In a major boost to the region’s deep-tech and AI ecosystem, 1001 AI, a startup specializing in automating complex industrial operations, has raised $9 million in seed funding to accelerate the rollout of its technology across critical sectors. The investment marks a key step toward building the Gulf’s first AI-native orchestration platform for industries such as aviation, logistics, and infrastructure, positioning the region as an emerging center for industrial AI innovation.

The seed round was led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with participation from notable investors including Chris Ré, Amjad Masad (Replit), Amira Sajwani (DAMAC), Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud (RAED Ventures), and Hisham Al-Falih (Lean Technologies). The new funding will enable 1001 AI to scale its operations, strengthen its teams in London and Dubai, and accelerate deployments for customers across major industrial sectors.

According to the company, its technology targets inefficiencies that cost Gulf industries over $10 billion annually. By using AI to automate decision-making and streamline operations, 1001 AI aims to boost productivity, cut costs, and improve reliability across mission-critical systems.

The startup plans to deploy its first customer in the construction sector by the end of 2025, and regional and global expansion will follow.

Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst, said, “1001 AI is building the decision engine that automates complexity in large-scale operations, combining world-class AI execution with deep regional understanding.”

Headquartered in London and Dubai, 1001 AI is developing an AI-native operating system designed to transform how large-scale industries manage and optimize their operations. By integrating advanced machine learning, real-time orchestration, and domain-specific expertise, the company aims to redefine operational intelligence for the next generation of global infrastructure and industrial enterprises.