• Saudi education technology and research enablement startup AREP (Academic Research and Educational Platform) has closed an undisclosed pre-Seed funding round led by Golden Assets Investment, its first disclosed funding round.
• Founded in 2023 by Hussain Alhamami, Ibrahim Asiri, Rayan Ahmed and Alhanouf Alhmammi, AREP addresses skills and procurement gaps in research and educational laboratories through two main products: AREP Academy and AREP Marketplace.
• AREP will use the funding to develop its technology products and expand its operations in Saudi Arabia, while laying the groundwork for potential regional expansion.

Press release:

Saudi education technology and research enablement startup AREP (Academic Research and Educational Platform) has closed an undisclosed pre-Seed funding round led by Golden Assets Investment, as it looks to develop its technology and expand across the Saudi market.

Founded in 2023 by Hussain Alhamami, Ibrahim Asiri, Rayan Ahmed and Alhanouf Alhmammi, AREP is building technology and training products aimed at addressing skills and procurement gaps across educational and research laboratories.

The company operates through two main offerings, AREP Academy and AREP Marketplace.

AREP Academy provides training in laboratory sciences and research through a combination of digital learning and practical experience. Its platform includes video courses, laboratory simulations and knowledge resources, alongside hands-on workshops conducted at university and research laboratories. AREP's platform also offers simulated laboratory tests and AI-supported performance tools.

AREP Marketplace, meanwhile, is focused on the laboratory and research supply chain, providing a digital platform through which educational and research institutions can source scientific equipment and supplies. The product is designed to address procurement and logistical challenges associated with laboratory requirements.

The startup has developed its model with support from several Saudi technology and entrepreneurship programmes, including MVPLAB and BOOST at The Garage, alongside support from the National Technology Development Program (NTDP).

AREP will use the new capital to further develop its technology products and expand its operations across Saudi Arabia, while preparing for potential regional expansion at a later stage.

The company said its broader strategy is to develop laboratory talent and improve access to the resources and supplies required by educational and research institutions, supporting Saudi Arabia's research, development and innovation ecosystem.