From College Dorms to a Multi-Million Dollar AI Startup: How Turbo AI is Redefining Learning

From Lecture Hall to Millions: How Two Students Revolutionized Note-Taking with AI

The allure of higher education often comes with the daunting reality of lectures, assignments, and the constant need to absorb vast amounts of information. For many students, the simple act of taking notes while simultaneously listening to a professor can feel like a Herculean task. This age-old struggle, however, sparked an entrepreneurial fire in two bright minds, Rudy Arora and Sarthak Dhawan, who dared to challenge the status quo.

In early 2024, these 20-year-old college students made a bold decision: to press pause on their academic pursuits and launch Turbo AI. What began as a solution to a personal frustration has rapidly transformed into a burgeoning enterprise, boasting an astonishing daily influx of 20,000 new users and generating tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue. The startup's meteoric rise, particularly in the last six months, has seen its user base explode from 1 million to a staggering 5 million, a testament to the profound need they've addressed.

The Genesis of an Idea: Solving the Note-Taking Conundrum

Sarthak Dhawan, the CEO of Turbo AI, vividly recalls the dilemma: "I always found it difficult to take notes because I simply couldn't listen to the lecturer and write at the same time. I just couldn't do it. Every time I tried to take notes, I lost attention. And when I listened, I couldn't take notes." This personal challenge wasn't isolated; it resonated with countless peers. The question formed: "What if I could use AI?"

This fundamental query led to the creation of Turbolearn, an AI-powered tool meticulously designed to empower students. It promised the ability to not only listen to lectures but also to simultaneously generate comprehensive notes, flashcards, and practice quizzes. The founders wasted no time, sharing their innovation within their university community. The tool quickly gained traction, becoming a staple at Duke University and Northwestern University, and soon thereafter, made its way to the hallowed halls of Harvard and MIT.

Turbo AI's Innovative Approach to Learning

Turbo AI cleverly bridges the gap between traditional note-taking methods and the dynamic possibilities of artificial intelligence. The platform initially captures the essence of lectures through transcription and summarization, mimicking the familiar process of creating study materials. However, the magic truly unfolds as these notes are transformed into interactive learning aids. Students can engage with flashcards, test their knowledge with quizzes, and, crucially, leverage an integrated AI assistant. This assistant acts as a personal tutor, offering clear explanations of key terms and concepts, demystifying complex subjects.

Recognizing the pervasive issue of background noise in large lecture halls, which can mar even the most diligent note-taking efforts, the Turbo AI team engineered a robust solution. Students can now upload a variety of materials directly into the app, including PDF lectures, video files from YouTube, or even plain text documents. This flexibility ensures that regardless of the lecture's format or the ambient noise, valuable information is captured and processed effectively.

"Students are uploading a 30-page lecture and spending two hours taking 75 consecutive test questions. That's not the way to do it if it's not truly working." - Sarthak Dhawan

Dhawan's statement highlights a core philosophy: efficiency and effectiveness. Turbo AI isn't just about generating more notes; it's about generating smarter, more impactful learning materials that lead to genuine understanding and retention.

Beyond Academia: A Tool for Professionals

The utility of Turbo AI has transcended its initial student-centric design. The founders have witnessed a remarkable adoption by professionals across various demanding fields. Consultants, lawyers, doctors, and even financial analysts from prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey are now integrating Turbo AI into their workflows. These professionals are using the tool to digest lengthy reports, create concise summaries, and even convert dense information into accessible podcast formats.

A Prudent Approach to Growth and Funding

Sarthak Dhawan is no stranger to the startup ecosystem. Before Turbo AI, he developed UMax, an app focused on personal improvement, which soared to the top of the App Store, amassing 20 million users and generating $6 million in annual profit. Yet, in contrast to the prevailing trend of aggressive fundraising in the AI sector, Dhawan and Arora are adopting a more measured approach.

Last year, they secured a modest $750,000 in funding. "We had this conversation before we even had much interest," explained Rudy Arora. "Since then, we've had a lot of interest, but we're not rushing it because we have positive cash flow and we've always been profitable." This cautious strategy underscores their confidence in the product's inherent value and their commitment to sustainable growth, prioritizing profitability over rapid, potentially precarious, expansion.

A Balanced Strategy for Accessibility and Value

Currently, Turbo AI offers its services at approximately $20 per month. However, the founders are actively exploring alternative pricing models to cater to the financial sensitivities of their student demographic. Turbo AI occupies a unique niche, positioned between rudimentary tools like Google Docs and fully automated transcription services such as Otter or Fireflies. This strategic positioning allows users to choose their level of engagement: they can delegate note-taking entirely to the AI, or they can collaborate with it, fostering a more active and personalized learning experience.