The startup raised US$250,000 in pre-seed funding from Saudi businesswoman Amal bint Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan last September to help it expand in its home market of Egypt, and it is now embarking on its expansion into other key Arab markets ahead of a forthcoming seed round.
As part of its expansion strategy, Farid Academy has signed a three-year strategic partnership with Amad Association for Human Capacity Development, valued at SAR4.5 million (US$1.2 million). The collaboration aims to make a tangible impact in education and community development, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The initiative will train and certify 500 Saudi university graduates for careers in coaching and development, while also delivering specialised educational programs to more than 4,000 children and adolescents. These programmes emphasise character building, critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The agreement includes the rollout of over 48 training programmes and workshops, alongside the creation of a comprehensive framework to measure educational and social impact – ensuring long-term sustainability and high-quality outcomes. Families will also benefit from additional discounts of up to 25 per cent on official programme fees, reflecting both parties’ commitment to expanding access to premium educational services.
Farid’s expansion into Saudi Arabia marks its first regional move beyond Egypt, and the second stop in its broader MENA growth strategy. The choice reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in human capital and its emphasis on youth empowerment as a cornerstone of Vision 2030.
Hussein expressed enthusiasm about the platform’s entry into the Saudi market, describing the agreement as a “transformational milestone” in Farid’s journey. He reiterated the company’s long-term vision – dubbed “Farid 2030” – which aims to certify 10,000 trainers and empower 10 million children and youth across the Arab world through specialised programmes in personality development and mental wellness.
