IWS Online School secures US$1.5 million investment from DOE Investment and OMB Consultancy

IWS Online School, a British online school and registered online Cambridge International School teaching students aged 5 to 19, has secured US$1.5 million in investment from DOE Investment Ltd and OMB Consultancy DMCC. Both companies have joined the school as shareholders. The investment was announced in August 2026.

The funding will be used to expand the school’s academic programmes, advance its technology and digital learning environment, strengthen student support, grow its presence in international markets, and recruit additional academic and operational staff.

What the investment supports

The investment funds five priorities at IWS Online School, together rather than in sequence.

Academic programmes
Expanding and enhancing the academic offering across every stage of the school, from Primary through to the University Foundation Programme.
Technology
Advancing the school’s technology and digital learning environment.
Student support
Strengthening student support and operational capacity.
International reach
Growing the school’s presence across international markets.
People
Recruiting additional academic and operational talent.

A message from the founder

Cigdem Karaman, CEO and Founder of IWS Online School — Cigdem Alexandra KaramanCEO & Founder, IWS Online School

Who the new shareholders are

DOE Investment Ltd is a United Kingdom registered investment company. It is represented at IWS Online School by its managing director, Bilal Akay, a corporate finance and business development professional with more than ten years of experience across corporate lending, sales, marketing, and advisory services. His background includes the financial services sector in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. He supports businesses across growth strategy, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, market development, and commercial expansion.

OMB Consultancy DMCC (opens in a new tab) is a Dubai based advisory firm. It is represented by its director, Ömür Şahinoğlu, an entrepreneur and business leader with experience across investment, financial technology, corporate governance, investor relations, and international business development. His work has involved building and supporting ventures across multiple markets, with a particular interest in innovation, asset-backed finance, and technology-enabled investment models.

What this means for parents and students

Parents: For parents, it means access to a dependable and accountable school that looks beyond academic delivery alone. One committed to the whole child: their confidence, personal development, wellbeing and future direction.
Students: For students, it means more than lessons. Greater subject choice, wider opportunities, international connections and a learning experience designed to help them grow academically, personally and globally.

A student in an IWS hoodie smiling to the camera, sitting at home

Looking ahead

The leadership team will continue to manage IWS Online School in line with its established mission, values, and commitment to students and families. With the support of its shareholders, the school will focus on strengthening its academic offering, investing in its digital capabilities, expanding its international presence, and building the operational capacity required for long-term, sustainable growth.

IWS Online School remains committed to delivering accessible, flexible, and high-quality online education to students across different countries, cultures, and time zones.

Common questions

How much has IWS Online School raised?

IWS Online School has secured US$1.5 million in investment and strategic support. The investment was announced in August 2026.

Who are IWS Online School’s shareholders?

DOE Investment Ltd and OMB Consultancy DMCC joined IWS Online School as shareholders in August 2026. DOE Investment Ltd is a United Kingdom registered investment company, led by its managing director, Bilal Akay. OMB Consultancy DMCC is a Dubai based advisory firm, represented by its director, Ömür Şahinoğlu.

What will the investment be used for?

The investment supports five priorities at IWS Online School: expanding and enhancing academic programmes, advancing technology and the digital learning environment, strengthening student support and operational capacity, growing the school’s presence across international markets, and recruiting additional academic and operational talent.

Does the investment change how the school is run?

The leadership team continues to manage IWS Online School in line with its established mission and values. IWS Online School is a British online school founded in 2021, teaching students aged 5 to 19. It is a registered online Cambridge International School, associated with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP), and its University Foundation Programme is awarded through OCN London.

Is IWS Online School financially backed?

Yes. Since August 2026, IWS Online School has had two shareholders in addition to its founding leadership: DOE Investment Ltd and OMB Consultancy DMCC. The school secured US$1.5 million in investment and strategic support at that time.

Full details of the investment, the shareholders and the school’s priorities are published on the investment page. To learn more about the school, visit About IWS Online School.

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