A Tunisian and London-based artificial intelligence startup, InstaDeep, has secured $100 million in Series B funding to advance its mission of using AI for complex decision-making. The funding round was led by Alpha Intelligence Capital and CDIB, with additional backing from BioNTech, Chimera Abu Dhabi, Deutsche Bahn, Google, G42, and Synergie.Founded in 2014 by Karim Beguir and Zohra Slim, InstaDeep specializes in enterprise AI solutions for industries ranging from logistics and transportation to biotechnology and electronics manufacturing. With offices in London, Paris, Tunis, Lagos, Dubai, and Cape Town, the company has positioned itself as a global leader in decision-making AI systems.
Tackling Real-World Challenges
InstaDeep’s AI-driven solutions address critical challenges, such as optimizing shipping routes, automating train schedules, and designing advanced therapeutics. The startup employs reinforcement learning—a branch of machine learning—to develop strategies that optimize operations across different sectors.
A notable collaboration includes a multi-year partnership with BioNTech to develop novel immunotherapies. This partnership led to the creation of an Early Warning System (EWS) that identifies high-risk SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, months ahead of official classifications. InstaDeep has also worked with Google and DeepMind on projects like detecting desert locust outbreaks in Africa.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans
With this latest funding, InstaDeep plans to expand into the U.S., enhance its computing infrastructure, and roll out AI products across various industries. The company also aims to hire additional talent to bolster its current team of over 170 employees, half of whom are based in African offices.
The startup, which was initially bootstrapped, previously raised $7 million in Series A funding in 2019. Since then, it has established itself as a global player in the AI space, solving challenges with significant economic implications.
Bridging the AI Gap for Africa
InstaDeep’s founders are committed to proving that African talent can compete globally in deep-tech innovation. CEO Karim Beguir emphasized the importance of building a high-performance culture that nurtures African talent while collaborating with global leaders in AI.“It is possible to create a globally competitive company with strong African roots, working on genuine deep-tech innovation,” said Beguir.
The company’s growth underscores Africa’s potential to contribute to AI’s global development, challenging the status quo and paving the way for future innovation on the continent.
InstaDeep’s journey from a small Tunisian startup to a global AI leader reflects the transformative power of technology, innovation, and talent, regardless of geographical location.
