Cairo-based startup Zaher AI has announced the successful closure of a $150,000 funding round with the participation of angel investor Dr. Ahmed Sami, founder of Eye Advertising. The company also confirmed its entry into Meska Venture Studio, a move designed to accelerate regional expansion and prepare for larger funding rounds in the near future. The announcement coincides with Zaher AI’s official launch in the Arab world as the first platform to introduce Generative Engine Optimization (G.E.O.).
A New Frontier in Digital Visibility
Zaher AI is positioning itself as a pioneer in the shift from traditional search engine optimization (SEO) to G.E.O., a next-generation technology focused on optimizing visibility for AI-driven engines. With global spending on SEO reaching $106 billion in 2025, the company sees immense potential in adapting visibility strategies for the rapid rise of generative AI tools. By targeting Arabic-language markets, Zaher AI aims to capture opportunities often overlooked by global players, whose tools remain heavily English-dominated.
Market Opportunity in the Arab World
According to Zaher AI’s research, the Arab region represents a market of nearly 400 million Arabic-speaking users. Data indicates that 74% of searches among users under 30 are already conducted through AI-driven platforms, highlighting the urgency for solutions designed specifically for these new behaviors. Zaher AI intends to bridge this gap by helping businesses, media outlets, and individuals boost their digital presence across generative AI systems.
CEO’s Perspective and Strategic Direction
Anwar Ali, co-founder and CEO of Zaher AI, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory. Speaking at the Meska Spark Vol.1 Conference at Cairo University, Ali noted that the round was successfully closed and emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring product readiness before pursuing larger rounds. He underlined the importance of enabling businesses to adapt to AI-driven search behavior, stressing that Zaher AI’s platform could unlock visibility for entities across multiple sectors.
Target Segments and Applications
Zaher AI’s solutions are designed for a wide array of users. Media organizations, news platforms, and e-commerce companies can leverage G.E.O. to enhance traffic and engagement, while real estate firms, consulting agencies, and other lead-generation businesses can use it to improve client acquisition. The company also plans to work directly with technology providers, integrating G.E.O. into products and services to give users a competitive edge in AI-first search environments.
Partnership with Meska Venture Studio
The collaboration with Meska Venture Studio provides Zaher AI with the resources, mentorship, and operational backing needed to scale quickly. This partnership will also position Zaher AI for upcoming funding rounds, ensuring it can capitalize on its first-mover advantage in the Arabic G.E.O. space. By combining technical innovation with strategic investment, the startup is building a platform that could redefine how businesses and individuals approach digital visibility in the AI era.
The closure of Zaher AI’s $150,000 funding round, alongside its entry into Meska Venture Studio, marks a pivotal step in the company’s journey. As the first Arabic platform to introduce Generative Engine Optimization, Zaher AI is well-positioned to reshape digital visibility strategies across the Middle East and North Africa. With a growing demand for AI-driven search solutions, Zaher AI’s innovation offers a timely response to shifting user behavior while unlocking new growth opportunities for Arabic-speaking markets.