GMNSM Raises $2M to Expand Across GCC and Europe

Dubai-based GMNSM has successfully raised $2M to launch new sites and scale its GMNSM martial arts and child development network.

The funding came from investment firm VEYRA Capital, whose portfolio includes Dwelly, ZINIT and DVC, as well as a private investor. GMNSM will use the capital to launch its first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Riyadh and open its first European location in Monaco.

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Growing the GMNSM Martial Arts Network

Founded in 2022 by professional athlete-turned-entrepreneur Andrej Kuprejev, GMNSM has developed a network of 11 academies across the UAE, Qatar and Cyprus. The company currently serves more than 700 children and adults through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, gymnastics and holistic development programs.

Rather than operating as a conventional martial arts academy, GMNSM combines physical training with supplementary education and personal development. Its signature program pairs one hour of physical training with 30 minutes focused on skills such as goal setting, emotional resilience, reflection and problem-solving.

The company accepts children from age two and also offers martial arts programs for adults. Its family-oriented model encourages parents to participate after enrolling their children, turning physical activity into a shared family experience.

Expansion Plans for GCC and Europe

“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,” said Andrej Kuprejev, Founder and CEO of GMNSM. He added that the company aims to help children develop discipline, resilience and life skills as it expands across the GCC and Europe.

Saudi Arabia is the company's next major expansion market, with its first Riyadh academy expected to serve as a base for further growth. GMNSM plans to follow the Riyadh launch with additional international locations. Monaco will become its first European market, followed by planned expansion into the UK, Switzerland and Spain.

The company also plans to increase its workforce from 40 to 60 employees by the end of 2026 to support the expansion. Saudi Arabia's growing focus on physical activity provides an additional market opportunity. According to figures cited by GMNSM, 59.1% of Saudi adults met the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity in 2025.

Standardizing Coaching with AI

GMNSM is also using technology to maintain consistency as it expands across markets. The company has developed Allim AI, an internal lesson-audit platform designed to analyze coaching performance, student engagement and retention. The system provides coaches with feedback intended to help standardize teaching quality across its academies.

The technology is particularly important to the company's expansion strategy. It allows them to replicate their operating model across different countries without compromising the student experience.

“What convinced us about GMNSM was the combination of a strong founder, clear customer value and a model that can travel across markets,” said Konstantin Katsev, Venture Partner at VEYRA Capital. He added that the firm was also attracted by the company's execution, growth discipline and potential to build lasting value.

With the new funding, GMNSM will focus on establishing its presence in Saudi Arabia and Europe while continuing to develop the technology and operating infrastructure supporting its academy network.

Why it matters

GMNSM's funding highlights an emerging opportunity in the GCC's children's education, sports and extracurricular market. Families are increasingly looking for programs that combine physical activity with personal development.

Its use of AI to standardize coaching could also give the Dubai-based company a way to scale internationally while maintaining consistency across its growing network.