Riyadh has officially launched its local chapter of the global AI Salon network, a significant move aimed at building a dedicated community to support AI-driven innovation in the Kingdom. The inaugural event took place on February 8, 2024, with sponsorship from Saudi venture capital firm 2Pi Ventures.
The new Riyadh chapter joins a vast global network of over 77 chapters across 40 countries, connecting more than 26,000 members, including startup founders, investors, technical experts, and policymakers.
Inaugural Event Gathers Riyadh’s Tech Leaders
Held at Al Mashtal in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the launch event saw a strong turnout of startup founders, investors, AI specialists, and professionals interested in the region’s burgeoning tech scene. The venue was filled with attendees who engaged in direct discussions about the current state of artificial intelligence in the Middle East, the challenges posed by its rapid growth, and future expansion opportunities.
Discussing the State of AI in MENA
The centerpiece of the evening was a panel discussion titled, “The State of AI in the Middle East: What’s Happening and What’s Next.” The session featured an open and interactive discussion with the audience, alongside presentations from several AI-focused startups.
The panel included insights from:
- Khaled Hajoj, Digital Transformation Advisor
- Fouad Jeryes, Co-founder and CEO of Maqsam
- Sharona Boonman, Chief Strategy Officer at HUMAIN
The conversation was moderated by AI advisor Alina Timofeeva.
Fostering a Community Beyond Events
Organizers emphasized that the role of AI Salon Riyadh extends beyond hosting events. The initiative aims to create a continuous platform for founders, investors, and experts to connect, fostering knowledge exchange and accelerating the growth of the Kingdom’s AI ecosystem.
The launch marks the beginning of a series of upcoming events designed to build a deeper network within the sector and enhance collaboration opportunities between startups, investment funds, and strategic partners.
2Pi Ventures’ Strategic Support
The event’s sponsorship by 2Pi Ventures highlights the Saudi VC firm’s commitment to building a supportive environment for AI startups. The fund focuses on investing in B2B tech startups that leverage artificial intelligence to solve business challenges and drive growth, making its support for the AI Salon a natural extension of its investment thesis.
About AI Salon
AI Salon is a global community for AI founders, researchers, and investors. With a model based on local chapters, it focuses on the unique characteristics of each market to build specialized tech communities capable of sharing expertise and expanding growth opportunities. Those interested can join the Riyadh chapter or explore future sponsorship opportunities through the platform’s official channels.
Source: Jawlah
