We back the founders rebuilding how the world learns.
A thesis-driven EdTech venture studio across MENA, pairing local depth with the capital, expertise and global network to turn early ideas into category leaders.
The opportunity
The world's youngest region holds its widest opportunity gap, and the highest return on education.
- 127M
- young people transitioning to adulthood across MENA
- 27%
- youth unemployment, the highest rate in the world
- 2,500
- jobs created per 10 successful ventures in the region
- 40M
- users on the region's leading EdTech platforms
How we work
We build with founders, not around them.
We partner with founders at the earliest stage and stay hands-on through product, fundraising, and go-to-market, all the way to demo day and the markets beyond it.
Empower
Founders get the regional education depth and on-the-ground context generic accelerators can't offer.
Amplify
Hands-on support across product, GTM, fundraising, leadership and AI, plus access to investors ready to write checks.
Integrate
A standing bridge to partners, mentors and markets from New York to Dubai to Istanbul, so ventures scale worldwide.
The programme
Six weeks. Nine sessions. One investor-ready venture.
A 6-week program combining structured learning modules, expert advisory, and curated ecosystem exposure, preparing founders to be investor-ready and globally competitive.
- Runs
- October – December 2026
- For
- Early-stage EdTech & Human Development founders
- Format
- Every session is a 1-hour interactive, virtual workshop led by industry experts. The program concludes with Demo Day at Take Off Istanbul.
Kick Off
Kick Off & Orientation
Launches the program and sets the foundation for the cohort. Founders meet the accelerator structure and advisory model, connect with peers, set shared norms, and commit to a growth mindset, capped by a shared founder commitment charter.
Module 1
Product Strategy & Market Fit
Validate product vision, design meaningful learning experiences, and adapt for cultural and linguistic contexts. Covers MVP roadmap, instructional design, Arabic/English localization, and UX for learners, educators, and admins.
Module 2
Business Model & Go-to-Market
Design sustainable business models and launch strategies. Covers pricing across B2C, B2B and B2G, GTM planning, marketing funnels and growth loops, and piloting with schools, corporates, and government.
Module 3
Investor Readiness & Fundraising
Build the financial, strategic, and narrative foundations to engage investors. Covers pitch storytelling, CAC/LTV and forecasting, TAM/SAM/SOM sizing, valuation methods, and fundraising vehicles (SAFEs, convertible notes, priced rounds).
Module 4
Leadership for Founders
The human side of entrepreneurship: founder resilience, emotional intelligence, and leading through uncertainty. Covers conflict management, decisions under pressure, and building high-performing teams.
Module 5
Business Development & Partnerships
Identify, approach, and secure partners across schools, government, and corporates. Covers deal sourcing, structuring MoUs, licensing and revenue-share agreements, and data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Module 6
AI for EdTech & Startup Growth
Practical AI applications in EdTech, from personalized learning to operational efficiency, alongside responsible AI, ethics, and data governance. Covers AI-driven personalization and AI for marketing, operations, and scaling.
Module 7
Wrap Up & Demo Prep
Consolidate learnings and prepare for Demo Day. Founders refine pitches, sharpen narratives, and rehearse to finalize a polished investor-ready story.
Demo Day
Demo Day at Take Off
Founders present their ventures to investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders, with networking across global stakeholders. Wednesday, December 10, Istanbul.
Regional AI x EdTech Startup Challenge
Unlocking Human Potential
Anchored at the Take Off Istanbul EdTech Exhibition, the first AI-powered regional ecosystem dedicated to unlocking human potential across MENA, Turkey and Pakistan. It culminates in a high-profile pitch showcase spotlighting breakthrough AI and EdTech startups.
- 100+
- startups engaged
- 20
- finalists
- 10+
- long-term backed
What founders get
Built around the founder, not the cohort.
- 01
Expert-Led
1-hour interactive sessions with top advisors.
- 02
Founder-Focused
Leadership and resilience integrated throughout.
- 03
Future-Ready
AI as a core enabler for growth.
- 04
Global Exposure
Culminates with Demo Day in Istanbul.
Strategic mentorship and guidance from industry leaders.
An expansive bond with co-investors and corporate partners.
Exclusive support across product, business, and go-to-market strategies.
A carefully curated “glocal” network that opens doors.
Our partners
