Dalia Ibrahim, the Founder and CEO of EdVentures and CEO of Nahdet Misr Group, has been recognized with the V-Lab Award for her significant and sustained contribution to the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Egypt and the wider region. The award was presented by The American University in Cairo’s Venture Lab (AUC Venture Lab), one of the region’s top university-based startup accelerators, to honor leaders who have played a critical role in fostering innovation and strengthening the startup community.
Quick Facts
- Awarded for advancing Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- EdVentures recently named Global Investor of the Year 2026.
- Portfolio has supported 108 startups, creating 52,000+ jobs.
A Nod from a Pillar of Egypt’s Ecosystem
The V-Lab Award acknowledges individuals whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs. The recognition highlights Dalia Ibrahim’s work in building EdVentures into one of the MENA region’s first EdTech-focused corporate venture capital funds. Under her guidance, the firm has provided startups with investment, strategic mentorship, and market access across Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from AUC Venture Lab; an institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Dalia Ibrahim. “Our responsibility extends beyond investing in startups to building ecosystems where entrepreneurs can innovate, scale, and create lasting impact. I am grateful to AUC Venture Lab for this recognition and remain optimistic about the next generation of founders who are shaping the future of education and human capital across our region.”
From Regional Impact to Global Recognition
This local honor comes on the heels of major international acclaim for EdVentures. The firm was recently named Global Investor of the Year at the Global Startup Awards 2026, after securing the titles for MENA and Africa Investor of the Year. The firm was selected from a pool of over 70,000 applicants from 62 countries.
Since its launch, EdVentures has backed 108 startups and directly invested in 29 companies that operate across more than 25 countries. These ventures have collectively reached tens of millions of learners and have been instrumental in creating over 52,000 jobs, underlining the firm’s mission to empower entrepreneurs in education, employability, and lifelong learning.
About EdVentures
Established in 2017, EdVentures is the investment arm of Nahdet Misr Group and the leading EdTech specialized corporate venture capital firm in the MENA region. The company supports startups and young entrepreneurs operating in the education and EdTech sectors through its incubation, acceleration, and investment programs.
About AUC Venture Lab
AUC Venture Lab is Egypt’s first startup accelerator. Based at the American University in Cairo, AUC Venture Lab is among Africa and MENA’s leading accelerators. Established in 2013, it supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, investor access, and strategic networking opportunities. Since its inception, AUC Venture Lab has supported more than 1,000 founders and 400 startups.
About the V-Lab Award
The V-Lab Award is a prestigious recognition presented by AUC Venture Lab to honor exceptional leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders who have made significant contributions to entrepreneurship in Egypt and the region. The award celebrates individuals whose vision and sustained efforts have helped foster entrepreneurial growth and strengthen the broader business ecosystem.
Source: Fintech Gate
