KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT /CAIRO, EGYPT — Baims, an education technology (EdTech) company announced the acquisition of Orcas Edtech to capture the flourishing US$100 billion education market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This establishes Baims and Orcas as the go-to provider of a holistic and adaptive EdTech platform, catering to both K12 and university learning, a press release said.
Baims, founded by Yousef AlHusaini & Bader AlRasheed acquired Orcas, founded by Hossam Taher & Amira El Gharib in a 100 percent acquisition deal. Together, Orcas and Baims have raised over $11 million.
Regional Edtech Dominance
As education in the MENA region undergoes a transformation towards hybrid learning models, Baims and Orcas provide comprehensive education solutions that encompass both synchronous and asynchronous formats (live and recorded). This positions Baims as a dominant player with a distinctive offering, addressing the profound challenges that students encounter in the region.
“By acquiring Orcas Tutoring, we are not just expanding our reach; we are redefining the EdTech landscape in MENA,” says Yousef AlHusaini, CEO of Baims. “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.”
Product and market expansion
Baims specializes in providing online tailored recorded courses for university students in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
“Our aim is to establish product and market synergies by introducing personalized K12 tutoring services in the GCC and subsequently expanding our portfolio to cater to the diverse needs of university students.” – Hossam Taher, CEO of Orcas Tutoring.
Expansion in MENA with a focus on Saudi Arabia
While expanding in the GCC is Baims’ plan, focusing on the growing Saudi Arabian market is a priority. Recognizing Riyadh as the future startup hub of the region where the government is investing a significant amount in emerging talents, Baims aims to solidify its presence in this dynamic market.
Saudi Arabia holds a strategic position, acting as a key connector between North Africa and the GCC, boasting the region’s most substantial and influential market.
Capitalizing on its dominant market share in Saudi Arabia, Baims is poised to launch a specialized AI-driven test preparation product. In addition to this, the company plans to augment its offerings by incorporating one-to-one tutoring services and expanding to more universities in KSA demonstrating a commitment to addressing the specific needs of students.
A Stronger Team with solid Edtech experience
The newly consolidated company aims to realize its product, market expansion, and regional dominance objectives through the efficient integration of both teams.
This strategic acquisition presents Baims with the valuable opportunity to augment its workforce with seasoned professionals boasting over 35 years of combined experience in the EdTech space.
MENA’s $100 Billion Education Market
Despite the immense potential, MENA’s $100 billion education market remains largely untapped. The magnitude of the education problem in the MENA region is profound, affecting students in various ways, the release added.
“Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about empowering individuals to thrive in the workforce,” emphasizes Bader AlRasheed, Baims co-founder.
The Impact on the Employment Market
Baims also envisions contributing to job creation in the MENA region. “Our goal is not only to solve the education problem but also to create more job opportunities in KSA, Kuwait, EG, UAE, and Jordan,” said AlHusaini.
Egyptian Founders
Hossam Taher & Amira El Gharib founded Orcas in 2019, addressing the private tutoring problem in Egypt by offering a personalized learning experience to K12 students in International Schools. Taher said, “Our journey with Orcas has been about empowering students and teachers, and with Baims, we see this impact expanding even further.”