abwaab Raises $20M Series A to Expand in MENA & Pakistan

Abwaab Secures $20 Million in Series A Funding

Jordan-based Abwaab, an online learning platform, has successfully completed a $20 million Series A funding round. This follows a previous $5 million seed funding round secured in March of this year.

This investment positions Abwaab as one of the most well-funded edtech startups operating within the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP) region, which serves a student population of 160 million.

Investment Details and Expansion

The funding round was spearheaded by existing investor BECO Capital, based in the UAE. Additional participation came from 4DX Ventures and GSV Ventures (both USA), as well as Watar Partners (KSA), among others.

Established in late 2019, the company has broadened its reach beyond Jordan, now offering services in both Egypt and Pakistan.

Platform Focus and Approach

Hamdi Tabbaa, Sabri Hakim, and Hussein AlSarabi, the founders of Abwaab, have designed their platform specifically for secondary school students.

The platform delivers content aligned with local school curricula, addressing deficiencies in available online educational resources and lessening the reliance on traditional, offline tutoring.

Features and User Engagement

Students can access lessons, receive personalized feedback, and engage in discussions through the platform’s web and mobile applications.

Abwaab experienced substantial growth during periods of school closures caused by the pandemic, as students sought alternative learning solutions.

Subscription Model and Growth

In Jordan, the platform utilizes a freemium subscription model, offering students a one-time payment for full-year access.

The company reports a tenfold increase in active users during the 2020/21 academic year. Previously, Abwaab acquired Edmatrix, a Pakistani edtech startup, to further expand its capabilities.

Vision and Leadership

According to Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO of Abwaab, the company’s core mission is to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and enjoyment of learning.

This is achieved by creating a comprehensive ecosystem that transforms the learning experience and provides students with the necessary tools for future success.

Investor Confidence

Abdulaziz Shikh Al Sagha of BECO Capital expressed confidence in Abwaab’s trajectory, stating the company is well-positioned to become a market leader in the region.

Peter Orth, Managing Partner at 4DX Ventures, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education and its potential for dominance in the MENAP region.

Competitive Landscape

Abwaab’s competitors include traditional offline tutoring centers, as well as other online platforms such as Noon Academy (Saudi Arabia), EdKasa (Pakistan), and Ashtar (Egypt).

Competitive Advantages

Abwaab differentiates itself by offering concise, curriculum-aligned micro-lessons, test preparation assessments, and both chat and video tutoring options.

Furthermore, its annual subscription cost of US$15 is significantly lower than the expense of a single hour of traditional tutoring.