A Problem Worth Solving
For many students, mathematics is more than a school subject. It can become a source of anxiety, frustration and declining confidence. Indian entrepreneur Manan Khurma, founder of Cuemath, recognised this challenge through his experience as a mathematics educator and decided to build a business around changing how children learn the subject.
Founded in 2013, Cuemath began with a straightforward belief: children should understand mathematical concepts rather than simply memorise formulas and procedures. What started with Manan teaching students gradually developed into an education technology company serving learners internationally.
His journey illustrates how an entrepreneur can turn a personal passion and a persistent educational problem into a scalable business.
From Teaching to Entrepreneurship
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Manan Khurma began his entrepreneurial journey in education before launching Cuemath. His earlier experience in mathematics teaching helped him identify a recurring problem: many learners struggled because they had not developed a strong understanding of fundamental concepts.
By the time students reached higher classes, gaps in their understanding could make increasingly complex topics difficult to master.
Khurma saw an opportunity to address the problem much earlier. Rather than concentrating only on examination preparation, he wanted to help children build mathematical foundations, logical reasoning and confidence from their school years.
This insight became the starting point for Cuemath. Readers can explore the company’s educational philosophy through its official website.
Rethinking Mathematics Education
Cuemath was designed around a different approach to teaching mathematics. Instead of treating the subject as a collection of rules to memorise, its learning model emphasises conceptual understanding, problem-solving and logical thinking.
The company initially developed an offline learning programme combining teaching methods, learning materials and structured lessons. It subsequently expanded its digital offerings, enabling students to learn through online sessions with tutors.
Its approach aims to help students understand why a mathematical method works, rather than simply learn how to reproduce it.
This distinction became central to the brand’s identity. Cuemath positioned itself as a platform for developing long-term mathematical ability, not merely improving marks in the next examination.
Scaling Beyond the Classroom
As digital learning gained wider acceptance, Cuemath expanded beyond its original offline model. Online instruction made it possible to connect students with tutors without requiring families to visit physical learning centres.
The company developed a model built around live mathematics lessons, supported by technology and structured curricula. Its expansion also took it beyond India, reaching families in international markets.
The company’s official website provides information about its learning programmes and approach to mathematics education.
Growth, however, brought its own challenges. Education businesses must maintain teaching quality, build trust with parents, support tutors and demonstrate meaningful learning outcomes. Expanding into new markets adds further complexity, including differences in school curricula and customer expectations.
For Cuemath, sustaining its educational philosophy while developing a technology-enabled business became an important part of the journey.
Building a Business Around Understanding
Cuemath’s story offers several lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
First, businesses can emerge from problems observed through direct experience. Khurma’s background in teaching helped him identify a gap in mathematics education before turning that insight into a company.
Second, a clear philosophy can differentiate a brand. Cuemath built its identity around understanding and reasoning rather than positioning mathematics solely as examination preparation.
Third, technology can expand access. Online lessons enabled the company to reach students beyond the neighbourhoods served by its original teaching centres.
Finally, growth requires more than a compelling idea. Educational businesses must continually work on tutor quality, student engagement, curriculum design and the trust of families.
The Bigger Vision
Manan Khurma’s journey with Cuemath demonstrates how an educator’s insight can become the foundation of an education business. By focusing on mathematical understanding and personalised learning, he set out to address a challenge experienced by students across different education systems.
The company’s long-term opportunity lies in helping more children approach mathematics with confidence while maintaining the quality of its teaching as it develops.
For entrepreneurs, Cuemath is a reminder that meaningful businesses do not always begin with an entirely new invention. Sometimes, they begin by recognising that an everyday problem deserves a better solution.