IWS Online School secures US$1.5 million investment from DOE Investment and OMB Consultancy
IWS Online School has secured US$1.5 million in investment from DOE Investment Ltd and OMB Consultancy DMCC, who have joined the school as shareholders.
IWS Online School, a Cambridge accredited British online school teaching students aged 7 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
“This investment marks an important milestone in the development of IWS Online School and reflects the progress our team has made in building a trusted international online education provider.
It gives us the resources and support to strengthen our academic provision, advance our technology, expand our international reach, and continue improving the experience we provide to students and families.
We are grateful for the confidence shown in our team, our educational model, and our long-term vision. As we enter this next stage, our focus remains firmly on delivering accessible, flexible, and high-quality education that enables students around the world to achieve their full potential.”
Cigdem Alexandra Karaman, Founder and CEO, 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 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 schools, partners and families
For schools, it means the ability to establish or expand an international education department from day one, supported by a reliable academic framework, experienced leadership, curriculum delivery and an integrated digital learning environment.
For education partners, it means working with a stronger international school partner, backed by committed shareholders and a long-term strategic vision.
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.
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.
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 7 to 19. It is accredited by Cambridge International, COBIS, OCN London and UKRLP.
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, or read about working with us on the For Schools page.
