In a major move to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Seesaw, a global leader in PreK-12 digital learning experiences, has acquired the regionally acclaimed edtech startup Little Thinking Minds (LTM). Known for its award-winning interactive platforms and real-time assessment tools, Seesaw’s latest acquisition reinforces its commitment to delivering culturally relevant, multilingual education solutions. The deal underscores Seesaw’s growing focus on localized learning experiences, particularly for Arabic-speaking students and educators across the region.
Empowering Arabic Literacy Through Innovation
Founded in 2004, Little Thinking Minds has emerged as one of the most impactful edtech startups in the MENA region, developing evidence-based Arabic literacy solutions tailored for K-12 learners. Through platforms like I Read Arabic, I Start Arabic, and the Mizan Assessment Platform, the company has improved literacy outcomes for over 400,000 students across more than 10 countries. These tools are widely used in both public and private schools, as well as in refugee education programs, with research-backed data showing a 25% improvement in literacy levels.
Complementing Strengths for a Broader Impact
The strategic alignment between Seesaw and Little Thinking Minds allows for the integration of high-quality Arabic curricula into Seesaw’s globally recognized interactive learning ecosystem. Seesaw’s technology—used by over 25 million educators, students, and families worldwide—will now be paired with LTM’s culturally grounded content, enhancing access to bilingual learning tools. This collaboration aims to provide students in the MENA region with more personalized and inclusive educational experiences while meeting the needs of schools and ministries.
Building Toward a 2026 Arabic Platform Launch
A major outcome of this acquisition will be the launch of Seesaw’s first Arabic-language learning platform, slated for 2026. The new platform will combine LTM’s regionally aligned curricula with Seesaw’s intuitive dashboards and student portfolios, offering educators robust tools for tracking student progress and informing instruction. This expansion marks a significant evolution in Seesaw’s mission to provide equitable learning opportunities across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Investor Support and Regional Edtech Leadership
Little Thinking Minds’ growth has been fueled by strong investor backing, including a Series A round in 2018 led by Algebra Ventures and supported by Mindshift Capital, Al Turki Ventures, and the ISSF Fund. Early-stage funding from the Women’s Angel Investor Network (WAIN) and Oasis500 also played a key role in scaling its platform and accelerating product development. These investments helped LTM establish itself as a trusted partner to schools and governments, solidifying its position as a regional leader in edtech.
Shared Vision for the Future of Education
Matthew Given, CEO of Seesaw, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that the partnership aligns with Seesaw’s mission to create engaging, effective, and globally accessible learning tools. By integrating LTM’s research-driven solutions, Seesaw aims to empower educators and learners alike with a comprehensive toolkit that bridges language and literacy gaps. This move reflects a broader trend in education technology, where companies are increasingly focusing on localized, culturally responsive solutions to enhance learning outcomes.
Scaling Impact Across MENA and Beyond
With a combined presence in over 3,000 schools and institutions across the MENA region, Seesaw and LTM currently serve more than 800,000 users. Their collaboration is expected to accelerate the reach of Arabic-language learning tools to new markets, while also enriching Seesaw’s offerings for American and British curriculum schools. Ministries of education and school leaders stand to gain from integrated data systems that offer clearer insights into student learning journeys and outcomes.
The acquisition, originated with support from EDT&Partners, signals a significant milestone in the evolution of Arabic edtech and global literacy advancement. By uniting their complementary strengths, Seesaw and Little Thinking Minds are well-positioned to drive transformative change in the education sector, especially for Arabic-speaking learners. As the partnership moves forward, it promises to redefine how technology can support joyful, inclusive, and effective learning experiences across borders.