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2 minute read
Welcome to another engaging episode of SaaS Founder Stories. Today, we're joined by Milan Sanghani, CEO and founder of EdMission, a company transforming international student recruitment for higher education. Milan shares invaluable insights into EdMission's journey and the crucial challenges they've navigated in their growth.
What EdMission Offers
EdMission provides a comprehensive SaaS solution tailored for universities and international students aiming to study in Canada. The platform streamlines the student recruitment process, ensuring quality admissions and reducing fraud by eliminating unreliable agent networks. This end-to-end system allows universities to invite the most suitable candidates without deploying resources overseas, simplifying and securing the recruitment process.
The Challenge: Partnering with Public Universities
One of the most formidable challenges EdMission faced was establishing partnerships with public universities. As Milan explains, these partnerships are not just operational necessities; they are crucial for building credibility and trust within the educational sector. This is particularly true for international student recruitment, where the reputation of educational partners can significantly influence student and parental decisions.
Overcoming the Challenge
Strategic Interviews and Lean Approaches
Initially, Milan personally conducted interviews with multiple universities across Canada. This direct engagement helped identify specific needs and challenges within the university system, shaping EdMission's offerings to meet these demands effectively.
Utilizing Conferences and Events
Recognizing the importance of cost-effective marketing strategies, Milan leveraged educational conferences and events to connect with key stakeholders. These venues proved vital for networking, allowing EdMission to present their platform directly to university representatives without the significant costs associated with traditional marketing tactics.
Building on References
The power of word-of-mouth and referrals came into play as Milan and his team used early partnerships with private universities as references to build trust and secure more prestigious collaborations with public institutions.
Results and Reflections
The strategies employed by EdMission culminated in the successful onboarding of three public universities in just one month—a significant milestone for the company. This achievement not only enhanced EdMission's market position but also reinforced its reputation as a reliable partner in the educational sector.
Future Outlook and Continuing Challenges
Looking ahead, Milan outlines ambitious goals for EdMission, including expanding their network to 25 universities and targeting the Indian market to reach $1 million in revenue. The upcoming months will focus on scaling operations and securing a pre-seed funding round, presenting both opportunities and challenges in sustaining growth and expanding market reach.
Conclusion
Milan Sanghani’s journey with EdMission highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative problem-solving in the SaaS industry. By focusing on direct engagement and leveraging existing relationships, EdMission has set a precedent for how emerging SaaS companies can achieve rapid growth and build credibility in specialized markets. This episode not only sheds light on overcoming significant industry challenges but also inspires other SaaS founders to think creatively in their entrepreneurial ventures.
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