MilkStraw AI, a UAE-based startup automating cloud infrastructure management, has successfully closed a $2 million seed funding round. The investment was led by prominent regional investor Venture Souq, with participation from Ibtikar Fund and M Capital. This new capital will accelerate the company's mission to simplify cloud optimization and expand its innovative product suite for growing technology companies.
Addressing a Critical Need for Startups
Founded in 2024 by Jawad Shreim and Anas Abdullah, MilkStraw AI tackles the increasing complexity and cost of cloud infrastructure. Many startups find their engineering teams bogged down by manual cost control instead of focusing on core product development. The platform is designed to automate these optimization processes, providing a zero-overhead solution that fits directly into a builder's workflow.
The company has demonstrated remarkable market validation since its inception 16 months ago, attracting over 100 startups, including notable names like Thndr, Ziina, and Maqsam. A key indicator of its success is achieving zero customer churn, a testament to its strong product-market fit. This impressive retention rate highlights the platform's effectiveness in delivering tangible value to its clients.
Strategic Investment to Fuel Growth
The seed round, which was finalized in an expedited 45-day period, signals strong investor confidence in MilkStraw AI's vision and execution. This funding follows a $600k pre-seed round in early 2025, enabling the company's initial product development and expansion across the MENA region. The new capital provides the necessary resources to scale operations and define a new standard for cloud management.
Tammer Qaddumi, a General Partner at Venture Souq, highlighted the platform's unique value proposition as a key reason for leading the round. He noted that while most tools create more work, MilkStraw AI actively reduces the burden on engineering teams by automating tasks. Qaddumi stated that the company's exceptional customer retention numbers provide clear proof of this meaningful difference in the market.
Innovating the Future of Cloud Management
With the new funding, MilkStraw AI plans to launch a trio of powerful new features aimed at enhancing user interaction with cloud infrastructure. "The Feed" will offer a real-time activity stream of cloud changes, while "Right Sizing" will proactively flag and help correct inefficient resource allocation. The most ambitious addition is an AI Layer, enabling a conversational interface for complex infrastructure queries.
These upcoming product enhancements represent a strategic move beyond simple cost optimization toward a more holistic management approach. The goal is to create a unified platform where teams can achieve a continuous balance between performance, reliability, and cost. By providing clearer dashboards and more intuitive tools, MilkStraw AI aims to build a system that scales seamlessly with its customers.
This $2 million investment marks a pivotal moment for MilkStraw AI, empowering the company to aggressively pursue its product roadmap and expand its market presence. By focusing on automation and an intuitive user experience, the startup is well-positioned to become an essential tool for high-performing engineering teams. The company's journey reflects a growing demand for intelligent solutions that unwind the complexity of modern cloud infrastructure.