• Baims, a prominent EdTech company, strategically acquires Orcas Edtech to solidify its presence in the MENA region’s $100 billion education market.
• The 100% deal involves Baims, founded by Yousef AlHusaini & Bader AlRasheed, acquiring Orcas, founded by Hossam Taher & Amira El Gharib, establishing them as premier EdTech providers
• The consolidated entity, backed by over $11 million from notable investors, aims to redefine the MENA EdTech landscape, offering comprehensive learning experiences and addressing the challenges of hybrid learning models in the region.
Baims, a prominent education technology (EdTech) company, has announced the acquisition of Orcas Edtech, according to a company statement.
The move is geared towards tapping into the flourishing $100 billion education market in the region, as stated in the official company statement.
This transformative consolidation positions Baims and Orcas as the premier providers of a holistic and adaptive EdTech platform, catering comprehensively to both K12 and university learning.
The acquisition, carried out through a 100% deal, involves Baims, founded by Yousef AlHusaini & Bader AlRasheed, acquiring Orcas, founded by Hossam Taher & Amira El Gharib.
Combined, Orcas and Baims have successfully raised over $11 million, garnering support from prominent investors, including Access Bridge Ventures, Algebra Ventures, NFX Ventures, AlWazzan Educational Group, Rasameel Investment Company, Seedstars International Ventures, and AK Holding.
This backing establishes the newly consolidated company as the leading EdTech player in the MENA region.
As the landscape of education in the MENA region undergoes a shift towards hybrid learning models, Baims and Orcas are committed to providing comprehensive education solutions that encompass both synchronous and asynchronous formats, addressing the profound challenges faced by students in the region.
Yousef AlHusaini, CEO of Baims, emphasizes the significance of the acquisition, stating, “By acquiring Orcas Tutoring, we are not just expanding our reach; we are redefining the EdTech landscape in MENA. This consolidation enables us to offer a comprehensive learning experience, combining our online tailored recorded courses with Orcas Tutoring’s personalized one-to-one tutoring platform.”
Baims, known for providing online tailored recorded courses for university students in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, views the acquisition of Orcas as a strategic move to enhance their offerings further.
This involves incorporating Orcas’ personalized tutoring services into their platform, creating a well-rounded and adaptable educational experience for students across the MENA region.
While Baims plans to expand in the GCC, the focus on the growing Saudi Arabian market takes priority.
Recognizing Riyadh as the future startup hub of the region, Baims aims to solidify its presence in this dynamic market, capitalizing on its dominant market share.
The company is poised to launch a specialized AI-driven test preparation product and expand its offerings by incorporating one-to-one tutoring services in alignment with the specific needs of students.
The newly consolidated company is set to realize its product, market expansion, and regional dominance objectives through the efficient integration of both teams. Seasoned professionals boasting over 35 years of combined experience in the EdTech space are set to join the Baims team.
Hossam Taher, CEO of Orcas Tutoring, assumes the role of Chief Strategy Officer, and Amira El Gharib becomes Chief Operations Officer. This leadership integration is expected to drive further advancements in the venture.
Investors have expressed support for the strategic acquisition, recognizing the potential of the consolidated entity in transforming education in the MENA region.
Issa Aghabi, Managing Partner at Access Bridge Ventures, comments, “Today marks a monumental day for Edtech in the Middle East and the globe.”
Abdullateef AlThuwaini from AK Holding adds, “The acquisition of Orcas by Baims proves once again that Edtech is fast growing in the region.”
Despite the immense potential, MENA’s $100 billion education market remains largely untapped.
Baims envisions not only solving the education problem but also contributing to job creation in the MENA region.
Bader AlRasheed, Baims co-founder, emphasizes the importance of education, stating, “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about empowering individuals to thrive in the workforce.”
Baims aims to bridge the gap in access to quality education, fostering skill development, and preparing students for success.
The company also envisions creating more job opportunities in KSA, Kuwait, EG, UAE, and Jordan.
In a challenging environment for the Egyptian startup ecosystem, the Orcas exit led by CEO Hossam Taher emerged as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2019, Orcas addressed the private tutoring problem in Egypt, offering a personalized learning experience to K12 students in International Schools.
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