1001 AI, a newly launched startup founded by Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, has raised $9 million in seed funding to develop an AI-native operating system designed to optimize decision-making in high-stakes sectors such as aviation, logistics, and oil and gas. The round was led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with participation from prominent investors including Chris Ré, Amjad Masad (Replit), Amira Sajwani (DAMAC), Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud (RAED Ventures), and Hisham Alfalih (Lean Technologies).
Based between London and Dubai, Abu-Ghazaleh brings experience from Scale AI and other Silicon Valley ventures to his new company, which aims to address billions of dollars in inefficiencies across the Gulf’s infrastructure sectors. 1001 AI’s platform integrates real-time operational data to automate workflows in areas like airport logistics and construction management, reducing delays and costs.
The company plans to launch its first product by year’s end, with early deployments targeted at major construction and aviation partners in the Gulf. Backed by investors betting on AI for physical-world optimization, 1001 AI is positioning itself as the decision-making engine for critical infrastructure across the Middle East and beyond.
Featured image: Credit: 1001 AI
