The Journey of Primebook’s Founders, Chitranshu Mahant and Aman Verma

Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | July 18, 2025 | Driven by a desire to create something different in the digital space, two IIT Delhi graduates, Chitranshu Mahant and Aman Verma, launched a startup in 2018 and carved a niche for themselves. During their volunteer work in Delhi’s slums, they noticed a persistent problem-students eager to learn but lacking access to affordable computing devices. This experience made them aware of India’s vast digital divide, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where PCs were considered a luxury. This realization inspired them to create a solution that was not only cost-effective but also specifically tailored for education.

They started with PrimeOS, an Android-based operating system optimized for multitasking, productivity, and access to thousands of educational apps. Initially distributed as a free download, PrimeOS garnered over two million users, confirming the founders’ belief that a significant gap existed in the computing market that traditional Windows-based systems couldn’t fill.

Impressing the Panel with Social Mission and Technical Ingenuity
When OEM partnerships didn’t succeed, the founders decided to design and launch their own hardware, giving birth to Primebook-a lightweight, student-friendly laptop running on PrimeOS, designed specifically for educational use. The device, priced between Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000, was available in Wi-Fi and 4G models, featuring a durable build, six-hour battery life, expandable storage, and SIM card support-making it ideal for students in remote and low-connectivity areas.

The early phase was fraught with challenges-supply chain disruptions and chip shortages during the pandemic affected production. However, the founders remained focused on enhancing their product and delivering a reliable user experience.

Their big breakthrough came in January 2023 when they appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2, seeking Rs. 75 lakh for 3% equity. They impressed the panel with their social mission and technical ingenuity. Instead of accepting a fully shark-driven deal, they strategically partnered with Peyush Bansal and Aman Gupta, recognizing their expertise in supply chain management and consumer electronics. The Shark Tank appearance transformed their trajectory. What was once a modest startup selling 40-50 units per month suddenly scaled to 10,000 units within days of the episode airing, generating over Rs. 1.2 crore in revenue almost overnight. The buzz led to their launch on Flipkart, where they began averaging over 100 sales per day.

Preferred Choice Over Traditional Tablets or Windows Laptops
By the end of FY 2023-24, Primebook had sold over 60,000 units and recorded Rs. 50 crore in revenue, increasing its share in the sub-Rs. 20,000 laptop market. Their reach expanded through B2B collaborations with NGOs like CRY and Smile Foundation, and edtech companies like PhysicsWallah and AAS Vidyalaya.

Institutions appreciated Primebook’s device management system and ease of classroom integration, making it a preferred choice over traditional tablets or Windows laptops. The return rate stayed below 4%, and growing customer satisfaction helped increase the average selling price. All hardware was manufactured in India through PLI-eligible partners, reflecting the brand’s commitment to domestic innovation.

A Mission to Democratize Digital Access
In April 2025, Primebook raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures and others, including Bhavesh Gupta, former COO of Paytm, who also joined their advisory board. This funding accelerated the development of Primebook Gen 2.0, featuring upgraded specifications, a detachable 2-in-1 model, and a built-in AI assistant designed to enhance learning and productivity.

Future plans include expanding into markets like Africa, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, licensing PrimeOS to OEMs, and deepening institutional partnerships. Although often compared to Chromebooks, Primebook has carved out its own identity with a India-first approach, Android-native OS, and grassroots focus.

For Chitranshu and Aman, Primebook is more than just a business-it’s a mission to democratize digital access for the next billion learners. What started as a college project rooted in empathy has grown into one of India’s most promising edtech hardware startups, combining affordability, functionality, and purpose in a powerful product.

Written & Edited By:

Rajshree Upadhyaya