Ori is a UK-based startup that enables large-scale AI model training, inference, and deployment for large corporates, enterprises, and fast-growth AI scaleups through its cloud platform. Founded in 2019, Ori has rapidly scaled to a presence in over 20 locations, predominantly across North America and Europe.
Now the fast-growth startup is eyeing a rapid growth into the Middle East as the region’s demand for AI infrastructure balloons. With Wa’ed Ventures’ strategic backing, Ori will accelerate its localization in Saudi Arabia, where it will power AI innovation across the region.
Ori’s localization in Saudi Arabia will kick off with the launch of a regional subsidiary based in Riyadh. The new subsidiary will focus on fostering talent as a direct contribution to supporting the country’s Vision 2030 initiative to advance technology and innovation.
Wa’ed Ventures is the VC arm of Saudi Aramco, the petroleum and natural gas giant – the world’s fourth largest company by revenue as of 2024. The $500 million fund invests in industry-leading tech startups across various technology verticals.
The Saudi Arabian fund moved its sights internationally in 2022, looking for founders who can localize leading technology platforms and services into the Saudi Arabian market as the nation seeks to strengthen its capabilities in key technology verticals such as artificial intelligence.
The fund has recently backed startups including the AI chipmaker Rebellions, and real estate fintech company Stake.
Founder and CEO of Ori, Mahdi Yahya, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Saudi Aramco’s VC fund Wa’ed Ventures as a strategic investor in Ori. This partnership not only provides us with the resources to scale faster into the Middle East, but also aligns with our vision to provide end-to-end AI infrastructure for innovators and businesses around the world.”
CIO of Wa’ed Ventures, Muhammed Zeeshan Hassan, said: “At Wa’ed Ventures, we seek to empower pioneering startups that bring transformative technologies to the local and regional market. Our investment in Ori reflects our commitment to advancing AI and high-performance computing infrastructure. As demand for GPU cloud solutions accelerates, Ori’s technology enables businesses to scale AI workloads efficiently. This partnership will also provide our AI portfolio companies with cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, ensuring they have the computing power needed to build and scale transformative AI solutions. We are excited to support Ori’s vision in shaping the future of AI-driven computing”.
