Startup Wrap: MENA startup deals gather pace as investors back AI, consumer brands and climate tech
RIYADH: Startup and investment activity across the Middle East and Africa gained momentum over the last seven days, with new funding rounds, expansion plans and strategic transactions spanning artificial intelligence, consumer goods, climate technology, agri-fintech and digital media.
Gulf Cooperation Council- and London-based artificial intelligence startup 1001 has raised $30 million in a series A funding round led by Lux Capital.
The round also included Sanabil Investments, Hanabi, and 9Yards, as well as General Catalyst, CIV and Chris Re, and several regional and international angel investors.
Founded in 2025 by Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, 1001 develops sovereign AI operating systems for operators in critical infrastructure sectors. Its technology is designed to help customers predict operational issues, automate decisions and optimize performance while retaining local ownership and governance of their AI systems.
