Indian American entrepreneur Dr. Tausif Malik has a bold vision: to reshape the U.S. education landscape. His edtech startup, RiseBack, officially registered its global headquarters in Arlington, Texas, last month.
While many startups today focus on disrupting traditional industries, Malik positions RiseBack as more than a disruptor in the higher education space; he views it as a revolutionary platform designed to democratize access to global education.
Rather than merely challenging the status quo, RiseBack wants to reengineer the economic model of higher learning, offering scalable, affordable pathways for anyone — anywhere — to earn a degree or upskill, regardless of financial background or geography.
Malik, a global entrepreneur and strategist, wants to reshape how underserved communities access education, capital, and opportunity. As the founder of RiseBack, which brands itself as the world’s first affordable edtech platform, he’s tackling the $1.7 trillion student debt crisis with radically low-cost degree programs tailored for American learners.
But his mission goes beyond education. Malik leads a diversified portfolio of ventures across media, fintech, and rural development, including GCCStartup.News, Halal Biz News, and the pioneering Startup Villages initiative that drives reverse migration and grassroots entrepreneurship.
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An advocate for inclusive innovation, Malik also co-launched a Bitcoin Mining Training Program to bridge digital skill gaps, and founded the Halal Angels Network, a global platform unlocking capital in the $5 trillion Halal economy. He has also dabbled with political leadership roles across U.S. party lines and forayed into celebrity digitalization and IT branding.
In an exclusive interview with The American Bazaar, Malik opens up about what inspired RiseBack, why Arlington was the right choice to establish the startup, and how he hopes to change the global education narrative—one student, one opportunity, and one bold idea at a time.
Tell us in detail about RiseBack. Why did you feel there was a need for a venture like this in America?
There are two pressing challenges in America today: the high cost of healthcare and the soaring expense of education. RiseBack was created to address one of these—education. It’s an innovative platform designed to tackle two critical issues: the disengagement of youth in underserved communities and the crushing burden of student debt.
RiseBack connects learners with world-class instructors and accredited universities while introducing affordable, flexible education models. Through Income Share Agreements (ISAs) and apprenticeship pathways, we help eliminate the financial barriers that often block access to opportunity.
The name RiseBack is inspired by the Native American adage “rise back like a phoenix,” symbolizing resilience and rebirth. Just like the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes, we believe every individual deserves a second chance to succeed—no matter their background.
We offer two primary educational pathways: affordable IT certification programs and globally recognized degree programs from accredited Indian universities (undergraduate and postgraduate). The total program costs range from just $800 to $3,700—about $40 per month—compared to typical American tuition starting at $20,000. That’s nearly one-tenth the cost.
What IT outsourcing did for American companies, RiseBack aims to do for American students: deliver world-class education at a fraction of the cost.
The idea for RiseBack emerged from my own observations of how systemic inequities limit educational access and upward mobility, especially among marginalized youth. With over $1.7 trillion in U.S. student loan debt—much of it borne by low-income students—there’s an urgent need for a better model. RiseBack aligns student and institutional success by ensuring learners pay only after securing employment. Education should be an enabler, not a lifelong liability.
How does RiseBack create dual benefits — engaging underserved youth and addressing student debt?
RiseBack is built on three transformative pillars — accessibility, here we partner with Indian universities to offer accredited degree programs and career-ready certifications starting as low as $250. Income Share Agreements (ISAs), which means that students only begin paying after they secure employment, removing the risk of incurring debt without job prospects. And thirdly, providing industry-aligned apprenticeships, we make sure to incorporate real-world work experience, ensuring students graduate with the in-demand skills employers are actively seeking.
We are committed to equipping Americans with high-demand software and IT skills, empowering them to access well-paying careers and reducing reliance on foreign talent. This unlocks multiple benefits such as strengthening local economies by filling critical tech roles within U.S. companies. Breaking generational cycles of poverty through upward mobility and reducing social challenges—like crime and mental health struggles—by offering purpose and financial security. Our model ensures that universities are incentivized to focus on student employability. It’s a win-win: students avoid debt, and educational institutions become true partners in their success.
What universities, instructors, and focus areas are associated with RiseBack?
We’ve partnered with top accredited Indian universities to offer globally recognized online degree programs in both undergraduate and postgraduate streams. These institutions deliver quality education at a fraction of the cost of U.S. colleges. Our university partners include: Jain (Deemed-to-be University) Online; Sharda University Online; Vignan Online; Yenepoya Online; D.Y. Patil University and Amity University Online.
In addition to full degree programs, RiseBack offers industry-certified programs in IT, business, and technology—areas with the highest job market demand. Our instructors include a curated blend of academic experts and seasoned industry professionals, ensuring that students graduate job-ready.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey. Would you call RiseBack a disruptor? What’s the financial model and funding story?
As a serial social entrepreneur, I launched RiseBack with a bold vision: to be the world’s first platform offering truly affordable higher education to American students. In India, we have a profound word— “Yatra”—which means journey. My “Yatra” took me across countries where I witnessed the double crisis of unaffordable healthcare and inaccessible education. That experience led me to bridge two worlds—connecting American students with India’s renowned universities and tech training infrastructure.
Being an American citizen fuels my drive to empower fellow Americans through accessible, career-aligned education. I also believe that India, with its rich academic legacy—from Aryabhata’s invention of zero to modern global tech leadership—has a role to play as the Vishwaguru (global teacher). This isn’t a coincidence—it’s the result of a robust education ecosystem that consistently produces excellence.
Our financial model is as innovative as our mission. Four visionary investors came on board—not just to fund a startup, but to back a movement. They saw the opportunity to address America’s tech talent shortage and student debt crisis simultaneously, and believed in our mission of equitable education for all.
Brief us about the Rotary — RiseBack ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’ initiative
In March this year, we launched the “Start Here, Go Anywhere” Affordable Higher Education Initiative in Arlington, Texas, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands. It’s the world’s first “Study Now, Pay Later” payment model for higher education. This groundbreaking initiative eliminates financial obstacles and empowers learners to pursue their academic and professional goals without upfront costs. The program offers options such as — zero upfront tuition, repayment only after employment, flexible income-based repayment plans and Rotary-funded scholarships for qualifying students
Why did you choose Arlington, Texas, for your global headquarters?
Arlington offers the perfect blend of opportunity, innovation, and community spirit. Mayor Jim Ross’ vision to make it “America’s Dream City” aligns beautifully with our mission of transforming lives.
Our decision to establish headquarters in Arlington and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region was strategic. It is a corporate hub, home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. There is a demand for talent with over 50,000 annual job openings in IT, cybersecurity, and data science. It’s also ranked number three in the U.S. for tech startup growth and venture capital.
