Saudi education technology and research enablement startup AREP (Academic Research and Educational Platform) has raised an undisclosed pre-seed funding round led by Golden Assets Investment, marking the company’s first disclosed funding round.
Founded in 2023 by Hussain Alhamami, Ibrahim Asiri, Rayan Ahmed, and Alhanouf Alhmammi, AREP develops technology and training solutions designed to address skills and procurement gaps across educational and research laboratories.
The startup operates through two main products: AREP Academy and AREP Marketplace.
AREP Academy combines digital learning with practical laboratory experience, offering video courses, laboratory simulations, knowledge resources, and hands-on workshops conducted at university and research laboratories. The platform also includes simulated laboratory tests and AI-supported performance tools.
AREP Marketplace focuses on the laboratory and research supply chain, enabling educational and research institutions to source scientific equipment and supplies through a digital platform. The solution aims to simplify procurement and logistics related to laboratory requirements.
AREP has developed its model with support from several Saudi entrepreneurship and technology programmes, including MVPLAB and BOOST at The Garage, as well as the National Technology Development Program (NTDP).
The company plans to use the fresh capital to further develop its technology products and expand its operations across Saudi Arabia, while laying the groundwork for future regional expansion.
Through its platforms, AREP aims to strengthen laboratory talent and improve access to scientific resources and supplies for educational and research institutions, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s growing research, development, and innovation ecosystem.
