In today's world, where opportunities abound, one young entrepreneur, Viraj, is making waves and setting an example for his peers. At just 15, he embarked on a journey into the tech world by diving into programming. This early passion ignited a spark that would propel him into the realm of entrepreneurship, leading to remarkable achievements in a short span. In 2023, he turned down a job offer from Google in Bangalore to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations, leading to the launch of his own company.
Viraj's journey began with a commitment to learning programming, which provided him with a solid foundation for his future ventures. After honing his skills, he joined a startup, where he played a vital role in helping the company raise an impressive $1.2 million in funding. This experience not only gave him practical knowledge about the inner workings of a business but also opened his eyes to the possibilities that entrepreneurship offered.
Fueled by ambition and a desire to create his own path, Viraj launched his first venture, Course Compass, in 2023. Course Compass focuses on empowering students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges by providing them with expert-led courses, internship opportunities, and valuable career guidance. Under his leadership, the company saw tremendous growth, raising a round at a $500,000 valuation. So far, Course Compass has placed over 1,000 students in internships, with 200 of them transitioning into full-time roles. This milestone highlights Viraj's commitment to upskilling young professionals and ensuring they find meaningful career placements. He attributes much of this success to the efforts of key team members such as Abhishek Giridhar Bhat, Rohit Pilgonde, and Sai SreeKanth S.
One of Viraj’s most significant achievements with Course Compass came in August, when the platform was recognized as the Best EdTech Company of the Year at an event hosted by the Global Triumph Foundation. This accolade reflects the platform's effectiveness and the hard work of the entire team, further solidifying Viraj’s impact on the education sector.
Following the success of Course Compass, Viraj launched his second venture, InternLink, which is revolutionizing the internship search process. InternLink adopts a match-style approach where users swipe on internships, extracurriculars, and research opportunities. The platform uses an advanced AI algorithm to build personalized profiles and match users with companies seeking similar credentials. The innovative approach quickly caught attention, and InternLink raised funding at a $500,000 valuation, underscoring the potential of this transformative platform. With continuous updates and AI-powered recommendations, InternLink is fast becoming the go-to platform for students looking to break into their desired fields.
In addition to his entrepreneurial successes, Viraj was recently honored with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at a ceremony organized by Clusters of Achievers and India School Awards. The award was proudly presented by Ashneer Grover, adding a special touch to the recognition and celebrating the startup's exceptional achievements in the media industry.
Looking to the future, Viraj is committed to expanding both Course Compass and InternLink. He has avision that extends beyond personal success; Viraj aims to inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace entrepreneurship as a viable path. His story is a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. As he forges ahead, he remains dedicated to redefining what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today's world, paving the way for future generations to follow in his footsteps.