UAE regtech Qanooni raises $2 million in pre-seed round
Founded in 2024 by Anuscha Iqbal, Ziyaad Ahmed, and Karim Shiyab, Qanooni is building a seamless AI-powered legal platform that integrates into Microsoft Outlook and Word, enabling lawyers to draft, review, and manage documents using AI that adapts to their writing style and internal standards.
The new funding will fuel Qanooni's expansion across the UAE and UK, and enhance its proprietary legal AI engine, reinforcing its role in driving the future of legal automation across MENA and Europe.
Press release:
Qanooni, a UAE-based legal technology startup, has announced the successful closure of a $2 million pre-seed funding round, backed by global and regional investors including Village Global, Salica Investments' Oryx Fund, TA Ventures, and a network of strategic angel investors.
Founded by Anuscha Iqbal, Ziyaad Ahmed, and Karim Shiyab, Qanooni is developing a transformative AI-powered platform built specifically for legal professionals. Unlike traditional LegalTech tools, Qanooni integrates directly into the software that lawyers already rely on—Microsoft Outlook and Word—eliminating the friction of switching platforms or adopting new workflows.
Qanooni's solution enables law firms and legal departments to prepare and review documents faster and more accurately, seamlessly connect with document management systems, and benefit from generative AI that mimics a lawyer's tone, writing style, and internal standards.
The newly raised capital will be used to accelerate Qanooni's expansion across the UAE and UK markets while also advancing its proprietary AI engine tailored to legal workflows.
The round also drew support from notable individual investors, including Ben Casnocha, Sri Batchu, Josh Rodger, Viktoriya Tigipko, Andrew Verbitsky, Jimmy Stone, Nicholas Nottebohm, CFA, Ashish Shetty, and Miguel Rodrigues.
With growing investor interest in regtech solutions that streamline productivity without disrupting existing digital environments, Qanooni is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI-driven transformation in legal services across MENA and Europe.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ammon
9 hours ago
- Ammon
Universities without AI: Preparing graduates for yesterday, not tomorrow
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping not only professions but the very nature of work itself, universities that fail to embed AI across all disciplines risk preparing graduates for a world that no longer exists. This is not a distant scenario; AI is already transforming fields well beyond computer science, from medicine and engineering to law, education, and the arts. Institutions that continue to rely on outdated curricula are rapidly losing relevance in the eyes of both students and employers. Reports such as the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 confirm that nearly half of the skills demanded in the labor market will shift within the next five years due to advances in AI and automation. Similarly, data from McKinsey's 2023 annual AI survey underscores that AI is no longer optional but integral across diverse industries including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, emphasizing the urgency for higher education to integrate AI as a foundational element across its programs. The urgency of integrating AI into all areas of study has been emphasized by leading educators and economists alike. Economists have called for dedicating up to one-third of college curricula to teaching students not only how to use AI, but critically how AI operates, its limitations, and how to collaborate with it effectively. Across the United States, prestigious universities including Barnard, Columbia, NYU, and MIT are actively embedding AI literacy and access into their campuses, offering students early exposure to tools and forging pathways into AI leadership. Beyond elite institutions, broader educational leaders urge a complete strategic overhaul. A recent Forbes contribution makes it clear that the real question for academia is not whether AI will impact higher education, but how institutions will respond. It calls for mandatory AI literacy across majors, curriculum redesign, ethical governance, and industry partnerships to truly prepare students for the AI-driven workplace. The warning is explicit: those who delay this digital transformation risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive and technologically demanding world. The risks of ignoring AI extend beyond future employability. Institutions that do not integrate AI see lower student engagement, diminished retention, and rising operational inefficiencies. In contrast, universities that deploy AI tools adaptive learning systems, predictive analytics, and AI-powered support report improved outcomes. One case study cited a reduction in dropout rates and increased academic success tied to AI adoption. With global EdTech investments projected into the hundreds of billions, universities that lag now jeopardize both their students' futures and their own viability. Some institutions are leading by example. The University of Florida has taken a bold step by requiring all students to complete foundational AI courses plus ethical AI instruction, regardless of major, thereby fostering AI literacy across disciplines. Similarly, Clemson and Georgia Tech are creating ethical, practical, and collaborative AI models on campus that educate students on both the potential and caveats of AI-enabled innovation. Universities that avoid integrating AI risk more than becoming outdated; they risk producing graduates unprepared for a world where AI is the default, not the exception. On the other hand, institutions that embrace AI responsibly and ethically position themselves, and their students, at the forefront of innovation. The choice is simple: educate for yesterday, or equip for tomorrow.
Al Bawaba
10 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
AW Rostamani Group & Chery UAE Allocate AED 225,000 to Cover School Tuitions
Chery UAE, through its official sole distributor AW Rostamani, has launched its Back-to-School campaign, reinforcing its commitment to supporting families with more than just high-quality from August 15th to October 31st, 2025, the campaign will award 9 lucky winners among Chery car buyers an AED 25,000 prize each that will go toward their children's school tuitions through raffle draws held by Chery UAE. A total of nine draws will take place over the three-month Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE, AW Rostamani Group, emphasized the brand's deeper commitment to its customers: 'At Chery UAE, AW Rostamani Group, we believe innovation should serve people's lives. Our back-to-school campaign reflects our dedication to putting families first, supporting education, and making a positive impact where it matters most. In addition to reliable and intelligent vehicles, we're proud to offer peace of mind, convenience, and life-changing value. This is the Chery way of standing with its customers, on and off the road.' Complementing its back-to-school campaign benefits, Chery UAE, through its official sole distributor AW Rostamani, is also offering 0.99% interest rate for two years, up to 6 years warranty, 2 years of complimentary service, and 1 year of free insurance, in addition to roadside assistance. This package combines innovative automotive offerings with financial facilities and life-enhancing incentives, reinforcing Chery UAE's role as a trusted partner in every family's journey.
Al Bawaba
11 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Kuwait's Status as an 'AI Practitioner' Presents Opportunities in Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem: BCG Study
Kuwait has been recognized as an 'AI Practitioner' in a recent study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This positions the country among 30 forward-looking economies actively integrating AI across key sectors, according to the report titled "GCC AI Pulse: Mapping the Region's Readiness for an AI-Driven Future" by BCG. The report, based on BCG's 2025 AI Maturity Matrix, revealed that Kuwait has earned the designation of AI Practitioner alongside 30 economies worldwide, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The maturity matrix identified four economic archetypes based on their AI readiness, ranging from AI Emergents at the lower end of the scale, followed by Practitioners, then Contenders, and Pioneers at the high end. With GCC countries yet to achieve AI Pioneer status, which includes the likes of the US, UK, and China, the report highlights substantial opportunities for advancing AI readiness and leadership in the region. Dmitry Garanin, Managing Director and Partner, BCG, said: "Kuwait's commitment to integrating AI across pivotal sectors showcases a visionary stride towards digital transformation. The National AI Strategy underlines a significant ambition that, if supported by a concerted effort in skilling, policy innovation, and targeted investment, can transform Kuwait into a regional AI powerhouse. The challenge now is to evolve from strategy to execution, ensuring that initiatives like the AI Center of Excellence and enhanced data governance frameworks lead to tangible outcomes. Bridging the current gaps in investment and research is crucial for Kuwait, not just to catch up, but to lead." Building a Competitive Edge in the Digital Era The Kuwait National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, developed by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), outlines a comprehensive framework to responsibly harness AI for national development to help advance Kuwait's AI goals under Kuwait's Vision 2035. It emphasizes building a robust digital infrastructure, fostering AI talent, and ensuring ethical governance. The strategy aims to enhance public services, boost economic diversification, and position Kuwait as a regional leader in AI innovation. It also includes recommendations for policy, education, and collaboration with international partners to ensure sustainable and inclusive AI adoption across sectors. Efforts to build AI capabilities include the National Skilling Program, which focuses on training government employees, though expanded initiatives are needed to cultivate a robust AI workforce. On policy and regulation, Kuwait is developing an AI governance framework to ensure ethical and responsible AI implementation. While there exists a $7 billion public fund for SMEs, it does not specifically allocate resources to AI, revealing the necessity of targeted financial investment. To accelerate research and innovation, Kuwait plans to establish an AI Center of Excellence that fosters AI studies and collaboration between academia and industry, though additional measures are required to scale innovation. In terms of infrastructure, the country is enhancing its cloud and AI ecosystem, with Microsoft and Google Cloud spearheading efforts to build AI-powered data centers. However, Kuwait's progress across various AI dimensions remains uneven, as illustrated by key metrics: ambition scores the highest at 5, while investments and research lag at 0.67 and 0.33, respectively. To improve AI readiness, Kuwait needs to strengthen data governance, increase investments in startups, and intensify workforce development initiatives. "Kuwait's emergence as an AI Practitioner is a critical first step in the broader journey towards becoming a leader in the AI domain. The stark contrast between its ambitious goals and the current state of skills, investment, and innovation underscores a pivotal moment for policy and decision-makers. By doubling down on developing a deep talent pool, fostering a vibrant AI startup ecosystem, and ensuring responsible AI deployment, Kuwait has the potential to set a benchmark for AI integration not only regionally but globally. The foundation is set; now is the time for bold, decisive action to leverage AI for sustainable growth," said Dr. Lars Littig, Managing Director and Partner at BCG. Approaches to Foster AI Maturity in the Gulf BCG's GCC AI Pulse report supports the strategic advancement of national visions aimed at enhancing countries' global competitiveness. The expansion of the AI talent pipeline through dedicated upskilling programs and the acquisition of global talent will broaden the existing talent pool and infuse the regional market with international expertise and perspectives, critical for innovative leaps in AI. In addition, governance structures must be realigned to better adhere to evolving AI ethics frameworks and international standards, ensuring responsible and sustainable AI development. Advancements in policies will solidify Kuwait's reputation as a leader in ethical AI practices, a benchmark against which global counterparts are measured. Moreover, there is significant room for intensifying research and development investments to foster stronger academia-industry collaborations. This will spur innovation and cement Kuwait's position as a hub for cutting-edge technological advancements, matching and potentially surpassing global AI leaders such as the US, China, Singapore, the UK, and Canada in certain areas.
