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XED Files DRHP To Launch India’s First GIFT City IPO; Founder On Why The Company Chose This Route
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XED, Executive Development Ltd, partners with Ivy League and is set for a $12 million equity listing on NSE IFSC and India INX, marking a regulatory milestone in GIFT City.
Founded in 2015, XED is a leading provider of executive education in Middle East, Far East, LATAM and South Asia.
XED, Executive Development Ltd — an executive education platform with Ivy League partnerships, is set to become the first company to list its equity shares on NSE IFSC and India INX, signaling a move from debt- and fund-focused activity to primary equity issuance in GIFT City. The company has already filed the DRHP.
In conversation with News18 Digital, John Kallelil, Founder, Promoter, and Managing Director, spoke about the purpose of IPO through Gift route, company’s business model, expansion plan, and financials. Here’s an excerpt from the interview.
Q: Your company has a presence in multiple geographies. Could you tell us about the scale and spread?
We are a global player with operations in the US, UK, Singapore, and most recently, India. Our India entry was through GIFT City, which allows us to serve domestic as well as international clients with greater efficiency. The expansion is part of our strategy to align with high-growth markets and diversify our client base.
Q: What is the business model you follow in India?
Our focus is on providing integrated financial and knowledge-based solutions. In India, we are adopting a “hub-and-spoke” model. GIFT City acts as the hub for international clients, while our domestic outreach is managed through smaller centers across key metros. This structure helps us maintain compliance, reduce costs, and stay closer to customers.
Q: Who do you consider your main competition?
Competition varies by market. In India, large domestic financial service providers and global consultancies are both strong players. Our differentiation lies in combining technology-driven processes with global best practices. This hybrid of scale and expertise helps us serve clients more efficiently than traditional firms.
Q: Hybrid learning is a term you mentioned. Could you explain how it fits into your strategy?
Hybrid learning is central to our growth story. We believe employees today need constant upskilling, and hybrid formats (mixing digital and in-person learning) offer the flexibility they seek. We’ve set up dedicated programs in India that allow people to learn on the job while upgrading their skills. This helps us not only retain talent but also improve client delivery.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your priorities?
Our key priorities are threefold:
Strengthening our base in India and scaling from GIFT City.
Building robust hybrid-learning systems to continuously upskill our workforce.
Expanding client acquisition in the US and UK while maintaining competitive differentiation in emerging markets like India.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
September 28, 2025, 17:44 IST
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