$2 Million Raised by Primebook to Power R&D and Innovation in Android Laptop Market

Primebook, Shark Tank India-featured Android laptop brand, raised $2 million to fuel R&D and product innovation, marking a significant milestone for the startup. This article dives into Primebook’s journey, from its inception by IIT Delhi alumni to its standout appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2, where it secured INR 75 lakh. We explore how the recent $2 million funding from investors like Inflection Point Ventures and Auxano Capital will drive advancements in its Android-based laptops and proprietary PrimeOS, aimed at revolutionizing affordable education technology. The blog also covers Primebook’s market impact, future plans, and its role in bridging India’s digital divide, making it a compelling read for tech enthusiasts and startup followers.

Introduction: Primebook’s Big Win with $2 Million Funding

Imagine a laptop that’s as affordable as a smartphone, designed specifically for students, and powered by an Android-based operating system. That’s the vision of Primebook, a Shark Tank India-featured Android laptop brand, which just raised $2 million to supercharge its R&D and product innovation. This funding is a game-changer for the Delhi-based startup, founded by IIT Delhi alumni, as it aims to make quality education accessible through budget-friendly tech. In this blog, we’ll take you through Primebook’s inspiring journey, the significance of its recent funding, and how it plans to reshape the EdTech landscape in India.

The Journey of Primebook: From IIT Delhi to Shark Tank India

Primebook began in 2018 with a bold mission: to empower every Indian student with affordable, high-quality laptops. Founded by IIT Delhi graduates Chitranshu Mahant, Aman Verma, Umang Leekha, and Pankaj Rawat, the startup saw a gap in the market. While smartphones and tablets were widespread, laptops—crucial for e-learning—remained out of reach for millions. Their solution? An Android-based laptop called Primebook 4G, running on a custom operating system, PrimeOS, designed for seamless learning.

The team’s focus on affordability and education caught attention early on. By partnering with NGOs, schools, and EdTech platforms, Primebook enabled hybrid and online learning for underserved communities. Their commitment to bridging the digital divide laid the foundation for their big break on Shark Tank India, where they showcased their innovative approach to a national audience.

Shark Tank India Spotlight: How Primebook Stole the Show

In Season 2 of Shark Tank India, Primebook’s pitch was a masterclass in passion and vision. The founders presented the Primebook 4G, a lightweight, 4G-enabled laptop priced at just INR 15,000. They highlighted how it could reduce education costs by 85%, making it a game-changer for students. The laptop’s PrimeOS, based on Android 11, supports over 200,000 educational apps, offering a robust alternative to pricier Windows-based systems.

The sharks were impressed. Four out of five—Peyush Bansal, Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, and Anupam Mittal—made individual offers, with a combined offer from all five. Ultimately, Primebook sealed a deal with Peyush Bansal (Lenskart) and Aman Gupta (boAt) for INR 75 lakh in exchange for 3% equity, valuing the company at INR 25 crore. This Shark Tank India-featured Android laptop moment catapulted Primebook into the spotlight, boosting its credibility and sales.

Breaking Down the $2 Million Funding Round

Fast forward to April 2025, and Primebook raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round, a mix of equity and debt. The funding came from prominent investors like Inflection Point Ventures, Auxano Capital, NexG Devices, and high-net-worth individuals. This capital injection, equivalent to roughly INR 17 crore, builds on the INR 75 lakh from Shark Tank and previous rounds totaling INR 16.5 crore (INR 8.5 crore equity and INR 8 crore debt).

The funds are earmarked for R&D and product innovation, with a focus on enhancing hardware performance, battery life, and energy efficiency. Primebook also plans to optimize PrimeOS for a smoother learning experience, incorporating the latest Google AOSP security patches and expanding its app ecosystem. Additionally, the startup aims to strengthen its marketing efforts to reach more students and schools, further solidifying its presence in the Startup INDIAX ecosystem.

R&D and Product Innovation: What’s Next for Primebook?

So, what does R&D and product innovation mean for Primebook? The startup is doubling down on two key areas:

1. Hardware Upgrades: Primebook is working with manufacturing partners in Delhi NCR, Manesar, and Pollachi to develop laptops with better processors, longer battery life (already boasting 10+ hours), and greater durability. Their current models, priced between INR 11,000 and INR 16,990, feature MediaTek processors, 4GB RAM, and expandable storage up to 200GB. Future iterations could include faster chipsets and sleeker designs to compete with brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
2. PrimeOS Enhancements: The heart of Primebook’s offering is PrimeOS, a lightweight Android-based OS tailored for education. The R&D team is focused on improving app compatibility, integrating diagnostic tools, and enhancing parental controls via Mobile Device Management (MDM). MDM allows parents to monitor usage, blacklist apps, and ensure safe browsing, making Primebook a trusted choice for families.

Primebook also plans to license PrimeOS to international OEMs, expanding its global footprint. With over 3 million downloads across 140 countries, the OS has already proven its appeal. The $2 million funding will accelerate these efforts, positioning Primebook as a leader in affordable EdTech solutions.

Primebook’s Impact on India’s EdTech Landscape

India’s EdTech sector is booming, with players like BYJU’S, Vedantu, and Unacademy leading the charge. However, Primebook stands out by addressing a critical issue: hardware accessibility. According to UNESCO, 298 million Indian students faced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of digital devices. Primebook’s affordable laptops aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that students from all strata can access e-learning.

Between June 2023 and June 2024, Primebook sold over 35,000 laptops through its website, Amazon, and Flipkart. Partnerships with NGOs and EdTech platforms have further extended its reach to economically vulnerable students. By offering laptops at smartphone-like price points, Primebook is democratizing education and aligning with the Startup INDIAX vision of inclusive innovation.

The startup’s focus on R&D and product innovation also sets it apart. Unlike tablets or low-end smartphones, Primebook laptops provide a desktop-like interface, enabling multitasking and app compatibility crucial for academic success. Features like 4G SIM connectivity and a lightweight 1.2 kg design make it ideal for students in rural areas with limited Wi-Fi access.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Competitive Laptop Market

Despite its success, Primebook faces stiff competition. Established brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo dominate the laptop market, while Google’s Chromebook and Reliance’s JioBook target similar price-conscious segments. Some critics, as seen in Reddit discussions, argue that tablets with keyboard accessories offer better performance at similar prices. Others question whether Primebook’s PrimeOS can compete with ChromeOS in the long run.

However, Primebook has distinct advantages. Its focus on education, coupled with Shark Tank India credibility, gives it a unique brand identity. The startup’s partnerships with telecom companies and plans to lower prices through affiliate programs could counter competitors like JioBook. Moreover, the $2 million funding provides the resources to innovate and scale, helping Primebook carve out a niche in the crowded market.

Opportunities abound as well. With India’s laptop market growing and the government pushing for digital education, Primebook is well-positioned to capture a significant share. Its plans to offer a pre-bundled Windows Cloud PC solution could also attract users needing Windows-based apps, broadening its appeal.

Why Primebook Matters for Startup INDIAX

Startup INDIAX represents the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and Primebook embodies this ethos. By addressing a pressing social issue access to education through technology, Primebook aligns with the government’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Its success on Shark Tank India and subsequent funding rounds highlight the potential of homegrown startups to make a global impact.

The $2 million raised by Primebook is more than just a financial milestone; it’s a testament to the growing investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem. As Primebook continues to innovate, it could inspire other entrepreneurs to tackle pressing challenges with bold, scalable solutions.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Primebook

Primebook, a Shark Tank India-featured Android laptop brand, is on a mission to transform education through affordable technology. With $2 million raised for R&D and product innovation, the startup is poised to enhance its laptops and PrimeOS, making them even more accessible to students across India and beyond. From its Shark Tank triumph to its recent funding success, Primebook’s journey is a shining example of how innovation and passion can drive meaningful change.

As Primebook continues to grow, it’s worth watching how it navigates the competitive landscape and fulfills its vision of empowering 23 crore Indian students.