Rohan Pasari is the co-founder and CEO of Cialfo, a Singapore-based edtech company on a mission to make higher education accessible to 100M students worldwide through cutting-edge technology. To date, Cialfo has raised approximately $80M from global investors such as SIG Global, Square Peg Capital, Cercano, Tiger Global, DLF Venture, and SEEDS Capital.

‍

👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

As the co-founder and CEO of Cialfo, my role centers on making the dream of higher education accessible to students around the globe. Imagine a world where every student, regardless of where they are, has the right tools and support to explore and attain their dream education! That's the world Cialfo is striving to create.

Every day, we're tackling the question: How can we make the journey from high school to higher education easier, more accessible, and aligned with each student's dreams, and do this at scale for millions of students globally?

At the core of my responsibilities is a commitment to deeply comprehend the evolving needs of our students, their parents, educators, and institutional partners.

This comprehension shapes my strategic direction, driving the development of our AI powered platform and services to not only meet but also anticipate the evolving needs of the community. Whether it's refining our product offerings, expanding into new markets, or forging meaningful partnerships in the education and tech sectors, my mission of championing students doesn’t waver.

So, to someone outside our industry, I'd say my job is about empowering future generations to achieve their educational and career goals, making sure no dream is out of reach due to a lack of access to information or guidance. It's about leveling the playing field in global education, one student at a time.

‍

🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

One aspect about me that might come as a surprise is my passion for dancing Bachata, a Latin dance form.

While I have various hobbies like diving, surfing, and hiking, perhaps Bachata reflects a side of my personality that diverges from the conventional image of a tech CEO!

As for my job, some might find it unexpected to learn how hands-on I am with every facet of Cialfo. From the minutiae of product development to the intricacies of market expansion, I believe that being detail-oriented and closely involved in various operations is crucial for truly understanding and driving the company forward.

‍

🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

It has been a profoundly rewarding experience to create an environment that flourishes on the diversity of our team, representing a total of 16 nationalities across 47 work locations worldwide!

This emphasis on culture and the successful melding of such diverse backgrounds into a single, focused entity with aligned core values and principles is, without a doubt, the most significant highlight of my career to date.

‍

🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

Definitely AI. I’m interested in its potential to revolutionize industries and society at large. I often ponder the broader implications too: how AI can propel humanity forward, enhancing our lives and the way we interact with the world?

And specifically, my focus sharpens around the role AI can play in education, particularly the practical applications of AI that can elevate the educational experience for students and educators alike.

From this vantage point, I also explore the business horizon: identifying where AI in education opens up new pathways for innovation and growth.

The potential for AI to create more personalized and efficient learning experiences offers a compelling business opportunity — one that aligns with our mission at Cialfo to make higher education more accessible to students worldwide.

‍

💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

My advice revolves around mastering the art of balance.

Success in the education technology sector demands a harmonious blend of expertise in education, technology, and business. Leaning too heavily into the educational aspect might make one overly altruistic, potentially sidelining the critical business or technological perspectives needed to drive forward.

On the flip side, focusing solely on business and tech without a solid grounding in educational principles could lead you astray from the core mission of truly impacting the educational landscape.

Moreover, an overemphasis on education and tech without a keen business acumen won't set the foundation for a scalable and growing business. The challenge, then, is to strike a perfect balance among these three pillars to create something both impactful and sustainable.

Building a company is also about assembling a group of individuals who collectively embody these strengths. If finding such multifaceted individuals proves challenging, aim to curate a diverse team where each member's strengths complement the others, fostering an environment where innovation in education can thrive.

‍

🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Running Cialfo has given me a front-row seat to the thrilling performance of business strategy in action.

I could spend hours discussing the continuous evolution of business models, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer needs. It’s fascinating to witness firsthand how businesses must adapt, pivot, and sometimes completely reinvent themselves to stay ahead in this competitive race.

‍

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

When it comes to my favorite movie, "The Godfather" stands unrivaled.

There's something inspirational about it — the intricate plot, the complex characters, and the lessons on loyalty, power, and family.

As for TV shows, "Friends" is my go-to comfort series. I've watched each episode across all ten seasons probably ten times over! It has a way of making any day brighter.

‍

🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Any derivative of chocolate!