This merger combines Baims’ specialized online courses with Orcas’ personalized tutoring, creating a robust educational platform. Supported by key investors and focusing on market expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the new entity aims to revolutionize education in the MENA region, addressing both learning and employment challenges.
Baims, co-founded by Yousef AlHusaini and Bader AlRasheed, has acquired Orcas in a complete acquisition deal. Orcas, founded by Hossam Taher and Amira El Gharib, joins forces with Baims to form a formidable entity in the EdTech sector.
Collectively, these companies have raised over $11 million, supported by notable investors such as Access Bridge Ventures, Algebra Ventures, NFX Ventures, and others, positioning the new amalgamation as a leading EdTech contender in the MENA region.
Strategic move
This acquisition marks a significant step in addressing the evolving educational needs in MENA, where a shift towards hybrid learning models is underway. Baims, renowned for its online courses tailored for university students in countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, now integrates Orcas’ bespoke tutoring services, offering a more holistic learning experience. “This acquisition is more than expansion; it’s a transformation of the MENA EdTech scene,” said AlHusaini, chief executive officer of Baims.
The focus of the newly expanded Baims is not only on enhancing product offerings but also on penetrating new markets, particularly in the GCC, with a keen eye on the burgeoning Saudi Arabian sector. Recognizing Riyadh’s potential as a future startup hub, Baims aims to leverage its significant market share in Saudi Arabia to introduce AI-driven test preparation products and extend its tutoring services to more universities.
Expansion, innovation
The merger brings together a team with over 35 years of combined experience in the EdTech sector. The new leadership includes Hossam Taher as Chief Strategy Officer and Amira El Gharib as Chief Operations Officer, alongside Shams Adly and Mohammed Khalaf from Orcas, promising further advancements in the venture.
Investors have expressed strong support for this strategic consolidation, foreseeing a transformative impact on education in the region. Issa Aghabi of Access Bridge Ventures and Abdullateef AlThuwaini from AK Holding highlight the merger as a pivotal moment for EdTech in the Middle East, enhancing Baims’ position as a premier company in the field and expanding its reach to the large Egyptian market.
Empowering the workforce
Despite the vast potential of the $100 billion MENA education market, it remains largely underexplored. The newly merged entity aims to tackle the region’s educational challenges by providing accessible, quality education and facilitating skill development for workforce success. This initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities across KSA, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, and Jordan.
In Egypt, where the startup ecosystem has faced challenges, the successful exit of Orcas, led by CEO Hossam Taher, represents a ray of hope. Orcas, established in 2019, aimed to revolutionize private tutoring in Egypt by offering personalized learning experiences. Taher sees the merger with Baims as a pathway to amplify their collective impact on students and educators alike.
