Why colleges, corporates are backing Timbuckdo’s gig work

When a parent called to say that her son had become more proactive after taking a part-time gig, the moment crystallised Timbuckdo’s purpose. That single anecdote turned an observation about short-term work into a mission to give students meaningful, paid work and real-world experience while they study. Since then, Timbuckdo has moved from idea to platform with the stated ambition of making “earn while you learn” a practical pathway for millions of Indian students.

“The turning point came when I received a call from a parent who said her son had become more disciplined, engaged, and confident after working part-time under her guidance. That moment was powerful. It proved that gigs go beyond earning; they build character, purpose, and independence. That’s when Timbuckdo became a mission, not just an idea,” recounts Mythri Kumar, Co-founder and CEO, Timbuckdo.

This can be perfectly summed up by the philosophy that defines their entire purpose: “Padhai ke saath kamai – naye Bharat ki nayi tayyari (Earn as you learn – Timbuckdo powers India’s turn.) ”

Solving skills-and-income gap

Timbuckdo was founded to solve a clear problem: Indian graduates often possess degrees but lack the practical direction needed for employment. Unlike their Western counterparts, they typically miss out on structured, skill-building part-time work. Simultaneously, the growing gig economy created a high demand for flexible labour, a gap that students could effectively fill if the associated risks and hurdles were properly addressed.

“The problem was clear. Indian students graduate with degrees, not direction. Unlike students in the West who gain early exposure through part-time jobs, Indian students often miss out on that vital real-world experience. At the same time, the global shift towards the gig economy opened up a massive opportunity for India’s youth to participate and earn meaningfully,” Mythri explains.

The company positions itself as a student-first platform with short shifts, verified employers, contractual clarity and instant payouts. The product design reflects that ethos: a fast onboarding process, KYC checks and an induction that prepares students for workplace expectations.

“A student registers on Timbuckdo via mobile OTP, fills in their profile details, passes KYC verification, and finishes a 10-minute induction video covering workplace etiquette and professionalism. Once done, they can apply for gigs that match their interests. If selected, they receive a digital offer letter from the employer through our platform. Both sign a digital gig contract, ensuring transparency and protection, and payments are made directly upon gig completion,” Mythri elaborates.

Student-first design and protections

Timbuckdo doesn’t just say it’s “student-first”—it’s built right into the platform’s DNA.

It’s about more than just a tagline; it’s a safety guarantee and a commitment to fair finances. They verify everyone (both students and employers), back every gig with a contract, and track all payments on the platform. This is a deliberate move to wipe out the sketchy, exploitative deals that have historically hurt the part-time job market.

As Mythri confirms, “‘Student-first’ is not a tagline; it’s our compass. Every decision, from app design to partnerships, starts with one question: Will this make a student’s life easier? Timbuckdo is built for how students actually live: unpredictable schedules, limited pocket money, but big ambition. So, we ensure instant payouts, verified employers, and even wellness insurance. We want financial independence to feel doable, not distant.”

Going beyond simple verification, the company bundles benefits that matter to students, like low-cost wellness insurance, travel deals, and lifestyle discounts. Every job is formalised with digital offer letters and gig contracts, ensuring absolute clarity on the role, scope, and payment terms from day one.

“Trust and safety are non-negotiable for us. Both students and employers undergo verification. Employers issue digital offer letters and sign formal contracts through the platform, ensuring transparency. No unverified listings, no informal deals, only structured, traceable, and fair work opportunities,” says Mythri.

Market validation and rapid scale

Timbuckdo’s validation went through the roof after they appeared on IdeaBaaz. They presented a killer idea – financial independence combined with real work experience – and landed a huge confidence boost: an all-Titan ₹1 crore deal! This not only gave them cash and connections but also caused a huge spike in traffic.

“Pitching on IdeaBaaz was like presenting to India’s startup conscience. We highlighted how Timbuckdo isn’t just an app; it’s India’s student gig economy in motion. We spoke about bridging the gap between pocket money and purpose, giving Gen Z a dignified, flexible way to earn. What surprised us most was how the Titans connected with the emotion behind the idea. They didn’t just see a startup; they saw a movement that empowers millions of students to take charge of their financial freedom,” Mythri recalls.

The numbers following the show proved the demand was real, with Timbuckdo reporting a 2,280 per cent traffic spike. The Titan investment wasn’t just money; it was powerful mentorship and strategic networking, allowing them to rapidly scale their student and employer base.

“We always believed in Timbuckdo’s potential. The Titans’ investment didn’t spark our belief; it validated it. The all-Titan ₹1 crore deal added immense credibility and opened powerful doors. With their mentorship and networks, our focus now is scaling deeper into campuses while staying true to our north star: putting students at the centre of every decision,” Mythri asserts.

Outcomes, partnerships and impact

The true power of the platform is seen in real student stories. Take Samuel, a student from Bihar, who earned over ₹55,000 in a year. These gigs weren’t just about income; they were transformative for his confidence, network, and career vision.

“Samuel, a student from Bihar who moved to Bengaluru for his studies, earned over ₹55,000 in one year through various gigs, from event staffing to mystery auditing. Beyond the income, he gained exposure, built a professional network, and gained confidence in his abilities. When we met him at TechSparks ‘24, he told us how those gigs changed his perspective on work and opportunity,” Mythri shares.

This genuine success has positioned Timbuckdo as a key player, attracting significant public-sector collaboration. They’ve partnered with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE), Government of Karnataka, in a massive effort to bring gig opportunities to nearly a million students across state institutions. This crucial partnership is a game-changer, aiming to institutionalise part-time work as a critical developmental tool across the state.

“Our partnership with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE), Government of Karnataka, represents a shared commitment to empowering students through part-time work. With nearly 10 lakh students in state institutions, this collaboration ensures equal access to earning opportunities across backgrounds. Together, we’re creating a sustainable ecosystem that enhances employability, builds confidence, and fosters economic inclusion, one student at a time,” Mythri iterates.

The founders received invaluable guidance from early investors like Morton Meyerson and Andy Kalambi, who acted as powerful mentors rather than just cheque-writers.

“Morton Meyerson and Nandkishore ‘Andy’ Kalambi were more than investors; they were mentors. They guided us through strategy, helped us think globally, and believed in our mission when it was just an idea. Their faith and mentorship helped us scale our student community by 50x in our first year, laying the foundation for what Timbuckdo is today,” Mythri notes.

Challenges, critics and roadmap

Timbuckdo’s biggest fight wasn’t with code or competition; it was with culture. They faced the huge challenge of convincing students that their platform offered genuine, paid, and credible work, not just another round of unpaid internships or sketchy informal hustles. Their radical solution was to build the platform on a foundation of trust and transparency, and they did it with mandatory verified postings, digital contracts, and clear payment tracking. When critics raised the familiar spectre of exploitative or unstable gig work, Timbuckdo’s answer was simple: bake protections right into the workflow.

“The toughest part wasn’t building the tech; it was changing mindsets. Students often equated gigs with unpaid internships. We had to reframe that completely. At Timbuckdo, every gig pays. No free labour, no false promises. That clarity flipped the narrative. Students began to see gigs as a bridge between learning and earning, not a compromise. Brands, too, saw results: fresh, authentic, and fast,” Mythri contends.

Looking ahead, the company aims to evolve beyond placements into a fuller student super-app which will be driven by gigs, upskilling, financial tools, wellness benefits and lifestyle partnerships.

“We’re building the ultimate super app for students, a one-stop destination to earn, save, upskill, and grow. In the next 2–3 years, we envision a gig created every minute on Timbuckdo. Students will be able to access financial tools, wellness insurance, and exclusive lifestyle benefits seamlessly. Our north star is simple: Think Student, Think Timbuckdo,” Mythri avows.