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Advisor to the American Education Board, NRI Launches ‘American Colleges’ the international arm of the American Education Board

American colleges aims to bridge the information gap that exists for aspiring students, especially from India, looking to study abroad

New Delhi 25th October 2023 – In a move set to revolutionise international education counselling, seasoned education veteran and board advisor to the American Education Board, Mr. Patriek Karayil, unveils ‘American Colleges’. This venture promises transparent, unbiased, and largely free student-focused guidance for those looking to expand their horizons in the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the inception of “American Colleges” was influenced not only by Mr. Karayil’s firsthand experiences as an international student navigating the intricate corridors of the U.S. educational system but also through his observations as a seasoned educational professional, of the persistent and intensifying obstacles faced by many international students that catalysed his mission. The entity now has offices in Thrissur, Kerala, and also in Dubai U.A.E

Recognizing the lack of unbiased, clear, and reliable information available to students, Mr. Karayil realised that the education landscape was largely dominated by profit-oriented educational agents that prioritise commissions from universities over the genuine interests of students. This commercial nature led students down paths that may not have been best suited to their goals and aspirations.

Patriek Karayil, the man behind “American Colleges”, after his grade XII, became an alumnus of Arizona State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), carries a wealth of experience from his tenure as the Former Vice President for U.S. News Global Education. He was previously the CMO for Shorelight Education, CEO advisor for INTO Global, and CMO advisor to 2U. He has consulted and collaborated with over 50+ U.S. universities on their admissions and enrollment strategies. He is the board advisor to the American Education Board, and currently serves as President of American Colleges.

The core ethos of “American Colleges” revolves around its commitment to operate primarily as a not-for-profit entity, to level the playing field for every student aspiring to study abroad. The firm is steadfast in its resolve to offer primarily free resources while sidelining any vested interests, made evident by its decision to forgo university commissions or student counselling fees. The model ensures that the best interests of the student are at the heart of every decision, with no or minimal cost to the student if any.

“American Colleges is a reflection of my journey. It stands as a beacon for every aspiring student, ensuring they receive unbiased, clear, and holistic guidance in their quest to study in the U.S. and Canada. Our mission is to place students at the forefront, provide unwavering support, and help sculpt a brighter future,” remarks Patriek Karayil.

Christine Krier, Managing Director of the American Education Board said “We are thrilled for our collaboration with American Colleges, and to educate and empower students”. Key Features of “American Colleges” include its not-for-profit status, provision of mostly free resources, affiliation with the American Education Board, unbiased advice without university commissions, his daily videos on youtube, personalised guidance through social, modestly priced masterclasses, and a firm commitment to integrity and student-centricity.

Through “American Colleges,” Mr. Karayil and his team urges parents and students  aspiring to study in the U.S. and Canada to subscribe to their youtube channel offering insights into admissions processes, visa requirements, financial aid, and more. The firm’s strategic partnership with the American Education Board provides real-time insights into evolving university policies and visa regulations, ensuring students receive timely and accurate guidance.

by Sameera

Binance Responds to User Complaints Global crypto exchange Binance has announced that it will increase compensation for customers who were liquidated during the recent crypto market selloff. The move follows widespread criticism after thousands of traders suffered sudden losses due to extreme volatility earlier this month. According to internal reports, Binance will refund part of the unrealized losses to affected users through its User Protection Fund, which currently holds over $1.2 billion in reserves. The compensation applies mainly to futures traders whose positions were automatically liquidated during rapid price swings in Bitcoin and other major tokens. Bitcoin’s Price Plunge Sparks Liquidations The crypto market experienced one of its sharpest downturns in 2025, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $50,000 for the first time in eight months. This triggered billions in forced liquidations across major exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Analysts suggest that a combination of high leverage, macroeconomic uncertainty, and institutional selloffs contributed to the crash. Binance faced particular backlash for what users described as “slippage and server delays” during the event. Binance Enhances Transparency In response, Binance’s management pledged to improve system transparency and risk management mechanisms. The exchange stated it is reviewing its liquidation protocols to ensure fairer treatment of users during periods of extreme volatility. A spokesperson confirmed that Binance would also begin publishing weekly protection fund audits to reassure investors. Why It Matters for Investors Looking to Buy Bitcoin The compensation announcement comes at a crucial time for retail traders considering whether to buy Bitcoin on Binance amid renewed volatility. Analysts note that Binance’s proactive stance could restore confidence among users after months of regulatory scrutiny and market turbulence. Crypto strategist Michael Wu from Amber Group commented, “This move reinforces Binance’s commitment to customer protection. It may also attract new users who are hesitant to trade during volatile periods.” Still, experts warn that volatility remains high, and investors should exercise caution before re-entering the market. The Bigger Picture The event underscores the need for stronger investor safeguards as the crypto industry matures. Binance’s decision to compensate affected users sets a potential precedent for other exchanges facing similar backlash. Meanwhile, Bitcoin prices have started to stabilize around $52,300, with cautious optimism returning to the market. Stay ahead with the latest in crypto, startups, and financial technology on StartupNews.FYI — your source for real-time business insights and innovation updates.

by Sameera

Leadership Change at Indonesia’s Flag Carrier Indonesia’s state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia has appointed Glenny Kairupan as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a government official cited by Reuters. The decision marks another major leadership shift for the national carrier as it continues efforts to stabilize finances and restore operational efficiency after years of restructuring. While the official announcement did not specify the reason for Kairupan’s appointment, it comes at a critical time for Garuda Indonesia, which has been navigating challenges including post-pandemic recovery, debt management, and fleet modernization. A Strategic Appointment Glenny Kairupan, an experienced aviation executive, steps into the role previously held by Irfan Setiaputra, who led the company through one of its most turbulent periods. Under Setiaputra’s leadership, Garuda Indonesia completed a complex court-led debt restructuring worth more than $9 billion, reducing the airline’s liabilities and securing new lease terms for its fleet. Kairupan is expected to continue implementing efficiency strategies while expanding Garuda’s international partnerships and improving profitability. His appointment aligns with the government’s long-term plan to enhance state enterprise governance and ensure transparency across Indonesia’s aviation sector. Challenges Ahead Despite a return to profitability earlier in 2025, Garuda Indonesia still faces significant operational hurdles. Rising fuel prices, global aviation competition, and the need for sustainable modernization remain key issues for the new CEO. The airline is also working on expanding domestic connectivity to boost tourism and regional economic development, a strategic priority under Indonesia’s national infrastructure plan. Industry analysts believe Kairupan’s leadership will be instrumental in balancing financial discipline with growth ambitions. His experience in corporate restructuring and aviation management is seen as critical to guiding Garuda through the next phase of transformation. Government Support and Public Expectations Garuda Indonesia holds symbolic importance as the nation’s flag carrier. The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has reiterated its commitment to supporting the airline’s stability while ensuring it remains competitive in the Southeast Asian aviation market. Kairupan’s appointment is viewed as part of a broader strategy to professionalize state-owned enterprise leadership and rebuild public confidence. Outlook With Glenny Kairupan now at the helm, the airline’s immediate focus will likely be on improving operational reliability, expanding profitable routes, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience. As Indonesia’s aviation industry continues to recover, Garuda Indonesia’s success under new leadership will serve as a key indicator of how effectively the country can balance government oversight with corporate agility in a post-pandemic world. For the latest updates on aviation, business, and global leadership trends, visit StartupNews.fyi for comprehensive coverage and analysis.

by Sameera

Company to Cut Jobs Amid Strategic Consolidation Under “Servus Media” Red Bull, the Austrian beverage giant known globally for its energy drinks and sports ventures, has announced a significant restructuring of its media division, including job cuts at Servus TV and other Red Bull Media House operations. The decision, first reported by ORF Salzburg and Der Standard, marks a pivotal shift in Red Bull’s media strategy as the company aims to streamline operations under a unified brand. Red Bull Media Division Undergoes Major Reorganization According to official sources, Red Bull employs roughly 600 people across its various media activities — including Servus TV in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau) and the Red Bull Media House headquarters in Vienna. The company now plans to consolidate its media businesses under a new umbrella brand called “Servus Media”, leading to the elimination of about 60 positions. The restructuring aims to bring together the company’s television, digital, and publishing arms to improve efficiency and focus resources on the most profitable channels. “The goal is to create a more integrated and agile media organization,” a company spokesperson told local outlets. Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Refocus The reorganized Red Bull media unit will be managed by Dietmar Otti, alongside executives Matthias Bruegelmann, Marlene Beran, and Stefan Ebner. The new leadership team is expected to oversee the realignment of editorial direction, digital transformation efforts, and international partnerships. Servus TV, long known for its regional programming and documentaries, will continue broadcasting under the new structure. However, insiders suggest that the channel’s content strategy may shift toward more cost-effective formats, including digital-first productions. Layoffs Signal a Broader Trend in European Media The job cuts at Servus TV and Red Bull Media House come amid a wave of media industry restructurings across Europe, as companies grapple with declining ad revenues, rising production costs, and the growing dominance of streaming platforms. For Red Bull, the restructuring represents a broader shift from traditional broadcasting to digital storytelling, leveraging the brand’s massive global reach in sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. “This isn’t just about cost-cutting — it’s about repositioning for the future,” said media analyst Thomas Heigl. “Red Bull is refocusing on content that aligns more closely with its global sports and brand marketing ecosystem.” Servus TV’s Future Servus TV has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s Austrian media presence since its launch in 2009, known for its cultural programs, documentaries, and coverage of Red Bull-sponsored events. However, as the company consolidates under Servus Media, it is expected to scale back certain local productions to reduce overlap and operational costs. While the network’s editorial independence and regional focus will likely remain, Red Bull’s new direction suggests a leaner, more digitally integrated future for the brand. Industry and Employee Reaction Reports indicate that notifications of the planned layoffs have already reached Austria’s public employment service (AMS). However, the company has not yet disclosed the exact distribution of job cuts across departments. Employee representatives have expressed concern over the reduction, urging management to ensure fair severance terms and internal …