New Delhi: When Pratham Barot co-founded Zell Education in 2015, he had a clear vision: to bridge the gap between academic finance education and the real-world skills needed in the industry. As an ACCA top-ranker and someone with hands-on experience working at PwC, Pratham saw firsthand how the traditional education system wasn’t preparing students for the fast-paced, dynamic world of finance. That’s when he decided to create Zell Education, with a mission to offer practical, globally relevant finance courses.
Starting Zell with just Rs. 10,000 might have seemed like a small step, but it was a giant leap for Pratham’s dream. It wasn’t the money that mattered but the passion and commitment to making a difference. At first, it was challenging. With limited resources, building trust and credibility with students was tough. However, Zell overcame these hurdles by focusing on quality education and leveraging the expertise of its team. Word quickly spread, and Zell grew from a small group of students to more than 25,000 learners in no time.
One of the biggest challenges Zell faced was the shift to digital learning. But instead of seeing it as a setback, Zell used it to its advantage. By developing a robust online system, the company was able to continue its work even during the pandemic. Today, Zell Education serves students not just in India but across the globe, offering internationally recognized certifications like ACCA, CFA, CPA, and CMA.
From PwC to Entrepreneurship
Before diving into the world of education, Pratham had a successful career at PwC, where he worked as an auditor and financial controller. It was during this time that he noticed a recurring issue: students were often not equipped with the practical skills required in the finance industry. They had the theoretical knowledge but lacked the ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.
This realization, combined with his passion for teaching, led Pratham to launch Zell Education. He saw an opportunity to create a platform that not only provided education but also prepared students for the evolving demands of the finance sector. The move from corporate life to entrepreneurship was a natural step for Pratham, driven by his desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.
Embracing Technology to Transform Learning
Zell Education is a great example of how technology can revolutionize education. By incorporating interactive learning modules, regular evaluations, and direct interactions with industry professionals, Zell offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Students across the world can access high-quality education through its flexible online platform.
The future of finance education, according to Pratham, lies in leveraging emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, and blockchain. Zell is already exploring AI-driven personalized learning paths and virtual reality simulations to enhance the learning experience. These technologies will not only make education more interactive but also ensure that students are always up to date with the latest trends and skills required in the finance industry.
A Global Impact
Zell Education’s growth is not limited to India. By offering globally recognized certifications and catering to international students, Zell has attracted learners from all corners of the world. The flexibility of on-demand lectures and live sessions across different time zones has made Zell a preferred choice for students everywhere.
The company also tailors its content to be culturally sensitive, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can relate to the material. Zell’s partnerships with global universities and corporations have allowed it to gain a better understanding of the unique needs of international students, making the learning experience more personalized and effective.
Real-Life Success Stories
The true measure of Zell’s success lies in the stories of its students. One such story is of Ankita Darji, who came to Zell after completing her M.Com and working as an accountant. She wanted to advance her career, and through Zell’s ACCA program, she gained the knowledge and confidence to land a highly respected position. Her ACCA qualification transformed not only her career but also her personal life, as she celebrated her success by buying a gold ring for her father-in-law.
Another inspiring story is that of Ronak Dhruv, who ranked third in India and secured a global rank in ACCA. Ronak’s success story didn’t stop there—he went on to pursue the CFA, and his career in finance has continued to soar. These stories reflect the real impact Zell has had on its students, empowering them to achieve extraordinary results.
The Power of Content Creation
Pratham’s content creation journey began on YouTube, where he began sharing his knowledge with aspiring finance professionals. The response was overwhelming, and it became clear that there was a huge demand for accessible, industry-relevant finance education. Today, Zell’s YouTube channel has over a million views, helping build the brand’s credibility and community. Content creation has also played a crucial role in marketing and expanding Zell’s reach, as students often choose to join the platform after engaging with the free resources available.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own ventures, especially in the ed-tech or finance sectors, Pratham has some valuable advice. First, identify a problem you’re passionate about solving. Then, embrace continuous learning to stay ahead in the ever-evolving industry. Building a strong network is also key—whether it’s connecting with industry professionals or engaging with your audience. Lastly, be prepared to start small, adapt, and innovate as you go along.
