UAE

GMNSM Raises $2 Mn to Expand Martial Arts Academies Across GCC and Europe

Aug 27, 2026 | By Nguyen Minh

GMNSM Raises $2 Mn to Expand Martial Arts Academies Across GCC and Europe

Dubai-based martial arts and holistic education company GMNSM has raised US$2 million in funding. The investment came from VEYRA Capital, along with a private investor.

SUMMARY

  • GMNSM raised $2 million from VEYRA Capital and a private investor.
  • GMNSM also plans to launch its first European location in Monaco.
  • Founded in 2022, GMNSM now operates 11 academies across the UAE, Qatar and Cyprus.

VEYRA Capital has invested in companies such as Dwelly, ZINIT and DVC. GMNSM plans to use the new funding to open its first jiu-jitsu academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The company will also launch its first European location in Monaco. GMNSM aims to take its Dubai-developed approach to holistic child development to more international markets.

"We are seeing a massive cultural and educational shift towards more balanced childhoods where physical activity, confidence and real-world social interaction complement digital learning. At GMNSM, our goal has always been to create an environment where children develop discipline, resilience and the life skills they need to thrive, alongside athletic ability. That's why we're bringing this model to more families across the GCC and Europe," said Andrej Kuprejev, Founder and CEO of GMNSM.

“What convinced us about GMNSM was the combination of a strong founder, clear customer value and a model that can travel across markets without losing the quality of the underlying experience. At VEYRA Capital, we also pay close attention to how businesses are built – the quality of execution, the discipline behind growth and the ability to create lasting value. Andrej and his team have demonstrated that, and we believe this round can help them turn a proven concept into a much larger international platform," said Konstantin Katsev, Venture Partner at VEYRA Capital. The investment reflects growing investor interest in businesses that combine education, technology and recurring membership models, particularly as Gulf families increase spending on children's development and extracurricular activities.

GMNSM was founded in 2022 by professional athlete-turned-entrepreneur Andrej Kuprejev. The company has grown to 11 academies across the UAE, Qatar and Cyprus, serving more than 700 children and adults.

Its programmes include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, gymnastics and holistic development activities.

To support its international growth, GMNSM plans to expand its team from 40 to 60 employees by the end of the year. The new hires will help the company manage its growing network and expansion into new markets.

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