Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Presight has announced a high-powered international advisory board, tasked with guiding the strategic direction of its ambitious $100 million investment initiative. The Presight–Shorooq Fund I and the Presight AI Accelerator Programme aim to propel global AI startups onto the world stage, focusing on sectors like smart cities, fintech, augmented reality, and deep tech.
Chaired by His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight and a prominent figure in Abu Dhabi’s government leadership, the board boasts Silicon Valley and Asian venture capital experience. Jack Selby, Managing Director at Thiel Capital – known for its association with influential investor Peter Thiel – joins alongside Meng Xiong Kuok, founder of Singapore-based K3 Ventures.
This strategic move signifies Presight’s ambition to become a key player in the global AI ecosystem. The company leverages its ADX listing and close ties to G42 Group, a major technology conglomerate, to offer startups more than just funding.
The combination of an accelerator program and venture capital fund creates a unique proposition for AI companies. Startups gain access not only to capital but also to Presight’s robust technical infrastructure – including cloud computing power and specialized GPUs – as well as Shorooq’s extensive network spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
Crucially, Presight emphasizes direct commercial pathways for its portfolio companies. Its established relationships with government agencies and major corporations in both the UAE and internationally provide startups with valuable connections and potential partnerships right from the outset. The first cohort of the AI Accelerator program already showcases this impact – several startups are engaged in active partnership discussions with G42 Group subsidiaries and key industry players across diverse sectors, including space technology, healthcare, and smart mobility solutions.
The Presight–Shorooq Fund I, launched in September 2025, is targeting investments in 25 to 30 AI-focused startups globally. With a significant portion of its capital allocated for later investment rounds, the fund intends to nurture promising companies throughout their growth trajectories. The accelerator program, unique among publicly listed Middle Eastern tech companies, emphasizes practical application and real-world impact, positioning Presight as more than just an investor but a strategic launchpad for AI innovation in the region.
The move signals Abu Dhabi’s growing ambition to establish itself as a global hub for AI development and investment, leveraging its existing infrastructure and attracting international talent and capital.
