Egypt-based education and employment platform Career 180 has announced a new six-figure funding round led by US-based venture capital firm Den VC. This latest investment underscores investor confidence in the platform’s mission to address youth unemployment through scalable, tech-driven learning and job-matching solutions. The funding comes at a crucial moment as the company accelerates its expansion across the Middle East and Europe.
Regional Expansion Gains Momentum
With the fresh capital, Career 180 is launching operations in Saudi Arabia, supported by Value Makers Studio (VMS), a venture studio specializing in soft-landing services for startups entering the MENA region. The company also plans to extend its presence into Oman and Malta as part of a broader strategy to localize its content and scale its Learning Management System (LMS). This expansion is aimed at deepening regional impact and unlocking new market opportunities for Career 180’s career development offerings.
Platform Aims to Tackle Youth Unemployment
Founded in 2017 by Shrouk Alaa El Din and Mohamed Akmal, Career 180 delivers practical training and job placement services through a SaaS-based LMS designed for accessibility and impact. The company targets over one million learners, with a goal to place 50,000 new beneficiaries into the workforce—particularly focusing on young people who are currently unemployed. By offering skills development that aligns with market needs, Career 180 seeks to reduce barriers to employment across diverse populations.
Localized Learning at the Core of Growth
A major component of Career 180’s strategy is the localization of its course content, making training resources available in Arabic to better serve regional learners. This approach ensures cultural and linguistic alignment, enhancing engagement and outcomes for learners in the Gulf and beyond. The company views local adaptation as essential to achieving its mission of inclusive and scalable education across new geographies.
Recognition and Partnerships Strengthen Credibility
Career 180 has been recognized by HolonIQ as one of the MEA region’s top EdTech startups for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024. The platform has also forged partnerships with respected global and regional entities such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), GIZ, Coca-Cola HBC Egypt, and Plan International. These collaborations have strengthened Career 180’s credibility while supporting its focus on youth empowerment, workforce development, and gender inclusion.
Leadership Committed to Impact
Commenting on the milestone, Co-founder Shrouk Alaa El Din emphasized the company’s mission-driven growth, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for young people regardless of their background. She described the expansion as not merely business development, but a commitment to lasting social and economic change. The company’s leadership continues to frame its success through the lens of community upliftment and professional empowerment.
VMS Brings Market Expertise to the Table
VMS, Career 180’s strategic partner in Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in supporting startups through tailored services that facilitate market entry. CEO Moataz Abuonq noted that funding alone is insufficient for successful regional expansion and stressed the importance of local networks and operational support. Through its “soft-landing” approach, VMS aims to accelerate Career 180’s integration into the Saudi ecosystem and help the platform navigate commercial and regulatory hurdles.
As Career 180 moves forward with its regional strategy, the combination of new capital, strategic partnerships, and proven impact positions it to transform the education and employment landscape across the EMEA region. The company’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is a significant step in its ambition to deliver localized, practical learning at scale. With a growing learner base, robust technological foundation, and mission-driven leadership, Career 180 is set to play a leading role in shaping the future of workforce readiness in the region.