Egypt's Widebot Raises $3M to Build Arabic Large Language Model
TLDR
- Widebot has raised $3 million in pre-Series A funding to develop "AQL Mind"
- The model will focus on understanding Arabic dialects and accents, catering to government and businesses
- The funding round was led by Keheilan Asset Management II, backed by Saudi investment firm Wafra
Widebot, an Egyptian AI startup now based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has raised $3 million in pre-Series A funding to develop "AQL Mind," a large language model (LLM) designed for Arabic. The model will focus on understanding Arabic dialects and accents, catering to government and business applications.
The funding round was led by Keheilan Asset Management II, backed by Saudi investment firm Wafra, with participation from Enza Capital, DisrupTech Ventures, LoftyInc Capital, Den VC, and SparkLabs Ventures.
Widebot CEO and co-founder Mohammed Nabil said the model will help Saudi government agencies and businesses access more accurate, secure, and personalized AI experiences. Keheilan CEO Dr. Ahmed Abdelhamid emphasized the importance of investing in deep technology to strengthen national technological sovereignty and economic development in the region.
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Key Takeaways
Widebot’s funding highlights the growing demand for Arabic AI solutions, as businesses and governments seek localized technology for communication and automation. The development of Arabic-focused LLMs aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push for AI leadership, as seen in NEOM and Vision 2030 initiatives. With regional investors backing AI infrastructure, Widebot’s AQL Mind could compete with global AI models, offering tailored solutions for Arabic-speaking markets. The success of this project could drive further investments in Arabic AI, bridging the gap in language accessibility for enterprises and public institutions across the Middle East and North Africa.
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