• Returning investors commit again as education sector investors, a Silicon Valley-based investor and new HNIs join the round

HYDERABAD, 13th Oct 2026: Bower School of Entrepreneurship has raised ₹26.8 crore in a pre-Series A round to strengthen its programmes, develop a standalone campus and expand a technology platform connecting learners, founders and the wider Bower community. The funding will also support growth through existing university partnerships and new institutional collaborations.

The round follows Bower’s ₹11.5 crore seed raise. It brings together returning investors, new investors from the education sector, a Silicon Valley based investor and other high net worth individuals.

Returning investors have seen the institution take shape, while new investors from education recognise the opportunity to equip more people with the skills, exposure and support to build enterprises of their own. Together, their backing reflects confidence in Bower’s progress and in the role entrepreneurship education can play in preparing India’s next generation. Reflecting this deep commitment, Ravi Reddy and Bharath Maguluri, who participated in the current funding round as investors, have subsequently joined the institution as Partners. 

“Over the past few years, we have worked to build an institution where entrepreneurship is experienced, practised and supported, not just taught,” said Pavan Allena, Founder and CEO of Bower School of Entrepreneurship. “We have supported more than 150 startups and launched nine programmes, but we are still at the beginning of what Bower can become. The decision of our existing investors to back us again, alongside investment from people deeply connected to education, gives us confidence in the path we are taking. This funding will help us strengthen our programmes, bring exceptional people into the team, grow our university partnerships and build a connected technology and community platform. Our ambition is to establish Bower as a leading centre for entrepreneurship in the country. By helping more people build ventures and create opportunities for others, we can contribute to the country’s future in a practical and lasting way.”

Bower has supported more than 150 startups and launched nine programmes spanning school education, undergraduate learning, executive education and founder development. Its current reach includes more than 8,000 K-12 learners, 50 students in its undergraduate programme and 150 executive education students. Founder OS connects more than 2,000 founders, while over 200 students are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through Bower’s institutional partnerships. Bower has also developed a technology and operating system to support founders beyond the classroom. 

“My experience with the US and Silicon Valley ecosystems has shown me what becomes possible when talent has access to the right mentors, technology and markets. As a co-founder of Bower, I want to help create those connections for aspiring entrepreneurs in India and give them the confidence to build enterprises that can compete globally,” said Ravi Reddy, Partner, Bower School of Entrepreneurship.

The new capital will help Bower strengthen these programmes, grow student enrolment and build a team of educators, practitioners and venture specialists. Alongside a standalone campus in Hyderabad, it will support further development of a technology platform bringing Bower’s programmes, mentors, founders and community together. Bower plans to deepen its work with existing university partners and establish new collaborations, expanding its reach across various states in the country. 

“Education has a lasting impact when it gives people the confidence and capability to create opportunities for themselves and others. That belief is at the heart of my decision to become a co-founder of Bower. I want to help strengthen its programmes and reach more learners across the country, building a generation of entrepreneurs who contribute to India’s growth,” said Bharath Maguluri, Partner, Bower School of Entrepreneurship. 

Before founding Bower, Pavan built Metamorphosis Edu, which brought entrepreneurship learning into schools and was later acquired by BrightCHAMPS. He subsequently worked on BrightCHAMPS’ school-focused business. Bower builds on that experience with a broader ambition: to support people from their first encounter with entrepreneurship through the challenges of building and growing a venture. 

About Bower School of Entrepreneurship 

Bower School of Entrepreneurship is a Hyderabad based institution offering entrepreneurship programmes for school students, undergraduates, working professionals and founders. Its approach combines learning from practitioners with mentorship, community and opportunities to build real ventures.