Egyptian ed-tech startup Orcas has raised a $2.1 million pre-Series A funding round as it is all set to expand into Pakistan in the early months of 2022.
The startup is already active in Saudi Arabia that is now expanding to Pakistan after raising $2.1 million in a round co-led by CIRA’s NFX Ventures and Access Bridge Ventures. It also saw participation from Algebra Ventures, Launch Africa Ventures, Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, and Seedstars International.
Hossam Taher, chief executive of Orcas said, “Learners today have different needs that Edtech companies must cater to. For that reason, we have evolved into a learning platform that offers the complete spectrum of teacher-led and self-paced learning environments. With the funding, we will be able to continue to build our technology product, attract the best talent, and expand to new geographies in MENAP.”
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Co-founded by Mr Taher and Amira El Gharib in 2019, Orcas provides K-12 students with one-on-one tutoring sessions, both online and in-person. The platform also includes practice assignments and personalised learning plans to help students learn better.
He further said, the latest round of funding will help the company “to continue to build our technology product, attract the best talent, and expand to new geographies in Menap [Middle East and North Africa and Pakistan].”
According to a study by Report, the EdTech sector in the Middle East and Africa is set to grow to Dh26 billion ($7.07 billion) by 2027 as the shift to digital education accelerates because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Orcas also plans to start operations in Lahore, Pakistan in early 2022 to support online learning in the country.
“We invest in innovative ideas, marketplaces, and technologies that will disrupt the traditional education model and create easier, better, and cheaper education access for kids globally.” said Issa Aghabi, managing director at Access Bridge Ventures.
