THE GROWTH ARCHITECT BEHIND THE REGION'S MOST AMBITIOUS INNOVATORS.

Ex-Google. Ex-Scaleup CMO → €13M ARR. Founder of nova*.

I bridge the gap between "promising startup" and "scalable market leader" by building the revenue systems that founders miss.

Ahlem Mahroua - Fractional CMO and Marketing Strategist for Education and Edtech -  Growthmarketing-me.png

We have brilliant founders in the UAE. We have incredible government support. But too many innovative ventures die in the 'Valley of Death' because they lack a commercial engine.

I’ve spent my career fixing this. First at Google, learning how the world’s fastest companies acquire users. Then as a Scaleup CMO, taking an education group from €105K to €13M ARR.

Today, I serve the ecosystem in two ways:

1. As a Founder: Leading nova*, a growth systems studio that builds commercial infrastructure for Seed to Series A companies.

2. As a Mentor: Partnering with accelerators like Sheraa and Hub71 to equip the next generation of founders with GTM literacy.

From Chaos to Clarity

How I Impact the Ecosystem

#1

The studio nova*

For Founders & CEOs who need systems, not just advice.

I founded nova* to replace the "random acts of marketing" that kill startups. My team and I audit, architect, and install the Growth Operating Systems needed to scale revenue.

✦ Ideal for: Seed to Series A Tech & Education Ventures.

✦ Services: Commercial Audits, GTM Strategy, Fractional Growth Teams.

#2

Speaking & board advisory

For Accelerators, Gov Entities & Conferences.

I deliver high-impact workshops and keynotes that demystify growth for founders.

No fluff; just actionable frameworks on GTM, Unit Economics, and Commercial Strategy.

✦ Recent partners: Sheraa, Hub71, SEF Festival, Athar+

#3

Startup mentoring

For Early-Stage Founders.

I dedicate a portion of my time to mentoring vetted founders through accelerator programs.

✦ Recent partners: S3 by Sheraa, SWIF by Sheraa, Numo by Madaar, NanaTech by Seedstars, Women4Cyber by Google.org

DEEP SECTOR EXPERTISE: EDUCATION & EDTECH

While nova* serves various high-LTV sectors, my personal track record in Education is unmatched. I have successfully navigated the complex B2B2C dynamics of the education market, helping providers scale from local players to global brands.

SMART GROWTH NOTES

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FAQs

What is a Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, and when do I need one?

A Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy is the step-by-step plan that defines how your education business attracts students, partners, and investors. It includes your ideal customer profile, messaging, acquisition channels, and growth systems.

You need a GTM strategy when:

• You’re launching a new private school, program, or EdTech product

• You’re expanding into a new market (MENA, Europe, etc.)

• You’ve reached your first 100 customers and need scalable growth

👉 My GTM Blueprint Workshop helps you build this in 90 days.

What are the most common mistakes founders make in their pitch decks?

The biggest mistakes I see in education pitch decks are:

• Talking about features instead of impact on learning outcomes

• Failing to quantify traction (students, partnerships, ARR)

• Weak financial models that don’t align with investor expectations

• No clear story tying mission → growth → funding

👉 My Investor Readiness Package fixes this by redesigning your narrative, pitch deck, and fundraising strategy.

What is a Fractional CMO, and how is it different from a consultant or an agency?

A Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a senior marketing & strategy leader you hire part-time. Unlike agencies or general consultants, a Fractional CMO:

• Works inside your leadership team (not just as an outsider)

• Designs your long-term growth systems

• Ensures execution happens with your team, not outsourced to juniors

• Costs far less than a full-time CMO (no $200K/year overhead), while de-risking your hiring strategy. A Fractional CMO works on a 3 to 6 months contract base, renewable.

👉 My Fractional Strategy Partner program gives private schools and EdTech startups strategic leadership at $6K–8K/month.

I have a marketing manager. Why would I need a Strategic Advisor?

A marketing manager executes campaigns. But if your growth is stalling, fundraising is failing, or your board needs clarity, you need someone who:

• Brings proven systems from scaling €105K → €13M ARR

• Translates founder vision into actionable strategy

• Coaches your team to level up

• Gives your investors confidence with structured reporting

👉 That’s the role I play as a fractional growth advisor for education providers.

What kind of results can I expect from working with a growth advisor?

Results vary by stage, but clients typically see:

• Clear ICP definition and a focused acquisition plan

• Student acquisition costs reduced by up to 40%

• Faster fundraising cycles with stronger investor narratives

• Scalable systems instead of chaotic growth

👉 Many of my clients — from private gaming schools to AI EdTech startups — have raised capital, doubled their student base, and expanded internationally with my frameworks.

Who is Ahlem Mahroua?

Ahlem Mahroua is a business & strategy consultant for private education, based in the United Arab Emirates.

She started her career at Google, learning how the world’s fastest-growing products scale. Later, as CMO of an education group, she scaled revenue from €105K → €13M ARR in four years.

Today, she work with schools, universities, and EdTech founders globally. She's also the Lead Entrepreneur in Residence for Sheraa’s S3 EdTech cohort in Sharjah, where she supports innovators building the future of learning.

👉 Her mission is to help education providers scale smarter, attract students, and secure funding.

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WORK WITH ME

Services

> The studio nova*

> Speaking & board advisory for Accelerators, Government entities and Conferences

> Startup mentoring for early-stage founders

Sponsor my content

Contact me

RESOURCES

GTM guide

More coming soon!

GET IN TOUCH

+971585375689

hello@novagrowth.io

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