NumberOne Academy, an AI-powered enablement platform focused on empowering SME entrepreneurs, has received a strategic investment of Rs 3 crore from Santosh Nair, a business coach. With over 25 years of expertise in the coaching and training industry, Nair’s investment further reinforces NumberOne's mission. By integrating a multi-lingual AI layer over upskilling courses, digital tools and community engagement, the platform aims to revolutionize the SME ecosystem. This investment highlights a shared vision to transform India’s SME landscape through innovation and holistic support.
Founded by a team of industry experts, NumberOne Academy offers upskilling courses tailored to help business owners achieve sustainable growth and scale operations. A significant milestone for the platform was the launch of NOA, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist SMEs in tackling GST-related challenges—a solution that has garnered praise for its practicality and innovation.
Speaking on the investment, Santosh Nair shared his enthusiasm: "I am thrilled to partner with NumberOne to empower MSMEs and transform entrepreneurship in India. With a technology driven platform, we aim to reach every corner of the nation, fostering job creation and helping entrepreneurs achieve the four freedoms—time, money, relationships, and purpose—while preparing India for a brighter, self-reliant future."”
For NumberOne Academy’s Co-founder and CEO, Lajesh Kolath, the partnership is a significant milestone: “We’re thrilled to be validated by an industry leader like Santosh Nair, confirming we are on the right track to support India’s MSME entrepreneurs. It’s also a personal achievement to receive investment from my former boss”.
With this funding, NumberOne Academy is set to expand its suite of business courses in Hindi and other regional languages, catering to India’s vast Hindi-speaking market and further enhance NOA into a Virtual Business Coach, capable of conversing in over 10 regional languages and addressing diverse business challenges for entrepreneurs.
NumberOne Academy has already attracted significant investments from prominent figures, including Kochouseph Chittilapilly, Chairman of V-Guard, and Mohan Kumar, CEO of Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd - Singapore, alongside investors from the Middle East and Kerala.
