News Summary

Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, a former executive at Scale AI, has successfully raised $9 million in a seed funding round for his new venture, 1001 AI. The startup, which focuses on creating AI infrastructure for critical industries, aims to cut inefficiencies in sectors like aviation, logistics, and oil and gas across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The funding round was led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with participation from global and regional investors. 1001 AI plans to launch its decision-making AI product by the end of the year, targeting construction, airports, ports, and other high-stakes sectors. The company is poised to become a significant player in the Gulf’s AI transformation, leveraging Abu-Ghazaleh’s experience at Scale AI and the region’s aggressive adoption of AI technology.