In the edtech world, where cash burn and flashy growth often dominate headlines, Prateek Maheshwari stands out for something refreshingly different—restraint, focus, and purpose.

As co-founder of PhysicsWallah (PW), Maheshwari has helped scale the company while maintaining financial discipline and a sharp focus on student outcomes.

Over the past year, PW has expanded aggressively—but mindfully. In 2024, it grew its offline presence to over 150 Vidyapeeth and Pathshala centres across 20 states. This hybrid model lies at the heart of PW’s strategy—tapping into Bharat’s aspirational learners while retaining tech-enabled efficiencies.

“One of our core principles has been financial discipline. We’ve tried to make education accessible, and that perception has shaped business decisions,” says Maheshwari.

PW has developed tools like AI Guru, Smart Doubt Engine, and AI Sahayak—not to replace teachers, but to make learning systems more efficient and accessible.

In FY24, PW’s operating revenue surged 161% year-on-year to ₹1,940 crore.

Maheshwari attributes this success to maintaining a startup’s speed and scrappiness by building “small, empowered units” within the larger structure. For him, the dream is clear: build for the long term, improve access with quality, and take risks—only when they solve a real problem.