Educator acquires Indian software firm

Manny Athwal, Founder of School of Coding & AI and sister business School of Cyber Security, flew to India recently to complete the acquisition.

As a result of the deal, School of Coding & AI will now offer education and commercial software development across the UK, Europe, and Asia.

The buy-out has secured almost 100 jobs in India, with a further 15–20 jobs being created in the West Midlands.

SimbaQuartz was launched eight years ago by entrepreneur Mandeep Kaur Tangra to provide mobile and web app development, graphic design, and digital marketing services. 

Manny, who is based in Wolverhampton, said: “I am delighted that we have acquired a majority stake in SimbaQuartz. I am excited to work with Mandeep Kaur Tangra. Together we are on a mission to build one of the largest software houses and digital marketing companies in India and create jobs for young people in both the UK and also in India, so that they don't need to leave their country to find a bright future.

“Our investment means that we have secured the future of 85 people working at SimbaQuartz and we will also be creating around 15–20 jobs here in the West Midlands as part of the collaboration.

“The attraction for businesses in India and the UK is clear, as SimbaQuartz offers courses in programming and digital marketing at almost 40% cheaper the price you would expect to pay in the UK.”

Mandeep said: “I am thrilled to be working with Manny and taking SimbaQuartz from a family-owned business to a multinational company. We are the largest coding school and IT services company in Punjab and have generated skilled, white collar jobs in the state. I look forward to this next step with great excitement.”

Manny founded School of Coding & AI six years ago and this year launched the sister business School of Cyber Security.

This has been a landmark year for the businesses. School of Coding & AI was named Employer of the Year at the 2023 Black Country Chamber Business Awards and is in the running for three titles in the West Midlands Business of the Year awards. School of Cyber Security was nominated for Cyber Educator of the Year at the 2023 Cyber Security Awards. Manny has been presented with the prestigious Innovation Award at the Institute of Directors Annual Awards ceremony and named in The Times LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2023.