Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: Deep-tech startup 1001 AI, dual-headquartered in London and Dubai, has raised $9 million in seed funding led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with participation from notable investors including Chris Ré, Amjad Masad (Replit), Amira Sajwani (DAMAC), and Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud (RAED Ventures).
As per a recent press release, the funding will accelerate early deployments and team growth in both hubs, bridging London’s AI expertise with Dubai’s access to MENA markets.
The company plans its first customer launch by late 2025, starting with the construction sector.
Founded by Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, 1001 AI is developing an AI-native operating system that automates complex decision-making across sectors such as aviation, logistics, and construction, targeting inefficiencies worth over $10 billion annually in Gulf industries.
Investors say the platform could reshape how regional industries operate. Lux Capital’s Deena Shakir described it as AI solving “physical-world problems at scale,” while General Catalyst’s Neeraj Arora called it a “decision engine” built on deep regional insight.
