Upward and Onward Inc. (Interview Kickstart)

Interview Kickstart is a global career advancement platform specializing in technical interview preparation for experienced professionals in the technology sector. Founded in 2014 by Ryan Valles and Soham Mehta, the company's mission is to empower software engineers and other tech professionals to secure positions at leading companies, including FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) and other Tier-1 organizations. While the company has legal entities in both the US and India, its primary operational presence and headquarters are often cited in Santa Clara, California, with a registered agent address in Wilmington, Delaware.

The platform offers comprehensive, mentor-led programs designed to enhance technical skills and interview performance. Key services include live online classes, mock interviews with instructors from top tech companies, AI-optimized resume building, salary negotiation coaching, and job referrals. Interview Kickstart provides over 18 domain-specific courses covering high-demand areas such as Machine Learning, Data Science, System Design, Software Development, Generative AI, and Technical Program Management, all delivered through its central learning platform, UpLevel.

Interview Kickstart is a privately held, venture-backed company, having raised $10.5 million in funding, including a $10 million seed round in February 2024 led by Blume Ventures. The company has trained over 25,000 professionals and is recognized by TIME x Statista and GSV 150. Recent developments include the launch of advanced training programs in Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Agentic AI, reflecting a focus on emerging technologies and upskilling for roles in the evolving AI landscape.