EdVentures Invests Six Figures In Schoolz, Ibn Sina
The startups were selected from ten participants in the first EDVS boot camp.
EdVentures, an Egypt-based edtech-focused venture capital firm in the MENA region, has committed undisclosed six-figure investments in two Egyptian edtech startups, Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
The investments are part of the EdTech Ventures Studio (EDVS) program, launched last year in collaboration with the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE).
The funding increases EdVentures’ portfolio to 24 startups supporting the development of the edtech ecosystem in Egypt and the Middle East. Schoolz and Ibn Sina were selected from ten participants in the first EDVS boot camp.
Established in 2020 by Hosny Ahmed, Schoolz is a platform that coordinates student transportation to and from schools and universities, enabling parents to track rides in real time while ensuring affordability and safety.
Ibn Sina Training Academy, founded in 2017 by Maissam Magdy, offers medical training, including courses in medical translation, coding, and digital marketing, designed to help professionals advance their careers.
The EDVS program offers edtech entrepreneurs mentorship, funding, and access to industry experts. It plans to train 20 more startups next year, with selected companies eligible for additional investment.
Dalia Ibrahim, CEO of EdVentures, outlined the selection process, objectives, and future trends driving the edtech sector in Egypt in a discussion with Inc. Arabia.
"At EdVentures, our selection process is rooted in identifying startups that address significant gaps in the education market," Ibrahim explained, noting that these startups also present substantial growth potential with scalable models and dedicated teams.
She also highlighted that Schoolz and Ibn Sina cater to distinct yet vital segments in Egypt. "Both startups cater to large target audiences and present substantial growth opportunities," she said. "They also have strong, dedicated teams, which enhances their potential for success. Importantly, our focus remains on supporting edtech startups that foster innovation in the sector here in Egypt and create significant job opportunities — both of which these startups exemplify."
Ibrahim also told us that EdVentures seeks to drive outcomes through its EDVS program over the next two years. "Our primary goals include creating and enhancing over 1,000 jobs, offering essential business guidance, and providing technical support to help startups scale," she said. "We are particularly focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by women and working mothers in the edtech industry."
She added, "We are currently running two additional cohorts under the program, with one cohort each year, supporting a total of 20 startups. The second cohort has just launched, and each cohort comprises two phases. The first phase is a pre-acceleration boot camp designed to equip startups with vital skills and strategies. The second phase involves direct investment, offering six-figure funding along with employability initiatives to promote growth and sustainability for the selected startups."
Looking ahead, Ibrahim predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification will play a strong role in shaping the edtech landscape in 2025. "I see AI continuing to be a transformative force across all sectors, particularly in edtech," she said. "The ongoing advancements in AI will enable us to offer more personalized and tailored educational experiences, allowing educators to adapt content and teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students."
She added, “Gamification will also play a crucial role, enhancing engagement and making learning more enjoyable through the incorporation of game-based elements. As the work landscape evolves alongside AI, there will be a stronger emphasis on soft skills. Edtech solutions will increasingly integrate training for essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.”
Ibrahim also identified professional development solutions as another key trend emerging in edtech. "The demand for lifelong learning through continuous education and professional development will keep rising," she said. "This trend will lead to the emergence of platforms that cater to individuals at various stages of their careers, ensuring that education remains relevant and accessible."
