Cantilever Labs – Fulcrum: Upskilling Engineering Talent

Goal / Objective:
Launch Fulcrum, a platform helping engineering students (Tier 2/3 colleges) and IT professionals transition to product roles through AI-driven skill assessment, personalized learning roadmap, resume building, and mock interviews.

Tools & Technologies Used:
AI assessment & resume tools (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, MS CoPilot), Social Media (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X), Email marketing (Mailchimp), Analytics dashboards.

What I Did / Launch Plan:

Conducted market sizing (~55 Lakh potential users) and defined ICP & buyer personas.

Designed product features: Fast Test (skill assessment), Dream Company Track (personalized roadmap), AI Resume Builder, Mock Interviews with mentors.

Built GTM strategy:

Top Funnel: Social media content, creator collaborations, free concept videos/resources.

Middle Funnel: Webinars, USP messaging, early testimonials, pay-after-placement offer.

Lower Funnel: Free trials, mentor sessions, showcase CTC hikes/referrals to convert.

Defined two pricing tiers: affordable for students; premium for professionals seeking product roles.

Challenges and Learning:

Highly competitive market with established players (Scaler, Newton School, Coding Ninjas).

Trust-building is critical; learned phased funnel strategy and importance of free value content before conversion.

Learned to balance product roadmap with GTM execution and initial traction metrics.

Result / Outcome:

Defined roadmap, GTM, and pricing strategy.

Established early engagement and credibility with target audience.

Created foundation for scaling acquisition and conversion metrics.