Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, Scale AI alum, launches startup 1001 to modernize industries in the Middle East and North Africa with artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company secured a $9 million seed round led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with notable investors like Stanford AI Lab Professor Chris Ré and Replit founder Amjad Masad.

1001’s mission targets inefficiencies in sectors like aviation, logistics, construction, and oil and gas. Abu-Ghazaleh cited over $10 billion in annual losses due to delays and outdated systems in the Gulf region. The company aims to create an “AI-native operating system” to enhance operational decision-making, save time, and improve outcomes.

The company’s focus is on automating operational decisions in high-impact sectors. Abu-Ghazaleh’s experience at Scale AI deepened his understanding of data-driven automation. Initial deployments are being tested in aviation, logistics, and construction, with plans to expand globally.

1001’s regional focus aligns with government efforts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to advance AI ecosystems. The company is hiring engineers and operations professionals in Dubai and London to accelerate development. The long-term goal is to become the default decision-making platform for critical industries in the Gulf before scaling globally.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Scale AI Veteran Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh Launches 1001 With $9 Million To Rebuild The Physical World Through Artificial Intelligence