Summary:

In mid-March 2024, Tunisian-founded and United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm, ClusterLab, received $600,000 in funding from investors, including InstaDeep founder Karim Beguir. 

ClusterLab was founded in 2020 by Haithem Kchaou and Chehir Dhaouadi to “democratize” Arabic language learning through learning-oriented mobile applications, including the firm’s flagship application Reedz. In an interview, Kchaou noted the limited availability of non-fiction books and resources in Arabic after studying in the US where he was exposed to a wide range of such resources in English. 

ClusterLab participated in the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) accelerator in the UAE and remains based there

Outlook:  

ClusterLab, like other promising Tunisian startups, shows the challenges faced by Tunisian entrepreneurs in the current business climate in Tunisia.  

These challenges see many of Tunisia’s most promising business ideas exported to other countries with more open and stable financial systems and more attractive tax and regulatory incentives. 

Tunisia continues to produce skilled entrepreneurs with vision to impact their community and others, but face significant red tape, corruption, and both formal and informal systems that discourage innovation and disruptive products upon which businesses could be built. 

Until the Tunisian regulatory, legal, and financial system evolves to incentivize success and growth for entrepreneurs, Tunisia will continue to see its rising stars building businesses abroad. 

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.