How Devi Sahny Left Banking to Build a Multi-Million-Dollar EdTech Business
At just 23, Devi Sahny made a bold decision that changed her life. The Belgium-born, US-educated entrepreneur walked away from a promising career at Goldman Sachs to pursue her passion for education—moving to Singapore despite having no connections there.
A Shift from Finance to Teaching
Her journey began years earlier when she left Belgium at 18 to study at Georgetown University in the US. Juggling multiple jobs to cover student loans, she worked as a barista, an exam proctor, and most significantly, a teaching assistant. That last role ignited her passion for education.
During her final year at university, she launched a peer-to-peer coaching business, earning $90,000 in just three months—an experience that left a lasting impression.
After graduating with degrees in philosophy and economics, she joined Goldman Sachs. However, once she had cleared her student debt, she felt unfulfilled. Her desire to make an impact led her to an unexpected decision—relocating to Singapore, a country renowned for its education system, with no concrete business plan in place.
Building an Education Empire
In Singapore, she founded Ascend Now, an education company focused on personalised learning for students aged 7 to 17. The platform offers a range of services, from academic tutoring to entrepreneurship programmes. Students can access test preparation, creative writing, coding, app development, personal finance, and even film production.
The company has expanded rapidly, now serving over 9,000 students, employing 148 teachers and learning designers, and collaborating with more than 200 institutions worldwide. With online sessions, Ascend Now reaches students beyond Singapore, making quality education accessible globally.
Shaping the Future of Learning
Sahny’s commitment to education doesn’t stop there. She launched The Edge, a platform designed for students aged 12-17, combining gamification, video lessons, and progress tracking to enhance soft skills.
Recognised for her impact, she was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2021. She credits her mother for inspiring her values, emphasising that success should always come with a commitment to giving back.
As her ventures grow, Sahny remains focused on equipping the next generation with skills to navigate an ever-changing world—proving that bold career shifts can lead to extraordinary success.
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