Egypt's Widebot Raises $3M for Arabic Language AI Model AQL Mind
Egyptian AI startup Widebot has secured US$3 million in pre-Series A funding. The investment will support the development of AQL Mind, a large language model designed to understand various Arabic dialects and accents. The funding round was led by Enza Capital and Keheilan Asset Management II, with participation from Wafra, DisrupTech Ventures, Den VC, and SparkLabs Ventures.
Founded in 2019, Widebot specialises in AI-based chatbot solutions for customer service, lead generation, and automation in the Middle East and North Africa. The company, originally based in Cairo, Egypt, gained recognition for its Arabic language-focused chatbot technologies. AQL Mind, Widebot's upcoming Arabic large language model, is intended for use by Saudi government entities and businesses. Dr Ahmed Abdelhamid, CEO of Keheilan Asset Management, emphasised the importance of deep technology support for regional economic development.
Widebot's successful funding round demonstrates the growing interest in AI and language technology in the Middle East. With AQL Mind, the company aims to bridge the gap in understanding and communicating with diverse Arabic-speaking populations, potentially revolutionising customer service and communication in the region.
