EdVentures, the corporate venture capital arm of Nahdet Misr Group, has announced plans for a significant regional expansion into the Gulf and African markets, slated to begin in early 2026. According to General Manager Amr El-Abbasy, the move marks a new phase of growth for the EdTech-focused investor, which has invested in 28 Egyptian startups since its inception in 2017, reaching a portfolio valuation of nearly $200 million by mid-2025.
A Strategic Shift Towards AI And Regional Growth
The upcoming expansion will be guided by a sharpened focus on startups that place Artificial Intelligence at the core of their educational solutions. El-Abbasy emphasized that this technological focus is critical for survival and success in the current landscape, stating that any startup not integrating AI into its business model risks falling behind or becoming obsolete. This strategic pivot will accompany the firm’s geographical push beyond Egypt into the broader Middle East and North Africa region.
Bolstering The Ecosystem Through Accelerator Programs
EdVentures will continue its impactful partnership with the Mastercard Foundation through its ongoing accelerator program. The next cohort, scheduled to launch in February 2026, will provide significant support to 13 selected startups. Each participating company will be eligible for up to $600,000 in equity-free funding. The program targets startups that offer innovative, scalable solutions to real challenges in the digital education sector and are led by strong, experienced teams.
Continued Investment In The Egyptian Market
While expanding regionally, EdVentures remains committed to its home market, where it has already invested in five new companies this year. The firm plans to conduct a new round of investments in either the final quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026. This round will target four to five startups in their Seed and Early Stages, with a total allocation of up to $750,000 and individual investment tickets ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. El-Abbasy noted that Egypt’s large population and government focus on digital learning make it a strong base for launching into African markets.
About EdVentures
EdVentures is the corporate venture capital arm of Nahdet Misr Group, a leading educational and publishing group in the MENA region. Launched in 2017, EdVentures is dedicated to investing in and supporting seed and early-stage startups focused on educational technology (EdTech). It aims to foster innovation in the education sector by providing startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic support to help them scale and succeed.
Source: Al Borsa News
