Kuwait-based educational technology company Baims has successfully acquired the Egyptian EdTech firm Orcas, a move that signifies a significant consolidation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) EdTech sector.
The 100 percent acquisition is poised to reshape the educational landscape in the region.
Baims, founded by Bader Al-Rasheed and Yousef Alhusaini in 2017, has gained prominence for its online pre-recorded courses catering to university and high school students across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The acquisition of Orcas, established in 2019 by Hossam Taher and Amira El Gharib, will see Baims integrating Orcas’ personalized tutoring services into its platform, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and flexible educational experience.
The combined entity has secured over $11 million in funding from reputable investors, including Access Bridge Ventures, Algebra Ventures, NFX Ventures, AlWazzan Educational Group, Rasameel Investment Company, Seedstars International Ventures, and A.K. Holding.
This strategic merger positions the newly formed company as a formidable force in the rapidly evolving MENA EdTech landscape.
Orcas, renowned for its tailored learning experiences for K12 students in international schools, adds a new dimension to Baims’ offerings. The merger emphasizes a commitment to developing synergies in product and market expansion, particularly in the GCC region.
Hossam Taher, CEO of Orcas Tutoring, highlights the intention to introduce bespoke K12 tutoring services in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and expand services to cater to the diverse needs of university students. This forward-looking strategy aims to create a holistic learning environment for students in the MENA region.
As Baims eyes expansion in the GCC, a special focus is placed on the burgeoning Saudi Arabian market.
The company aims to capitalize on Riyadh’s emergence as a startup hub by introducing advanced AI-powered test preparation tools and personalized one-on-one tutoring services.
This move aligns with the broader vision of addressing educational challenges and creating job opportunities across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, and Jordan.
The strategic merger is led by industry veterans Hossam Taher and Amira El Gharib, bringing over 35 years of combined experience in the EdTech sector to Baims’ leadership. Investors, including Issa Aghabi, Managing Partner at Access Bridge Ventures, express excitement about the growth prospects of EdTech in the Middle East.
Baims remains steadfast in its commitment to revolutionizing education in the MENA region, addressing challenges, and contributing to job creation.
The strategic acquisition of Orcas positions the company to play a pivotal role in the dynamic evolution of the educational technology landscape across the region.
