Seesaw acquires MENA-based edtech startup Little Thinking Minds to expand learning solutions globally
Seesaw, the leading global PreK-12 learning experience company, has announced its acquisition of Little Thinking Minds, a MENA based female founded leading edtech specializing in Arabic literacy solutions. Trusted by over 25 million educators, students, and families worldwide, this strategic partnership positions Seesaw to expand its already significant footprint in the MENA region, strengthening its offerings with comprehensive, culturally relevant educational content and literacy tools in both Arabic and English.
Seesaw offers a suite of award-winning interactive and AI-driven learning tools and digital curriculum products designed to enhance student engagement, facilitate real-time assessments, and strengthen school-home communication. With this acquisition, Seesaw will combine its interactive technology with Little Thinking Minds's evidence-based Arabic literacy curricula and assessment solutions in order to transform learning for PreK-12 students, educators, and families in the MENA region and beyond. In addition to its comprehensive solution set for American and British schools, Seesaw will launch its first Arabic-language platform in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to authentic and multilingual learning experiences.
Together, the two companies will enable educators to create joyful, inclusive, and personalized learning experiences, ensuring that every student is supported throughout their academic journey. Ministries and school leaders will benefit from data-driven insights through Seesaw's interactive dashboards and student portfolios, offering a clearer view of student progress and learning outcomes.
'This partnership marks a major step in our mission to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students worldwide,' said Matthew Given, CEO of Seesaw. 'Little Thinking Minds has built a strong reputation and effective products for improving Arabic literacy, and by joining forces, we can empower more students and teachers with localized, high-impact learning solutions.'
Founded in 2004, Little Thinking Minds is a pioneering edtech startup dedicated to closing the literacy gap for Arabic-speaking students worldwide, with a strong focus on the MENA region. Through its platforms I Read Arabic, I Start Arabic, and the Mizan Assessment Platform the company has empowered over 400,000 students across 10+ countries with evidence-based digital literacy solutions. Backed by independent research, LTM's programs have demonstrated a 25% improvement in literacy levels and are trusted by public and private schools, refugee education programs, and government initiatives to deliver measurable outcomes.
Little Thinking Minds has established itself as one of the strongest edtech startups in the region, successfully attracting investors and securing significant funding. In 2018, the company raised a Series A investment led by Algebra Ventures, with participation from Mindshift Capital, Al Turki Ventures and the ISSF Fund. This funding along with support from early investors including the Women's Angel Investor Network (WAIN) and Oasis500 allowed Little Thinking Minds to scale its platform, expand its reach, and further develop its Arabic literacy solutions, solidifying its role as a leader in the MENA edtech ecosystem.
'We're incredibly proud to be joining the Seesaw family,' said Rama Kayyali, co-founder and CEO of Little Thinking Minds. 'As the leading Arabic language K-12 edtech in the region—with curriculum alignment across most Arab countries, a strong footprint in both public and private schools, and pioneering research and development in AI for Arabic literacy this milestone represents a powerful next step in our mission. Together with Seesaw, we're poised to scale our impact even further, delivering cutting-edge, culturally relevant learning experiences that empower children across the MENA region and beyond.'
This acquisition – originated with EDT&Partners – is a significant development in the MENA edtech ecosystem, reinforcing Seesaw's commitment to multilingual education and expanding its reach into Arabic-speaking markets. Seesaw and Little Thinking Minds currently serve over 800,000 users at over 3,000 schools, ministries, and school groups in the MENA region and will now look to rapidly expand their global reach with their combined solution set.
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All in all, some of the key takeaways that attendees shared from the event were: Curiosity remains key; those who take a hands-on approach to the latest tools are those who will win. However, the adage 'garbage-in-garbage-out' remains true, given that generative AI tools are only as smart as the information they learn from, and the prompts they respond to. Meanwhile, even as personalisation, shopping agents, precision targeting and tasteful messaging are shaping marketing strategies, the core objective of the 'game' still remains to serve people. The magic of marketing strategies is to take a human-first approach and be a brand that matters to people. After the keynotes and panels at the Campaign Breakfast Briefing: Marketing Strategies 2025 event, attendees stayed back for a time of networking. 1/4 Campaign Breakfast Briefing: Marketing Strategies 2025 Attendees networking at the Campaign Breakfast Briefing: Marketing Strategies 2025 event. For those of you who were unable to attend this stellar gathering of like-minded leaders shaping the top trends and addressing the top challenges in the industry, keep an eye out for the YouTube video of the entire event. Mark you calendars. Campaign Middle East's next event, Campaign Breakfast Briefing: The Future is Now, which will be held on 12 September 2025.
