US- and London-based edtech DataCamp has acquired UAE-based Optima, an AI-native learning platform that personalises lessons, pacing, and feedback for each learner in real time. Optima, founded in 2023 by Yusuf Saber, develops adaptive learning technology designed to teach data and AI skills to enterprises and individuals. The company previously raised $1.1 million in seed funding from COTU Venture and other investors. The deal marks DataCamp’s first major expansion into the Middle East, with the company launching DataCamp Classrooms to provide educators and students in the UAE free access to over 500 interactive courses covering Python, SQL, Power BI, Java, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and more. Founded in 2013, DataCamp is an online learning platform for data and AI skill building. Press release: DataCamp, the leading online learning platform for data and AI skill building, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Dubai-based Optima, an AI-native learning platform for building data and AI skills. Optima founder and CEO Yusuf Saber will join DataCamp as Chief AI Officer, with the rest of the company’s employees joining DataCamp as part of the deal. Optima’s AI-native learning experience adjusts itself in real time, tailoring how it paces a lesson, explains concepts and gives feedback to each learner’s individual profile. Optima’s and DataCamp’s platforms are used by leading Middle Eastern tech brands such as Talabat and Careem, and large enterprises such as ADQ. It helps these companies keep one-step ahead of the extraordinary pace of the AI evolution and the rapidly evolving data demands on today’s workforce. Optima technology is already powering key curriculum in the DataCamp platform, and premium subscribers can opt for the AI-native experience in many of the company’s top courses. Optima’s technology will be integrated across more of the platform over the next six months, further supercharging DataCamp’s existing library and net new curriculum. “Optima was built in the UAE to embed intelligence directly into the learning experience, so we can intuitively adjust each lesson to who a learner is and what they already know, and equip them to succeed in the global AI economy. From our first conversation with the DataCamp team, it was clear how much our visions aligned,” said Yusuf Saber, founder and CEO of Optima. “By bringing Optima’s AI-native learning experience into DataCamp’s global platform, and by creating free access for government employees, educators, and students, we have an opportunity to set a new standard for how people in the country learn online.” Optima previously raised $1.1 million in seed funding from COTU Ventures, a leading early-stage investor known for its hands-on partnership and strong track record of backing the region’s most ambitious founders from their first cheque. The seed round also included prominent angel investors, among them founders and senior executives from Careem, Kitopi, Talabat, and Docebo. Prioritising Free Access to Data and AI Courses to Upskill the UAE The UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to position the country as a global leader in AI by prioritising the development of local talent and widespread upskilling initiatives. The strategy’s ambitious goals focus on building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, ensuring that UAE government employees and students are equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities needed in the evolving AI economy. DataCamp Classrooms will be launched in the UAE, giving educators and students free access to a library of more than 500 courses covering Python, SQL, Power BI, Java, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and more. DataCamp will also make its popular “Intro to AI” course free for six months for all UAE Government employees and students. Demand from Global Enterprises Powers Business Growth The exploding field of AI requires that companies constantly invest in upskilling their employees. DataCamp has established itself as a leader in the market by providing an engaging, modern learning experience that covers both general concepts and hands-on instruction in building with new AI tools. Acquiring Optima makes DataCamp even more indispensable for large enterprises looking to future-proof their workforces. DataCamp’s acquisition of Optima accelerates its market leadership at a time of considerable momentum for the company. DataCamp is cashflow positive and expects to cross $100 million in annualized recurring revenue before the end of 2026. It has 18 million learners on its platform, with employees from 80 percent of the Fortune 1000 represented among its learner base. It has a booming B2B business with 6,000 customers, currently growing at close to 30% year-over-year, serving some of the largest names in technology (Google, Uber), finance (including the top four largest US banks), retail and manufacturing (Nike, Stanley, Black & Decker), and the pharmaceutical industry (Roche, Pfizer), among many others. “DataCamp is turning the page on an era of online learning defined by static and generic content,” said Jonathan Cornellisen, co-founder and CEO of DataCamp. “The field of data and AI is evolving faster than ever, and DataCamp is focusing on dynamic, human-centered learning to help people and organizations thrive amid upheaval. With the Optima team now part of DataCamp, we’ve never been better placed to redefine how organizations move their people along the learning curve.”
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Noum, a UAE-based HRtech company, has launched an AI-driven hiring infrastructure designed to help organisations across the GCC transition toward skills-first hiring, as 86% of employers report skill shortages and 78% plan to recruit in 2025. Founded and led by Sarkis Atanesov, Noum enables companies to streamline the end-to-end hiring process. Press release: Noum, a UAE-based HR tech company, is redefining how organisations hire in an age of automation and digital transformation. Designed to support the GCC’s shift toward skills-based hiring and AI adoption, Noum offers an intelligent hiring infrastructure that reduces operational routine and enhances strategic talent decisions. Powered by advanced AI, Noum streamlines the end-to-end hiring process – from role planning to interview analysis – aligning with the UAE’s broader economic vision and talent competitiveness goals outlined in the Jobs of the Future report, published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) “Hiring should be about human connection, not coordination,” says Sarkis Atanesov, Founder and CEO of Noum. “We built Noum to empower companies to hire with intention, eliminating inefficiencies while unlocking better candidate experiences and long-term team fit.” Noum’s AI-native platform tackles pain points across the hiring funnel: Planning: automated role scoping and skill-based profiling Interviewing: smart scheduling, real-time question guidance, structured templates Analyzing: post-interview scoring, decision support, and behavioral signal insights Feedback: automated yet personal feedback—enhancing employer brand equity By integrating AI throughout the hiring cycle, Noum aligns with Dubai’s push to adopt advanced digital tools across industries, where up to 25% of current work tasks may be automated by 2027. Noum’s mission aligns with Dubai’s D33 vision to become a Top 3 Global Destination for Business and Talent. The Jobs of the Future report identifies the need for tools that support reskilling, tech-based hiring, and agile workforce development, particularly as over 65,000 Emiratis are expected to join the private workforce by 2033. With modular architecture and fast onboarding, Noum is already in use by high-growth companies and forward-thinking HR leaders seeking scalable, reliable hiring infrastructure. “We don’t want to be another HR tool. We’re building the connective tissue between data, humans, and opportunity,” says Sarkis. “The future of hiring isn’t about volume; it’s about clarity, precision, and purpose.”
Saudi Arabia-based contech WakeCap has acquired Brazil’s Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational intelligence platform serving major industrial clients. Founded in 2017 by Hassan Albalawi and Ishita Sood, WakeCap specialises in wearable tech solutions that provide real-time monitoring for contractors and project managers, reducing risks and improving efficiency on construction projects. The acquisition expands WakeCap’s global footprint into Latin America, establishing Brazil as its new regional headquarters, and extends its platform beyond construction into operations and maintenance, allowing clients to manage projects through the full facility lifecycle. Last May, WakeCap raised $28 million in investment. Press release: WakeCap, the sensor-powered project intelligence and controls platform trusted by the world’s most complex construction and oil and gas projects, announces its acquisition of Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational solution for industrial companies. The acquisition underscores the Saudi company’s commitment to expanding its global reach, diversifying product capabilities, and deepening customer relationships across the construction and industrial lifecycle. WakeCap’s expansion comes at a time when global infrastructure investment is surging, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone investing nearly $1 trillion in construction and urban development. Aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030 to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable built environments, WakeCap’s ability to bridge Silicon Valley innovation, Saudi-scale delivery and now Brazilian reach uniquely positions the company at the intersection of AI, IoT, and industrial transformation. Beyond expanding into Latin America, with Brazil as the new LATAM HQ, the Trackfy acquisition allows WakeCap to support clients long after construction is complete. By adding operations and maintenance capabilities, WakeCap can stay with projects from the build phase through to daily industrial operations, offering a single connected solution across the full lifecycle of a facility. This approach significantly increases the long-term value the company delivers to its customers. “Trackfy brings both regional expertise and product capabilities that perfectly complement WakeCap’s vision to put workers first, make jobsites safer, and bring clarity to the world’s most complex construction projects,” said Dr. Hassan Albalawi, Co-Founder and CEO of WakeCap. “WakeCap’s ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls, and this acquisition fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency. This is a strong cultural fit, and we are excited to welcome the Trackfy team to WakeCap.” “WakeCap’s mission has always been to solve the construction industry’s most urgent problems through data, software, and IoT, while Trackfy has done the same across the operational core of industrial environments,” said Tulio Cerviño, CEO of Trackfy. “Joining forces enables us to scale our technology, expand into new regions, and serve customers across the full lifecycle of industrial projects. This move is more than just an acquisition – it’s a big step toward the realisation of a shared vision: to build the global standard for smart operations and industrial intelligence.” The acquisition will combine WakeCap’s expertise in global construction technology with Trackfy’s strength in industrial operations. WakeCap transforms how construction projects are managed through live, site-wide visibility across workforce, safety, productivity, and progress. Its technology protects and empowers jobsite workers, transforming construction sites into a safer and more reliable place to work. With more than 150 million labour hours tracked and deployments across $120 billion in active projects – including Aramco, NEOM, Qiddiya, and King Salman Park, as well as global projects in the UAE, US, Brazil and Japan – WakeCap is setting the standard for how data drives performance, safety, and accountability on the jobsite, leading to data-driven business decisions and reduced insurance costs.
Saudi Arabia-based contech WakeCap has acquired Brazil’s Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational intelligence platform serving major industrial clients. Founded in 2017 by Hassan Albalawi and Ishita Sood, WakeCap specialises in wearable tech solutions that provide real-time monitoring for contractors and project managers, reducing risks and improving efficiency on construction projects. The acquisition expands WakeCap’s global footprint into Latin America, establishing Brazil as its new regional headquarters, and extends its platform beyond construction into operations and maintenance, allowing clients to manage projects through the full facility lifecycle. Last May, WakeCap raised $28 million in investment. Press release: WakeCap, the sensor-powered project intelligence and controls platform trusted by the world’s most complex construction and oil and gas projects, announces its acquisition of Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational solution for industrial companies. The acquisition underscores the Saudi company’s commitment to expanding its global reach, diversifying product capabilities, and deepening customer relationships across the construction and industrial lifecycle. WakeCap’s expansion comes at a time when global infrastructure investment is surging, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone investing nearly $1 trillion in construction and urban development. Aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030 to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable built environments, WakeCap’s ability to bridge Silicon Valley innovation, Saudi-scale delivery and now Brazilian reach uniquely positions the company at the intersection of AI, IoT, and industrial transformation. Beyond expanding into Latin America, with Brazil as the new LATAM HQ, the Trackfy acquisition allows WakeCap to support clients long after construction is complete. By adding operations and maintenance capabilities, WakeCap can stay with projects from the build phase through to daily industrial operations, offering a single connected solution across the full lifecycle of a facility. This approach significantly increases the long-term value the company delivers to its customers. “Trackfy brings both regional expertise and product capabilities that perfectly complement WakeCap’s vision to put workers first, make jobsites safer, and bring clarity to the world’s most complex construction projects,” said Dr. Hassan Albalawi, Co-Founder and CEO of WakeCap. “WakeCap’s ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls, and this acquisition fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency. This is a strong cultural fit, and we are excited to welcome the Trackfy team to WakeCap.” “WakeCap’s mission has always been to solve the construction industry’s most urgent problems through data, software, and IoT, while Trackfy has done the same across the operational core of industrial environments,” said Tulio Cerviño, CEO of Trackfy. “Joining forces enables us to scale our technology, expand into new regions, and serve customers across the full lifecycle of industrial projects. This move is more than just an acquisition – it’s a big step toward the realisation of a shared vision: to build the global standard for smart operations and industrial intelligence.” The acquisition will combine WakeCap’s expertise in global construction technology with Trackfy’s strength in industrial operations. WakeCap transforms how construction projects are managed through live, site-wide visibility across workforce, safety, productivity, and progress. Its technology protects and empowers jobsite workers, transforming construction sites into a safer and more reliable place to work. With more than 150 million labour hours tracked and deployments across $120 billion in active projects – including Aramco, NEOM, Qiddiya, and King Salman Park, as well as global projects in the UAE, US, Brazil and Japan – WakeCap is setting the standard for how data drives performance, safety, and accountability on the jobsite, leading to data-driven business decisions and reduced insurance costs.
Binbar Investment has partnered with Joa Capital to launch Marhoon Fund, Saudi Arabia’s first direct financing fund backed by lease and usufruct contracts, with a total investment volume of $133 million (SAR 500 million). The fund will enable Saudi companies to access innovative financing solutions secured by operational assets, enhancing private sector growth and funding diversification in alignment with Vision 2030. Rabeh will serve as the technical advisor, supporting the fund’s structure and execution. Press release: Binbar Investment, a company specialized in real estate investment solutions, announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Joa Capital, along with Rabeh serving as the fund’s technical advisor, to launch Marhoon Fund, the first direct financing fund in Saudi Arabia dedicated to securing loans through lease and usufruct contracts. The fund has a total investment volume of SAR 500 million. The fund aims to enable Saudi companies to access innovative financing solutions backed by their operational assets as collateral, in support of private sector growth and diversification of funding sources, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Nasser Al-Majed, Chairman of Binbar Real Estate, commented: “Binbar Real Estate Development is focused on creating differentiated real estate products, and with Marhoon Fund, we’re targeting direct financing solutions tailored to the rental market in the Kingdom.” Majed Al-Zahrani, Partner and CEO of Binbar Real Estate, added: “We believe that direct financing backed by usufruct contracts represents a transformative shift in how real estate assets are funded. It fosters trust among investors, developers, and tenants alike. Our partnership with Joa Capital is focused on building real financial tools that enable growth and long-term sustainability in the Saudi real estate sector.” Mr. Yousef AlYousefi, CEO and Managing Partner at Joa Capital, said: “We are proud of this partnership, which aligns with Joa Capital’s objectives and reflects our confidence in the strength of Saudi Arabia’s real estate market. This market is being empowered by digital platforms that improve liquidity access for property owners and stimulate investment. We are pleased to be working with a strategic partner who shares our vision of developing innovative financial solutions to support private sector growth.” Joa Capital is a leading private markets investment firm founded in 2020 and headquartered in Saudi Arabia. It invests in high-growth technology companies across the MENA region through direct equity investments. The firm also supports businesses with private credit tools that provide non-dilutive, operational financing options, enabling flexible funding pathways that foster growth and sustainability. The leasing market in Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid growth and significant regulatory evolution, driven by initiatives from the General Real Estate Authority and the “Ejar” platform. Over 1.5 million commercial and residential lease agreements have been documented to date, with growing reliance on standardized digital contracts that enhance transparency and trust between parties. These unified lease contracts are now legally recognized as enforceable instruments—a major advancement that strengthens the creditworthiness of lease agreements and validates their role as collateralizable, financeable assets. The launch of Marhoon Fund at this time marks a strategic move supported by a strong legal and regulatory framework, empowering companies to tap into a secure and effective financing source to improve cash flow and support expansion plans.
Binbar Investment has partnered with Joa Capital to launch Marhoon Fund, Saudi Arabia’s first direct financing fund backed by lease and usufruct contracts, with a total investment volume of $133 million (SAR 500 million). The fund will enable Saudi companies to access innovative financing solutions secured by operational assets, enhancing private sector growth and funding diversification in alignment with Vision 2030. Rabeh will serve as the technical advisor, supporting the fund’s structure and execution. Press release: Binbar Investment, a company specialized in real estate investment solutions, announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Joa Capital, along with Rabeh serving as the fund’s technical advisor, to launch Marhoon Fund, the first direct financing fund in Saudi Arabia dedicated to securing loans through lease and usufruct contracts. The fund has a total investment volume of SAR 500 million. The fund aims to enable Saudi companies to access innovative financing solutions backed by their operational assets as collateral, in support of private sector growth and diversification of funding sources, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Nasser Al-Majed, Chairman of Binbar Real Estate, commented: “Binbar Real Estate Development is focused on creating differentiated real estate products, and with Marhoon Fund, we’re targeting direct financing solutions tailored to the rental market in the Kingdom.” Majed Al-Zahrani, Partner and CEO of Binbar Real Estate, added: “We believe that direct financing backed by usufruct contracts represents a transformative shift in how real estate assets are funded. It fosters trust among investors, developers, and tenants alike. Our partnership with Joa Capital is focused on building real financial tools that enable growth and long-term sustainability in the Saudi real estate sector.” Mr. Yousef AlYousefi, CEO and Managing Partner at Joa Capital, said: “We are proud of this partnership, which aligns with Joa Capital’s objectives and reflects our confidence in the strength of Saudi Arabia’s real estate market. This market is being empowered by digital platforms that improve liquidity access for property owners and stimulate investment. We are pleased to be working with a strategic partner who shares our vision of developing innovative financial solutions to support private sector growth.” Joa Capital is a leading private markets investment firm founded in 2020 and headquartered in Saudi Arabia. It invests in high-growth technology companies across the MENA region through direct equity investments. The firm also supports businesses with private credit tools that provide non-dilutive, operational financing options, enabling flexible funding pathways that foster growth and sustainability. The leasing market in Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid growth and significant regulatory evolution, driven by initiatives from the General Real Estate Authority and the “Ejar” platform. Over 1.5 million commercial and residential lease agreements have been documented to date, with growing reliance on standardized digital contracts that enhance transparency and trust between parties. These unified lease contracts are now legally recognized as enforceable instruments—a major advancement that strengthens the creditworthiness of lease agreements and validates their role as collateralizable, financeable assets. The launch of Marhoon Fund at this time marks a strategic move supported by a strong legal and regulatory framework, empowering companies to tap into a secure and effective financing source to improve cash flow and support expansion plans.
Builtop, a Saudi digital procurement startup for the construction and real estate sectors, has raised $11 million in a round led by TAM Capital with participation from other investors. Founded in 2024 by Ayman Aljohani, the company provides embedded finance “pay-later” trade credit, helping contractors manage cashflow and improve procurement efficiency. The funding will fuel Saudi expansion, enhance AI capabilities, and support Vision 2030 infrastructure projects through smarter procurement and financing models. Press release: Builtop, a Saudi digital procurement startup transforming construction and real estate operations, has raised $11 million in a funding round led by TAM Capital, with participation from other investors. Founded in 2024 by Ayman Aljohani, Builtop provides embedded finance solutions, including “pay-later” trade credit, helping contractors and suppliers manage cashflow, streamline material sourcing, and accelerate project delivery. The platform combines digital procurement, embedded finance, and AI-powered tools to improve operational efficiency and transparency across the construction and real estate sectors. The new funding will support Builtop’s expansion across Saudi Arabia, enhancement of its AI-driven procurement systems, and development of tailored solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. “This investment enables us to expand our offerings, support Vision 2030 initiatives, and deliver smarter procurement solutions to the construction industry,” said Ayman Aljohani, Founder and CEO of Builtop. Builtop aims to position itself as Saudi Arabia’s digital procurement backbone, enabling smarter, faster, and more transparent construction operations in one of the Kingdom’s most strategic sectors.
Builtop, a Saudi digital procurement startup for the construction and real estate sectors, has raised $11 million in a round led by TAM Capital with participation from other investors. Founded in 2024 by Ayman Aljohani, the company provides embedded finance “pay-later” trade credit, helping contractors manage cashflow and improve procurement efficiency. The funding will fuel Saudi expansion, enhance AI capabilities, and support Vision 2030 infrastructure projects through smarter procurement and financing models. Press release: Builtop, a Saudi digital procurement startup transforming construction and real estate operations, has raised $11 million in a funding round led by TAM Capital, with participation from other investors. Founded in 2024 by Ayman Aljohani, Builtop provides embedded finance solutions, including “pay-later” trade credit, helping contractors and suppliers manage cashflow, streamline material sourcing, and accelerate project delivery. The platform combines digital procurement, embedded finance, and AI-powered tools to improve operational efficiency and transparency across the construction and real estate sectors. The new funding will support Builtop’s expansion across Saudi Arabia, enhancement of its AI-driven procurement systems, and development of tailored solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. “This investment enables us to expand our offerings, support Vision 2030 initiatives, and deliver smarter procurement solutions to the construction industry,” said Ayman Aljohani, Founder and CEO of Builtop. Builtop aims to position itself as Saudi Arabia’s digital procurement backbone, enabling smarter, faster, and more transparent construction operations in one of the Kingdom’s most strategic sectors.
Doha, Qatar – As part of its continued commitment to supporting the academic community and expanding study opportunities, Qatar National…