Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini, co-founders of edtech giant Unacademy, are preparing to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities in the coming two to three months, as per media reports. 

Citng sources familiar with the matter, Moneycontrol reported that the duo is currently engaged in high-level discussions with the company’s board and its investors, aiming to carve out Airlearn, the firm’s language learning app, into an independent entity.

While these conversations are ongoing, a clear leadership transition plan is already in motion. Sumit Jain, who was elevated to a co-founder role last year following Hemesh Singh’s departure, is poised to take charge of the offline vertical. Meanwhile, Unacademy is in the process of finalising new leadership to oversee its core online education platform.

Leadership Realignment Underway

Munjal had been considering a move away from his operational role for several months and officially conveyed his decision to the board in March. “The board asked him to first reduce the company’s burn, so he stayed on till now,” the report said, quoting a source aware of internal discussions.

According to insiders, the succession plan identifies Jain, also the founder of Graphy and a long-time associate of Munjal, as the leader who will take over the offline business. A separate leadership team is being put together to manage the company’s primary online segment.

Airlearn Emerges as Munjal’s Next Focus

The language learning arm, Airlearn, is reportedly gaining traction and is expected to become Munjal’s next major focus. He has outlined a proposal to the board that would allow him to spearhead the new entity independently. “There is over 90 per cent alignment on the matter, with some final negotiations remaining around equity and structure,” said a source close to the developments.

Both Munjal and Saini are expected to formally leave Unacademy after the framework for Airlearn’s spin-off is approved. Munjal has also approached existing Unacademy investors, offering them the chance to participate in the new venture once the separation is complete.

Despite the planned leadership exits, Unacademy remains financially cushioned with a reported bank balance of around Rs 1,250 crore. However, the company continues to operate at an annual cash burn rate of approximately Rs 200 crore, according to one of the people cited.