US-based Localized, a talent technology platform that connects university students and alumni with employers and industry experts in emerging markets, has closed a $1.2 million funding round from a range of angel and institutional investors including Bisk Ventures, Next Wave Impact and other Middle East-based individual investors. 

Launched last year, Localized targets science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business-focused universities. The company is live in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) in more than 65 career centres, universities and student organisations in Arabic and English with plans to expand to India this year. It already has offices in Cairo, Ramallah and Amman. 

“With a proven ability to develop innovative solutions, Localized will play a key role in shaping connectivity, mentorship and knowledge-sharing across the region. We are very excited to take part in Localized’s journey and hope that we will be able to contribute to its growth and success,” said Tamer Al-Salah, managing director at Amman-based Beyond Capital.

Localized aims to provide educated talent for global companies through its platform where employers can recruit from schools without having to attend in-person career fairs while students can gain industry insights from professionals who share the same language and roots.

“Finding and recruiting the best new talent in rapidly developing economies hasn’t been easy. Localized launched so students can access growing professional opportunities regardless of where they live,” said Mohannad El-Khairy, board member of Localized.