UAE-Investmentfirma startet 100-Millionen-Dollar-Fonds für KI-Startups

Abu Dhabi geht in die Offensive: Ein milliardenschwerer Wagniskapitalgeber pumpt frisches Kapital in die nächste Generation disruptiver Künstlicher Intelligenz.

Neue Technologien, alte Spielregeln

Mit 100 Millionen US-Dollar feuert der Emirat-Investor gezielt auf Early-Stage-Unternehmen, die Machine-Learning-Anwendungen für Finanzmärkte entwickeln. Die Bedingungen? Klassisches VC-Theater – 20% Carry, Board-Sitze und Exit-Druck ab Tag eins.

KI-Fieber erfasst den Golf

Die Fondsstrategie konzentriert sich auf Infrastrukturprojekte, die Blockchain- und KI-Technologien verschmelzen. Ein kühner Schachzug in einer Region, die traditionell eher Öl-Pipelines als Datenpipelines gewohnt ist.

Während sich europäische Regulierer noch mit KI-Richtlinien quälen, setzt der Mittlere Osten einfach mal 100 Millionen aufs Tableau – weil Schecks schneller clearingen als Gesetze verabschiedet werden.

The Fund will invest in smart cities, energy, fintech, AI/ML 

The fund will invest in high-impact startups that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. The startups will have access to a distribution network through the UAE’s G42 and Presight’s international customer network.

The key areas of interest to the fund will include smart cities, energy, fintech, AI/ML, AR/VR, game dev, Industry 4.0, and DEEP tech.

Thomas Pramotedham, Chief Executive Officer of Presight, said, “We’re combining Presight’s AI leadership with Shorooq’s investment acumen to fuel the next wave of AI innovation. The fund will enable us to identify and support bold entrepreneurs – from Silicon Valley to Southeast Asia – who are building AI solutions that can transform businesses and societies.”

He noted that this was more than just a fund because the startups will have access to infrastructure resources and international markets. He explains, “This combination of funding, infrastructure, and distribution channels is designed to give AI companies the edge they need to scale quickly and responsibly, and that is the unique value proposition.”

Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner of Shorooq, added that this was a defining moment for AI investment as it brings together Middle East capital and expertise to global startups. He said, “We are not just launching a fund; we are reinforcing to the world that the Middle East is a driving force in the AI revolution. Our message is that we’re bringing not only capital but also commitment, strategic guidance, and a long-term partnership mentality.”

UAE campaigns to be startup capital of the world

This comes one day after the UAE announced a government-backed campaign to become the startup capital of the world. The campaign seeks to attract 10,000 UAE national entrepreneurs and create 30,000 jobs within the next five years.

The campaign is overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, with the participation of the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship and over 50 government and private entities, business incubators and accelerators, and academic institutions.

The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them.