- Saudi-based AI startup, WideBot.ai raised USD 3M in a pre-Series A round.
- With the funding, the startup aims to accelerate the development of AQL Mind, an Arabic large language model.
- Initially founded in Cairo, WideBot.AI offers Arabic-language AI solutions to governments and businesses, serving over 350 clients across 12 countries.
Riyadh-based AI startup WideBot.ai raised USD 3 million in a pre-series A investment round. The round was led by Wafra-backed Keheilan Asset Management II, Enza Capital, and DisrupTech Ventures, LoftyInc Capital, Den VC, and SparkLabs Ventures.
Salah Khashoggi, Chairman of Al Wafra Al Thania Firm, affirmed that this investment aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting tech firms in Saudi Arabia, especially those in AI and fintech. He added that the Keheilan Deep Tech Fund plays a vital role in financing innovative startups that contribute to Vision 2030.
Investing in AI
Dr. Ahmed Abdelhamid, CEO of Keheilan Asset Management, commented: “We firmly believe that the future of economic development in the region hinges on supporting deep technology companies. The synergy between technical and financial efforts will reinforce national sovereignty over our technological infrastructure.”
With the funding, the startup primarily aims to accelerate the development of AQL Mind, an Arabic large language model (LLM) hosted on Saudi cloud servers.
AQL Mind
Widebot focuses on developing generative AI solutions with an emphasis on creating advanced language models that meet the needs of Arabic markets. “Aql” is a generative AI model hosted on local cloud services within Saudi Arabia. It contributes to enhancing digital self sufficiency and expanding AI usage in the Kingdom and the region.
Additionally, the startup announced that AQL will understand various Arabic dialects and accents under the name “AQL LLM.” The language model aims to support the work of governments and enterprises in the Kingdom through an increased performance speed and necessary date protection. In addition, WideBot says that AQL will be tailored to understand the Saudi identity and culture as well as complying with local AI regulations and systems.
“AQL Mind will enable the company to deliver accurate, secure and personalized AI experiences to Saudi government entities and businesses.”
Mohammed Nabil, WideBot CEO and co-founder
WideBot AI
Founded initially in Cairo, WideBot.ai offers Arabic-language AI solutions to government and business in the region. It serves more than 350 clients in 12 countries, including the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as well as the Egyptian Tax Portal.
Mohamed Nabil, CEO and Co-Founder of WideBot AI, affirmed that this funding would enable WideBot AI to accelerate the development of advanced AI solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
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