Saudi Arabia’s CQR Raises $3 Million to Enhance AI-Driven Cybersecurity
CQR, a leading cybersecurity firm based in Saudi Arabia, has successfully raised $3 million in a funding round led by Shorooq Partners. This investment aims to bolster CQR’s mission to protect critical infrastructures—such as oil and gas facilities, manufacturing plants, power stations, and smart cities—through innovative, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
A New Approach to Cybersecurity
Founded in 2023 by CEO Naser Aldossary, CQR (pronounced “Secure”) is transforming the field of Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity. The company moves away from traditional, service-heavy models by offering scalable, product-based solutions powered by artificial intelligence. This shift is particularly important as the convergence of IT and OT systems exposes industrial environments to increased cyber threats.
“Cyber threats in OT environments are evolving rapidly, and traditional security models are no longer enough,” said Aldossary. “At CQR, we are reengineering cybersecurity for industrial operations—building innovative, product-driven solutions that make OT security accessible, efficient, and highly scalable.”
Innovative Solutions for Critical Sectors
CQR’s flagship product is designed to meet the complex cybersecurity needs of national infrastructure and large industrial enterprises. Key features include:
- AI-Powered Threat Detection: Utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and respond to threats in real-time.
- Risk Scoring: Assessing vulnerabilities to prioritize security measures effectively.
- Automated Response Mechanisms: Implementing automatic actions to mitigate identified threats promptly.
These solutions enable organizations to deploy robust cybersecurity measures at scale without requiring extensive in-house expertise.
Strategic Investment by Shorooq Partners
Shorooq Partners, known for supporting transformative technology companies, led the $3 million funding round. Their investment underscores CQR’s market leadership and technological innovation in the cybersecurity sector.
“Our investment in CQR aligns with our vision to support transformative technology companies that address critical industry challenges,” said Yousef Albabtain, Partner at Shorooq. “CQR’s product-driven cybersecurity approach is disrupting a traditionally service-heavy industry, making OT security more accessible, efficient, and scalable. We believe their solutions will become an industry standard, and we are excited to support their growth.”
Addressing National Security Concerns
The timing of this investment is crucial, as nation-state actors and cybercriminal groups increasingly target critical infrastructure. A single cyberattack on OT environments can lead to significant financial losses, operational shutdowns, and even national security threats.
CQR’s leadership team brings deep industry expertise, with experience at organizations like Aramco and Dragos. This positions the company as a preferred cybersecurity partner for governments, industrial giants, and regulated sectors.
“Every nation must cultivate its own cybersecurity expertise. OT cybersecurity is not just an IT concern—it is a matter of national security,” said Pierre Noel, former Chief Security Officer of Microsoft Asia and Worldwide Chief Information Security Officer of Huawei. “CQR’s approach represents the future of OT security—intelligent, product-driven, and built to secure the backbone of modern industry.”
Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
CQR’s expansion strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cybersecurity sovereignty and the protection of industrial sectors. By bridging the cybersecurity talent gap and providing ready-to-deploy solutions, CQR enables industries to achieve operational resilience without relying heavily on external service providers.
About CQR
Based in Al Khobar, CQR is an emerging leader in OT cybersecurity, dedicated to protecting critical infrastructures with a unique product-centric approach. By transforming expert knowledge into deployable solutions, CQR empowers professionals across various sectors to manage OT cybersecurity threats effectively.
About Shorooq Partners
Founded in 2017, Shorooq Partners is a multi-dimensional investment firm with a focus on venture capital and credit practices. They invest in innovative technology companies across the MENA region and beyond, with expertise in fintech, platforms, software, and deep tech. Shorooq has backed category leaders such as Pure Harvest Smart Farms, NymCard, Tamara, Sarwa, Lean Technologies, TruKKer, Mozn, and Lendo. The firm maintains a local presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Korea.
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