Delaware Court Imposes $1B Judgment on Edtech Founder Over Legal Noncompliance in Debt Dispute.

A Delaware Bankruptcy Court has imposed a default judgment exceeding $1 billion against Byju Raveendran, the founder of edtech firm Think & Learn Private Limited (TLPL), over disputes involving Alpha. The ruling, issued on November 20, 2025, holds Raveendran personally liable for repaying $533 million in principal and an additional $540.6 million in penalties according to court records. The court cited Raveendran's repeated noncompliance with discovery orders and his refusal to provide a full accounting of Alpha Funds, including transactions tied to the Camshaft LP Interest.

The judgment stems from a 2021 loan agreement where TLPL secured a $1 billion term loan from U.S.-based lenders, with Alpha serving as a special-purpose vehicle. Lenders later alleged that $533 million of the funds was misdirected, prompting GLAS Trust-acting as agent for the lenders-to seek control of Alpha through the Delaware court. Raveendran's legal team has vowed to appeal, arguing that the court denied him due process and that GLAS Trust misrepresented facts in its filings. "The judgment was issued without Byju Raveendran being permitted to present a defense," said J Michael McNutt, a litigation advisor for Raveendran's counsel. "The court ignored relevant facts and expedited proceedings to obscure the truth."

The dispute has escalated into broader legal battles, with Raveendran's camp alleging predatory tactics by GLAS Trust and planning to file claims seeking over $2.5 billion in damages. These claims, expected to be filed before year-end 2025, target GLAS Trust and other entities for alleged violations of contract and law. Meanwhile, the Delaware court's ruling includes contempt sanctions of $10,000 per day against Raveendran for noncompliance, though these remain unpaid according to court records.

The case highlights tensions in cross-border corporate governance and debt recovery. GLAS Trust and Alpha argue that funds were "roundtripped" to Raveendran's affiliates, while Raveendran's team insists the money was used for TLPL's operations according to reports. The outcome could set precedents for how courts handle noncompliance in international financial disputes.