2021 Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50

Over half K12, Workforce 30%. Strong in digital content and online learning.

Over half of this year’s cohort (58%) are servicing K12 with a further 30% in the Workforce sector, however at the sub-sector level the 2021 cohort sees a balance of start-ups working right across the learner lifecycle from Jeel, an education and entertainment platform for pre-schoolers, to OPM and MOOC models such as Baims, Edraak and Rwaq, along with solutions to support literacy and reading – Quizzito and Akhdar.

It is promising to see EdTech startups leveraging advanced technologies such as VLaby and PraxiLabs (virtual labs), along with STEAM solutions GoMyCode, Geek Express and Hello Work kids

3/4 founded less than 6 years ago.

This years cohort, which represents the most promising EdTech startups in the region, illustrate the developing ecosystem with one in five startups under 3 years old and half in a growth stage between 4-6 years. A number of STEAM solutions have been formed in the last few years, such as iSchool and Study Tn, with startups such as Orcas and OTO in the growth stage. More mature startups include smart management system for schools, Colnn, and tutoring and homework help platform, Noon.

D2C Models Dominate.

70% of the 2021 cohort operate on a direct to consumer model, with varied focus from teacher support and development platform Aanaab, to Workforce mentoring solution, Teach Me Now, and book summary app, Wajeez.

Startups in the B2B segment include learning platforms such as, Lumofy, Skolera and Ustad Mobile.

Track the 2021 Cohort

HolonIQ customers can track the 50 most promising EdTech startups from the Middle East & North Africa on the intelligence platform. Look for the 2021 Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50 list in the Lists tab of the Organizations page. Request a Demo if you are not a customer and would like to learn more.

يمكن لعملاء HolonIQ تتبع أكثر 50 شركة ناشئة واعدة في مجال تكنولوجيا التعليم من الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا على منصة الاستخبارات. ابحث عن قائمة 2021 Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50 في علامة تبويب القوائم في صفحة المؤسسات. اطلب عرضًا تجريبيًا إذا لم تكن عميلاً وترغب في معرفة المزيد.

Track the 2021 Cohort‍

Criteria & Methodology

The Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50 is focused on identifying young, fast growing and innovative learning and up-skilling start-ups working in the region. To be eligible, startups must be less than 10 years old, are either headquartered in the region, or predominately focused on this market (e.g. > 80% revenue/customers, and are pre exit (not acquired or listed) or not a subsidiary of a larger company or controlled by an investor group (e.g. via private equity buyout or controlling investment). Learn more about eligibility for the Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50.

The Middle East & North Africa EdTech 50 is focused on identifying young, fast growing and innovative learning and up-skilling start-ups working in the region. To be eligible, startups are generally less than 10 years old (though there are some exceptions), are either headquartered in the region, or predominately focused on this market (e.g. > 80% revenue/customers, are pre exit (not acquired or listed) and not a subsidiary of a larger company or controlled by an investor group (e.g. via private equity buyout or controlling investment).