Pakistani education fintech startup EduFi has secured first place at an international competition held during the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Saudi Arabia, winning a $250,000 cash prize after surpassing over 2,000 competitors.
The prestigious LEAP 2025 tech conference took place from February 9-12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, bringing together global tech leaders, investors, and startups. One of the event’s highlights was the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, a platform for entrepreneurs to present groundbreaking innovations to an international audience.
EduFi, a startup dedicated to helping students finance their education, impressed the judges with its innovative credit-vetting system that simplifies the borrowing process. The company directly pays tuition fees for approved students, allowing them to repay the loan through monthly installments while continuing their studies.
According to Pakistan Television (PTV), EduFi’s victory marks the first time a Pakistani startup has won first place in the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition.
The startup’s founder and CEO, Aleena Nadeem, received the award in Riyadh. An MIT graduate, Nadeem has an impressive professional background, including roles at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and Ventura Capital in London. She has been passionate about education reform since high school and was recognized for her work by being included in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2024.
EduFi’s achievement highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in the global fintech and edtech sectors, showcasing the country’s potential for innovation in financial solutions for students.
