An interview with Pratik Kapasi, founder of HeyCoach, tech interview coaching for software developers & working professionals
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Pratik Kapasi, the visionary founder of HeyCoach, a platform that is transforming the coaching landscape.
With a passion for personal development and a commitment to empowering individuals, Pratik shares his insights on the future of coaching, the challenges he faced in building HeyCoach, and the innovative strategies that set his platform apart in a competitive market.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding HeyCoach and what gap you aimed to fill in the edtech space?
Pratik Kapasi: The inspiration behind founding HeyCoach came from witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by aspiring software engineers while preparing for high-stakes interviews at top product-based companies.
Despite having technical degrees, many lacked access to structured, practical, and mentorship-driven preparation. At HeyCoach, we aimed to fill this critical gap by offering personalized coaching that’s rooted in real industry experience.
With tools like the DSA MindMap, and our language-independent learning model, we’ve built a platform that empowers learners to truly understand concepts, not just memorize them—bridging the gap between knowledge and successful placement in MAANG and other elite tech companies.
How does HeyCoach differentiate itself from other platforms offering interview preparation for software engineers?
Pratik Kapasi: At HeyCoach, we’re deeply focused on outcomes, not just enrollments. What truly sets us apart is our eligibility test conducted before admission—we only accept students who are ready to benefit from our rigorous training.
This ensures a high-quality peer group and focused learning environment. Unlike many platforms that offer generic prep, we provide personalized mentorship, structured guidance, and strategic planning tailored for MAANG and other elite tech companies.
Our mentors are actual engineers from these companies, and we emphasize transparency, no false promises, and consistent support until placement. It’s not just prep—it’s preparation with purpose.
Can you describe the structure and unique features of HeyCoach’s training programs for aspiring software engineers?
Pratik Kapasi: At HeyCoach, our training programs for software engineers are built around simplifying complexity. Our flagship offerings—Data Structures & Algorithms and System Design—stand out because of our unique learning tools.
We use the Great Pyramid Tool to build foundational mastery step-by-step, the DSA Mindmap to visualize concepts clearly, and the DSA Visualizer to bring algorithms to life through real-time animations.
Our Technique Saga introduces curated, proven approaches to solving problems efficiently. These tools, combined with our pseudocode-first methodology and real-world mentorship, make HeyCoach a powerful launchpad for engineers targeting MAANG and other elite tech companies.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends in technology and interview processes?
Pratik Kapasi: In our field of work, being up to date on the latest technological advances and interview methods is essential. Stay up to date on changing hiring methods by actively engaging with a broad network of industry professionals from businesses like Google, Amazon, and Meta.
I also read engineering blogs, participate in tech webinars, and review open-source projects and technical publications on a regular basis. HeyCoach constantly updates its curriculum based on real-time feedback from mentors and students.
This guarantees that our programs are always in line with industry trends and that learners have the skills and insights they need to succeed in today’s competitive tech market.
All of our mentors are industry experts who are the best in their field, so they understand the changing landscape of the industry and prepare their students accordingly.
What are your future plans for HeyCoach, and how do you envision its growth in the coming years?
Pratik Kapasi: Our vision for HeyCoach is to become the go-to career acceleration platform for engineers globally. In the coming years, we aim to expand beyond India and cater to emerging tech talent in other high-growth regions.
We’re also working on introducing specialized tracks for roles beyond software engineering—such as product management, data science, and system design.
As we scale, our focus will remain on outcome-driven education, maintaining a rigorous eligibility-first approach, and deepening industry mentorship.
Ultimately, we want to create a future-ready ecosystem where every aspiring engineer has access to top-tier coaching, career clarity, and high-impact job opportunities.
What advice would you give to aspiring software engineers looking to break into top tech companies?
Pratik Kapasi: Breaking into top tech companies requires more than just technical skills—it demands clarity, consistency, and strategic preparation.
My advice to aspiring software engineers is to focus on building strong fundamentals in data structures & algorithms and System Design.
But equally important is understanding what companies are really looking for—problem-solving ability, communication, and cultural fit. Don’t just prepare blindly—assess your current level honestly and follow a structured, goal-oriented plan.
Seek mentorship from those who’ve already walked the path. Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things with focus and discipline. That’s what sets successful candidates apart.
As we conclude our conversation, Pratik Kapasi’s dedication to fostering growth and connection through HeyCoach shines through.
His vision not only redefines coaching but also inspires countless individuals to pursue their personal and professional goals. With a focus on innovation and community, Pratik is undoubtedly paving the way for the future of coaching.
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