Career 180, VMS Team Up To Expand In Saudi Arabia

Egypt-based edtech platform Career 180 has pocketed an undisclosed six-figure investment from US-based venture capital firm Den VC to accelerate its regional expansion and scale its talent development offerings.

The funding supports the company’s entry into Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Malta, while also strengthening its core product—an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered learning management system (LMS) designed to upskill youth and connect them with job opportunities.  

Founded by Shrouk Alaa El Din and Mohamed Akmal in Egypt in 2017, Career 180 delivers practical, demand-driven training through a SaaS-based platform, offering both learning and job-matching tools to a growing user base. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia is a strategic move that taps into one of the region’s fastest-growing markets for education and workforce development.  

As part of its Saudi strategy, Career 180 is partnering with Riyadh-based venture studio Value Makers Studio (VMS), which is offering operational and soft-landing support to help the startup navigate regulatory, cultural, and market entry challenges. The partnership reflects a broader push by both entities to support workforce development across the region, with a shared focus on job creation, digital skills, and scalable education solutions.  

“This funding round and support from VMS will enable us to impact over one million learners globally by transforming our LMS into a comprehensive talent development ecosystem,” Alaa Al Din, co-founder, Career 180, told Inc. Arabia. “We'll focus on scalable, personalized learning pathways powered by AI, industry-recognized certifications, and seamless hiring integration, ensuring our platform not only equips learners with essential skills but also directly connects them to meaningful employment opportunities.”  

“We chose Saudi Arabia as a main growth focus due to its rapid economic diversification, significant investment in digital transformation, and strong demand for skilled talent aligned with Vision 2030,” Alaa Al Din added. “We've adapted our strategy by localizing our training content, building strategic partnerships with Saudi corporations and government entities, and integrating Arabic-language learning solutions to address the specific needs of this rapidly evolving market.”  

From the perspective of VMS, Career 180 stood out as more than just an edtech platform. “We saw in Career 180 a complete solution not just an edtech platform, but one that guides users all the way from learning and upskilling to actually getting hired or landing freelance work,” VMS founder and CEO Motaz Abuonq explained to Inc. Arabia. “Their mission strongly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, especially the focus on preparing and empowering local talent for the future job market.”  

Abuonq shared that one of the features that attracted VMS to Career 180 was the team’s proven ability to mobilize large-scale career events—a critical engagement tool in Saudi Arabia’s evolving ecosystem. “A big part of why we backed them is the founding team: they’re passionate, experienced, and have a proven track record in building educational and career-focused communities,” Abuonq said. “One thing that stood out to us is the demand in Saudi Arabia for large-scale, educational events, something Career 180 already does exceptionally well with its hybrid career summits.”  

Career 180’s approach aligns with a broader shift in the MENA’s youth employment landscape, driven by digital transformation and evolving hiring needs. “Over the next two years, youth employability in the MENA will be shaped by the rapid shift towards digital skills, the demand for tech-enabled jobs, and the growing importance of soft skills like adaptability and critical thinking,” said Alaa El Din. “As automation and AI reshape industries, young people will need continuous upskilling in areas like data analysis, software development, and digital marketing, alongside foundational skills like communication and emotional intelligence.”  

In response to these trends, the company is targeting 50,000 new job placements in its upcoming regional expansion phase, with a focus on helping unemployed individuals transition into the workforce. It also plans to deepen its collaboration with NGOs and international organizations. To date, Career 180 has worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Coca-Cola HBC Egypt, and Plan International. Recognized for its impact, the startup has been listed among HolonIQ’s edtech startups to watch for three consecutive years and has seen its co-founder, Alaa El Din, named one of the "Top 50 Female Entrepreneurs in Africa" by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Embassy of the Netherlands.  

As her company expands regionally, Alaa El Din highlighted the importance of building a resilient team capable of handling the challenges that come with it, without losing sight of the company’s core mission. Abuonq echoed this sentiment, pointing out that many startups underestimate the operational challenges of entering the Saudi market. “Many startups underestimate the regulatory complexity navigating licenses, permits, and compliance can be time-consuming without the right support," said Abuonq. "Many startups underestimate the local competition and how it would affect their plans. They often miss the mark on cultural adaptation, especially in a market where trust, relationships, and reputation are key to doing business.”  

To address these challenges, VMS offers hands-on support, going beyond capital investment. “At VMS, we not only invest capital in the companies we believe in, but we also roll up our sleeves and support them with legal setup, taxation, office setup, and go-to-market strategy, introductions to trusted partners and tailored business development strategies, giving founders the foundation they need to succeed from day one,” Abuonq added.  

Looking ahead, VMS’ Abuonq sees a pivotal role for edtech in bridging education and employment. “Edtech will play a central role in bridging the gap between academic education and real-world job skills. With national initiatives targeting digital transformation and youth employment, platforms like Career 180 can directly support upskilling and placement at scale. However, key gaps remain in Arabic-first content, hands-on vocational training, and scalable, AI-driven personalized learning paths, areas where innovative edtech startups can still create significant value.” 

Before entering new markets, Alaa El Din stressed that founders must approach expansion with a clear understanding of local realities and a focus on long-term impact. “My main advice would be to deeply understand the cultural and educational needs of each target market. Focus on building scalable, localized solutions that address real skills gaps, and invest in partnerships with local stakeholders to accelerate adoption. It’s also crucial to stay agile, leverage technology for personalized learning, and prioritize impact metrics to demonstrate your value to both learners and investors.” 

Pictured in the lead image are (from left to right) VMS founder and CEO Motaz Abuonq and Career 180 co-founder Shrouk Alaa El Din. Image courtesy Career 180 and VMS.