Edtech Startup Orcas Receives US$2m Funding For Its Technology Offering
EGYPT – Orcas, an Egyptian live learning edtech startup, has received US$2.1 million in funding from CIRA’s NFX Ventures and Access Bridge Ventures.
Algebra Ventures, Launch Africa Ventures, Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, and Seedstars International all participated in this pre-series A round.
Orcas will use the new money to continue developing its technology offering, attract more talent, and expand to other areas in MENAP, as it prepares to launch operations in Lahore, Pakistan, in early 2022.
“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 & self-paced learning environments,” said CEO of Orcas, Hossam Taher.
“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.”
Orcas was co-founded by Hossam Taher and Amira El Gharib in 2019. Its platform allows parents to find instructors and hybrid courses via an online discovery channel.
Each learner receives individualized study plans, learning type evaluations, and practice assignments as part of the hybrid learning experience, ensuring the most tailored learning experience possible while empowering instructors to deliver high-quality learning sessions.
“Our investment in Orcas encompasses everything we’ve built CASF for. The fund was designed to double down and invest in our best-performing startups and to continue supporting amazing founders like Hossam and Amira to build great businesses,” said Aly El Shalakany, CEO of the Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund about the latest investment, which is considered the Fund’s first investment.
“We are very proud of Orcas’ performance so far and we are confident that with this latest investment they will continue to be market leaders within the space and will now be able to add more exciting educational solutions using cutting edge technology and to bring these products to new markets.”
Orcas offers live 1-on-1 tutoring sessions to K-12 students both online and in person. Orcas is the most economical high-quality learning platform that allows parents to support their children’s education by offering flexible payment options, reduced packages, and instalment programs.
“Access Bridge Ventures continues to build on its deep global expertise in the education sector and Orcas is our second investment since our launch in 2021 in Edtech,” said Issa Aghabi, Managing Director at Access Bridge Ventures.
“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. The team from Orcas is a perfect example of a strong team with strong technology that is looking to address a key emerging market problem.”
Orcas’ question banks have been accepted by numerous schools and teachers as a sort of auto-graded and trustworthy homework source since the feature was launched in early November 2021.
Orcas also established a relationship with CIRA’s school network earlier this year to provide after-school hybrid learning programs for students who require extra assistance. Cairo, Assiut, and Suez are among the cities and governorates in Egypt where this service is currently offered.
“Going into this partnership, it was essential to find a partner that shared our same ethos, offering affordable quality education in underserved regions. With our visions aligned, this JV brings the best of both worlds,” Ahmed El Kalla, CIRA Board Member and Managing Director of NFX Capital.
“I am personally excited to see the outcome of joining forces between EdTech pioneers and innovators alongside established industry players; moreover, the benefit and impact that this partnership shall have on the students and their families.”
In early 2022, Orcas will begin operations in Lahore, Pakistan, to assist students in the world’s fifth largest country in finding high-quality instructors and tailored learning plans.
In Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, the business intends to harness digital live learning possibilities for schools and teachers both offline and online (MENAP).
Read Original Article Here
From The GFA Team
Debo’s Den
Call For Applications
