Test preparation for young students is high stakes eventually leading to how they get into university, get the right job, and (supposedly) be set up for life.

In emerging markets, traditional solutions often focus on private centers and private tutors.  While many families will invest significantly in exam preparation for their child’s future, the space is often fractured, informal, expensive & quality can be lacking depending on where you live.

In this episode, we explore two edtech startups looking to democratize access to high-quality education through technology, with a focus on test prep.  Abwaab, which is headquartered in Jordan but building for the broader Middle East North Africa or MENA region, and Shikho, building in Bangladesh. We also feature investor insights from Rahat Ahmed of Anchorless Bangladesh and Nafez Dakkak of Anara Impact Capital.