits.
- E&ICT Academy, IIT KanpurcoreE&ICT Academy, IIT Kanpur is a joint initiative of MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology), Govt. of India, with IITs, NITs & IIITs. Leadup Universe collaborates on AI leadership programs including the Emerging CTO AI Leadership Program, AI Product Leadership Program, and 'Lead with AI for Business Growth' executive certification. Programs carry recognized professional certificates from E&ICT Academy, IIT Kanpur under MeitY.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Leadup Universe competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Nulearn: Niche Indian executive education marketplace/distributor listing programs from IIMs, IITs, XLRI, and other institutions. Comparable in the discovery and enrollment layer for premium executive programs, though operates more as a marketing aggregator than a co-delivery partner.
Others
- People Matters: India-focused HR and talent media platform publishing research, events, and CXO community content. Relevant as an adjacent ecosystem player in the same HR/leadership community that Leadup's EOTF study and CXO Club engage with.
Direct peers
- upGrad: Large Indian edtech offering executive MBAs, diplomas, and certification programs in partnership with global universities and Indian institutions. Competes for the same aspiring senior-executive learner in India with a similar B-school partnership model.
- TalentSprint: India-based executive education and deep-tech learning company with partnerships across IIMs, IIT, XLRI, and ISB. Directly comparable in model (B-school co-branded executive programs) and customer base (aspiring senior leaders in India).
- Imarticus Learning: India-based professional education company offering executive programs, certifications, and placement-focused courses in finance, analytics, and technology. Comparable in target buyer (working professionals, mid-to-senior levels) and India-focused delivery model.
- Great Learning: India and Southeast Asia-focused edtech offering executive programs in partnership with universities including MIT, Stanford, IIT, and Great Lakes. Comparable in target segment (working professionals pursuing senior credentials) and product mix.
- Emeritus: Global edtech partnering with top business schools (including MIT, Columbia, IIM) to deliver executive education programs online. Closest direct peer to Leadup's B-school-affiliated executive program model, with overlapping product, target buyer (senior professionals), and revenue model.
- Simplilearn: Digital skills and executive education provider with India operations; offers certification and master's programs aimed at working professionals. Comparable in audience (mid-to-senior professionals) and category (professional certifications), though more technology-skills oriented.
Broad incumbents
- Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education: Top-tier Indian B-school offering its own portfolio of executive education programs, advanced management programs, and certificate courses directly to senior professionals. Competes with Leadup's partner-school offerings at the institution level.
- Coursera for Business: Enterprise-focused learning platform offering executive education and certificate programs from global universities (Wharton, Yale, Imperial). Broad incumbent serving the same enterprise L&D and senior-leader learner with a much larger catalog and global scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Leadup Universe social profiles
Digital presenceLeadup Universe financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Leadup Universe leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Leadup Universe funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Leadup Universe M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Leadup Universe
What does Leadup Universe do?
Leadup Universe is an executive education acceleration firm that curates and delivers advanced management programs in partnership with top Indian business schools including IIM Calcutta, XLRI, and IIT Kanpur. Its offerings include diploma and certification programs in finance, HRM, digital/AI marketing, project management, CTO and AI product leadership, alongside a CXO mentorship and curated peer-group program, and the proprietary EOTF (Employers of the Future) research study aimed at senior professionals and the organizations that sponsor them.
Is Leadup Universe a public or private company?
Leadup Universe is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Leadup Universe founded?
Leadup Universe was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Leadup Universe based?
Leadup Universe is headquartered in Gurugram, India, in the Asia region.
How does Leadup Universe make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Executive Education Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are EOTF Study & Event Participation Fees.
Who are Leadup Universe's main competitors?
Nulearn is listed as an emerging player. People Matters is listed as an others. Direct peers are upGrad, TalentSprint, Imarticus Learning, Great Learning, Emeritus and Simplilearn. Broad incumbents are Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education and Coursera for Business.
Does Leadup Universe have an API?
No public API is recorded for Leadup Universe.
What industry is Leadup Universe in?
Leadup Universe's product category is Executive Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABAAAA, Executive Leadership & C-Suite Development. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7331.