Noha Gad

The startup journey is a thrilling race against time, talent, and competition. Founders pour everything into solving big problems, racing to turn ideas into products that change industries. In this hyper-connected era, where ideas spread faster than wildfire, stealth mode became a go-to tactic for founders who want to build without the spotlight. 

Stealth mode is not just about secrecy; it is a deliberate strategy. It means operating a startup quietly, keeping details about the product, technology, or even the company's full mission under wraps while you focus on execution. This is why many startups choose stealth mode. In today's hyper-competitive landscape, especially in fast-moving fields like AI, fintech, and deep tech, one leaked demo or viral tweet can invite rivals to race you to market. 

Why do startups operate in a stealth mode?

A stealth mode startup is a fledgling business working to bring a new product or service to market under a temporary state of secrecy. This strategy is designed to protect intellectual property — for sensitive inventions, algorithms, or biotech discoveries— limit outside scrutiny, and preserve a competitive advantage until launch. Startups also choose stealth mode to create space for focused building and to protect their edge before launch. 

Other reasons include:

• Controlling market timing andnarrative. Stealth enables founders to decide when to reveal their product and craft the story so launch day creates maximum impact.
• Fundraising and hiring strategy. For some investors, exclusivity can be a powerful tool. A stealth pitch can generate the urgency needed to close a deal. This approach is equally effective for attracting early talent who want to be part of something distinctive.
• Reducing distraction. By avoiding the spotlight, founders can keep the team focused on execution instead of chasing perception or fighting early criticism.
• Product readiness and iteration. Founders can refine a minimum viable product (MVP), test pricing and messaging, or explore design changes without the pressure of public scrutiny. Many stealth teams work with a small set of early customers or partners under confidentiality to gather targeted feedback.
• Control of public relations. When the startup is ready to launch, it can start with a strategic campaign, manage its public image, and build its reputation from scratch without a negative trail of public failures from the early stages of the project affecting it.

Types of stealth mode

Startups use different levels of stealth; each fits different needs. At the most basic level, there are two types of stealth mode:

• Total stealth. In this type, the company tries to keep all of its actions as secret as possible. To that end, the company may mislead the public about its true goals. It may maintain a website that does not disclose its personnel or location. It may even operate under a temporary name that doesn’t disclose its field of business. This mode is ideal for deep-tech, cybersecurity, AI, biotech, and patent-heavy startups.
• Partial stealth is lighter. The company shares some basics, such as product, funding, and clients, but keeps key details secret. This mode enables the startup to recruit talent publicly, while maintaining operational secrecy. It perfectly fits software-as-a-service (SaaS), fintech, and consumer startups that need brand presence but want to protect specific aspects.

The other types include:

•  In-company stealth. This mode involves an established company developing a new idea or product in secret. In such cases, the organization may either keep the project completely confidential or unveil it internally, ensuring it remains hidden from the public and the media.
• Time-based stealth. Startups often adopt this type in their earliest stages to develop and test concepts out of the public eye. Once the product is ready, the company launches it but then enters a quiet period, focusing on refining the offering based on feedback from its initial users.
• Brand stealth: It involves testing products quietly with customers while deliberately avoiding public brand-building. This approach is particularly well-suited to B2B tools and services.

Why stealth mode can hold startups back

Although stealth mode helps protect ideas, it can slow the startup down. Here are the main risks.

• Limited customer feedback. Gathering feedback in the early stages makes it easier to decide what works and what does not. That is why stealth mode startups often rely on input and consultations with experts, stakeholders, investors, or innovative testing methods.
• Challenges attracting funding. The secrecy of stealth mode startups makes finding and attracting investors challenging. For startups, it is harder to approach and convince investors without client feedback or publicity.
• Attracting attention. While stealth mode provides the benefit of being able to manage public image more easily, it also means that before the official launch and becoming more public, the company did not attract much organic attention. Thus, the launch campaigns and the activities after the official launch require more resources and effort from the marketing and PR teams compared to those startups that gain attention and become known while still developing their products. 

Finally, stealth mode is a strategic choice, not a permanent state. While it offers vital protection for ideas and focus during fragile early stages, founders must recognize when it is time to lift the veil. The ultimate goal is not secrecy; it is building something worth revealing. Used wisely, stealth provides the runway to refine, protect, and prepare. Used too long, it can starve a startup of the feedback, talent, and momentum it needs to truly take off.

Ghada Ismail

As governments and municipalities worldwide accelerate their digital transformation, artificial intelligence is becoming a cornerstone of modern urban management. From improving public safety and optimizing infrastructure to enabling faster, data-driven decision-making, AI technologies are reshaping how cities operate and respond to the needs of their citizens. This shift toward smarter governance has created new opportunities for technology companies developing integrated platforms that help authorities transform vast amounts of urban data into actionable intelligence.

Integra City, headquartered in Dubai, specializes in transforming how cities and governments manage infrastructure, security, and public services through integrated digital platforms. Sharikat Mubasher interviewed Ilya Belyakov, Chief Technical Officer at Integra City, who shared insights about the company and its mission. In this interview, Belyakov discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping Integra City’s core offerings, the development of AI‑enabled solutions for city and government leaders, and the company’s vision for expansion, including its exploration of opportunities in the Saudi market.

How is AI transforming your core business operations, products, or services?
AI has become an incredibly powerful tool across every aspect of our work. I remember a few years ago, when I was defending my PhD in Canada, we were only starting to explore the first versions of AI. Back then, professors were skeptical, warning that students were relying too much on AI and that it would never work effectively. Look at today—AI has evolved dramatically. New versions of models like Gemini and ChatGPT provide deep insights and efficiency gains that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

At Integra City, AI is enhancing not just our software and hardware development but also our research and operational processes. Even though many AI tools aren’t yet fully secure for sensitive work, we find creative ways to integrate them to accelerate development and innovation. Some people say AI is a bubble, but I think technology always progresses. AI isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming foundational to how we operate.

What recent AI innovations excite you most at Integra City?
Initially, our work focused heavily on computer vision. We developed our own cameras and smart imaging systems, collaborating with various hardware manufacturers to create tools that analyze and interpret visual data.

But now, with the rise of large language models (LLMs), we see new opportunities to enhance city and government management. These models can process vast amounts of data and provide actionable insights. For example, they can help decision-makers understand complex patterns in city operations, anticipate problems, and prioritize interventions more effectively.

At Integra City, we’re exploring AI tools that can inform not only city planning but also regional and national governance. It’s about giving leaders the intelligence to act proactively rather than reactively.

How do Integra City’s AI chatbots support officials in making proactive, data-driven decisions?
We designed our chatbots specifically for management teams within cities, not for public use. For example, imagine a police chief responsible for a district with high crime rates. Our chatbot can analyze data from surveillance systems, emergency response logs, officer performance, and technology deployments. Based on that, it provides actionable recommendations—maybe increasing patrols in certain areas, hiring additional staff, upgrading technology, or optimizing workflows.

This is all part of our flagship product, InCore. InCore integrates all aspects of smart and safe city operations into one ecosystem, allowing different departments and ministries to collaborate efficiently. It’s not just about collecting data—it’s about turning information into insights that decision-makers can use immediately to improve citizen safety, resource allocation, and overall city management.

Are you considering collaborations or partnerships in the Saudi market?
Saudi Arabia is a new market for us, so we’re currently exploring opportunities. While we haven’t operated there yet, we have extensive experience in dozens of countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, East Asia, and some Middle Eastern markets, with our headquarters in Dubai.

We hope to enter the Saudi market soon. Participation in industry events like GITEX would be a strategic way to introduce our solutions. Tentatively, we’re looking at the first quarter of next year—January through March—to start engaging with local partners and stakeholders for our entry into the Saudi Market.

Which sectors in Saudi Arabia do you think are most ready for AI transformation?
In most markets, we start with safety, and Saudi Arabia is no different. Safety is broad—it includes citizen safety, tourist safety, and data protection. It’s also connected to smart city initiatives, sustainable urban development, and improving the quality of life. AI can enhance public safety, optimize city operations, and even contribute to sustainable urban planning by analyzing traffic, energy consumption, and public services.

We see Saudi Arabia as a region ready to embrace AI in both governance and infrastructure, creating opportunities to deploy innovative, data-driven solutions at scale.

How does Integra City approach responsible and ethical AI deployment?
Responsible AI is critical, especially when working with governments. We strictly adhere to local regulations in every market we operate in. You can’t bring your own rules and expect a ministry or government body to adopt them.

Our solutions are adaptable. We design them to integrate seamlessly into existing government workflows and regulations. Governments are large, complex systems, and imposing a new framework without understanding local procedures can break the mechanism. So, we focus on fitting our tools into existing structures while maximizing efficiency and impact. Ethical deployment is about respecting local laws, procedures, and the operational realities of each city or country.

How do you envision AI shaping the broader business landscape in Saudi Arabia?
It’s a challenging question since Saudi Arabia is a new market for us. But looking at the broader Middle East, the region is becoming an AI hub, attracting talent, companies, and innovation. AI adoption is growing across sectors, from government services to infrastructure, and Saudi Arabia, as one of the largest and most influential countries in the region, is following this trajectory.

We expect AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and smarter decision-making across businesses and government institutions. In the near future, cities will be safer, operations more transparent, and public services more responsive—all powered by AI technologies. Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a leading example of AI-driven transformation in the region.

Noha Gad

Transforming Saudi Arabia into a global sports powerhouse is one of the key objectives of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is moving steadily towards this goal by investing heavily in leagues, mega-events, and infrastructure, such as smart stadiums, all supercharged by leading-edge artificial intelligence (AI). Between 2020 and the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, Saudi entities injected investments worth SAR $7 billion across global and local sports assets, according to the ‘Saudi Arabia Sports Business & Tech Report 2025.’ In 2024, the Saudi sports market was valued at $8.4 billion, the report showed, anticipating the market to hit $22.5 billion by 2030. 

Regarding infrastructure development, the Kingdom is establishing smart stadiums, prioritizing renovations, smart features, and sustainable designs. Smart or digital stadiums in Saudi Arabia are advanced, technology-driven sports venues designed to create sustainable, high-performance, and immersive entertainment spaces for key sports events, notably the FIFA World Cup 2034.

These stadiums are not just structures for sports but integrated digital ecosystems featuring AI-powered operations, IoT sensors, high-speed 5G connectivity, and sustainable, energy-efficient designs.

The Kingdom’s innovative, robust, and state-of-the-art stadium strategy aims to offer fans a world-class match day experience. It comprises 15 proposed stadiums across five diverse host cities, including NEOM Stadium, the 46,000-seat arena set to be built 350 meters above ground inside "The Line" in NEOM; King Salman International Stadium, Saudi Arabia’s largest stadium with a capacity of 92,000 fans; Aramco Stadium, the 800,000 square meters facility that will catalyze health and wellness programs, featuring cutting-edge technology and an integrated cooling system; and Qiddiya Coast Stadium, the multi-purpose entertainment complex planned to be completed in 2032.

A significant milestone in advancing the Saudi sports sector is HUMAIN’s recent acquisition of ai.io, a London-headquartered artificial intelligence and sports technology company, to launch HUMAIN Sport to expand access to sport and improve outcomes at every level, from grassroots participation to elite performance. Combining the capabilities of HUMAIN and ai.io, the new joint venture will deliver integrated AI platforms designed to support the Saudi sports ecosystem. These solutions will enable broader participation in sport, data-driven athlete development, enhanced performance analysis, intelligent facilities, and new forms of digital and fan engagement.

Through this acquisition, HUMAIN will leverage ai.io’s existing products, technical expertise, and global sports relationships to accelerate international expansion, while ai.io will benefit from HUMAIN’s AI infrastructure, platforms, strategic partnerships, and commercial scale to support the delivery of AI-powered sports solutions.

This transaction marks a game-changer, enabling everything from grassroots athlete discovery, where aiScout has already generated over 750 professional trials, to elite performance analytics that track movements from any smartphone video. 

Key features and technologies in smart facilities

The integration of emerging technologies promises not just smarter training and fan experiences but a blueprint for AI-driven sports excellence that could redefine global competitions. For instance, AI and data analytics can be used for predictive maintenance, optimizing crowd management, and personalizing fan experience. Meanwhile, IoT sensors are deployed to monitor everything in the facility, from seat occupancy and parking to environmental conditions, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency.

For fan engagement, advanced applications, in-seat ordering, interactive displays, and 5G connectivity are standard in smart facilities, providing a 360-degree experience. Additionally, integrated command and control centers harness AI, facial recognition, and anti-drone technologies to enhance safety.

Moreover, smart sports facilities are designed for high energy efficiency, featuring smart HVAC systems, LED lighting that adjusts to crowd density, and water-efficient systems.

Revolutionizing talent scouting 

At the heart of HUMAIN Sport's transformative potential lies aiScout, ai.io's flagship mobile application that is revolutionizing talent identification from a labor-intensive, geographically limited process to a scalable, inclusive revolution accessible to anyone with a smartphone. By enabling aspiring athletes to record and upload simple drills, such as sprints, agility tests, or sport-specific skills, the application employs advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms to deliver instant, objective performance metrics comparable to professional-grade assessments. 

This technology eliminates the need for costly equipment or on-site scouts, generating over 750 professional trials worldwide to date and proving its efficacy in talent discovery. Beyond discovery, aiScout's data-driven insights provide coaches with predictive analytics, ranking prospects not just on raw athleticism but on trainable traits like decision-making under fatigue, customizable to Saudi sports priorities. 

HUMAIN's integration amplifies this through Arabic-language interfaces powered by ALLaM large language models, ensuring cultural relevance and reducing barriers for non-English speakers. Eventually, the platform is democratizing opportunities, increasing participation of underrepresented regions, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a blueprint for equitable, AI-fueled sports development on the global stage.

Other applications

HUMAIN Sport embeds AI across the entire sports ecosystem to enhance coaching, strategy, emerging formats like esports, and athlete wellness in ways tailored to Vision 2030 goals. In coaching and tactical preparation, ai.io's aiLab platform integrates with HUMAIN's infrastructure to simulate match scenarios, analyze opponent patterns, and refine VAR decisions with predictive accuracy.

The venture pioneers AI in esports and digital leagues, leveraging real-time AI moderation, skill-matching algorithms, and AR overlays to increase participation. Meanwhile, health and wellness applications leverage wearables and AI chatbots to deliver personalized nutrition plans, monitor mental health, and support recovery protocols.

By integrating ai.io's motion tech with HUMAIN's scale, Saudi Arabia is not just adopting AI; it is exporting a holistic model that amplifies performance, engagement, and sustainability, setting a global standard for sports evolution.

While AI innovations promise unprecedented advancements, they also introduce critical challenges that demand robust ethical frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable integration into Saudi Arabia's sports landscape. Foremost among these is data privacy, governed by the Kingdom's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). AI bias poses another hurdle, as algorithms trained on historical data may inadvertently favor urban, male athletes over rural or female talents. Over-reliance on AI threatens the human essence of sports, from coaches' intuition to the thrill of unscripted plays, prompting federations to adopt hybrid models in which tech informs but does not make decisions.

Transforming Saudi Arabia into a global sports powerhouse stands as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with the Kingdom advancing through massive investments in leagues, mega-events, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

These developments signal a broader AI revolution in sports, from talent discovery and performance analytics to immersive fan experiences and sustainable operations, positioning Saudi Arabia to lead this transformation. Smart stadiums exemplify this shift, evolving into AI-powered digital ecosystems with IoT sensors, 5G connectivity, and energy-efficient designs that redefine match-day immersion.

Kholoud Hussein 

When a UAE-born startup secures an eight-figure, all-cash acquisition from a San Francisco investor backed by one of America’s wealthiest business dynasties, it signals more than commercial success. It signals maturity in the region’s technology ecosystem.

That is precisely the case with AlgoDriven, the automotive AI data platform acquired by Emergence, whose backer, The Pritzker Organization, manages the business interests of the Pritzker family, known globally for building the Hyatt Hotels Corporation brand.

Operating in the $1.6 trillion global used car market, AlgoDriven analyzes over $25 billion worth of vehicles annually across 1,000 dealerships in 10 countries. It is also the market leader in Australia, where one in three used cars sold is processed through its technology. But the next phase of growth may be even more significant — particularly in Saudi Arabia.

As the Kingdom accelerates automotive sector digitization under Vision 2030, and as dealership groups consolidate and modernize operations, demand for transparent, AI-powered pricing infrastructure is rising sharply. For investors, the question is no longer whether the Gulf can produce scalable tech exits. It is whether companies like AlgoDriven can turn regional dominance into global category leadership — with Saudi Arabia as a strategic growth engine.

In an exclusive interview with Sharikat Mubasher, CEO Glenn Harwood discusses valuation drivers, GCC capital deployment, expansion plans in the Kingdom, and how the company plans to leverage new ownership to deepen its AI capabilities and geographic footprint.

AlgoDriven has been acquired in an eight-figure, all-cash deal by Emergence. From an investor perspective, what were the primary value drivers behind the transaction — revenue growth, recurring contracts, proprietary datasets, or market dominance?

As a starting spot, financial metrics drove value, such as revenue, revenue growth, and profitability.  Of course, there is nuance to all these metrics, and that is where things like recurring contracts, churn, team, proprietary data sets, and product quality all factor in.

Revenue has increased fivefold since your 2021 Series A. How sustainable is that growth trajectory, and what does your forward revenue visibility look like across the GCC?

Demand is still strong for our products, and as we continue to roll out more AI-driven offerings, we see that continuing.  On top of that, many of the GCC markets are growing – population is increasing, GDP growth is strong, and people continue to buy more and more cars.  While that remains the case, we expect strong revenue growth to continue.

How strategically important is Saudi Arabia within your GCC footprint, and what proportion of your future regional investment will be directed toward KSA?

KSA is very important within both our existing footprint and our growth plans.  We’ve seen significant changes in the new and used car markets in the Kingdom over the past few years, and we expect this to continue in the coming years.  We’re continuing to customise and adapt our product to suit that market, and as well as having more on the ground support for our customers their too.

What concrete expansion plans do you have for Saudi Arabia over the next 24–36 months, in terms of headcount, partnerships with major dealership groups, or product localization?

We already have a strong footprint in KSA and a solid sales pipeline of dealership groups looking to adopt our products.  We’re rolling out new features around vehicle pricing specific to the KSA market, as well as more integrations to have a deeper understanding of vehicle history in the Kingdom.  We expect our presence there to continue to grow.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid automotive sector transformation under Vision 2030. How large do you estimate the addressable market for AI-powered used car analytics in the Kingdom?

The numbers we’ve seen suggest the car sales market in the Kingdom could grow by up to another 50% by 2030 for where it is now. On top of that, the official dealers are becoming increasingly focused on the used car sector.  Based on these two factors, we anticipate exponential growth in demand for our AI products to help drive this adoption.

You analyze more than $25 billion worth of used vehicles annually. How does deeper penetration in the Saudi market enhance your data advantage and strengthen barriers to entry?

There is a real network effect from using our product. The more cars we value, the more data we accumulate, and the more accurate our valuations become.  Car dealers can also share and auction cars between them on our platform – the more dealers who adopt our solution in Saudi makes the more valuable the platform becomes for all of them.

Your early investors, including Global Ventures, Oman Technology Fund, and Oraseya Capital, have now achieved a full cash exit. What signal does this send about liquidity and exit maturity in the GCC startup ecosystem?

I think it is great to see more exits in the region, particularly from US private equity firms.  For many startups, private equity is a great opportunity to exit and provide liquidity to early investors.   I believe this is an important trend for US PE firms to look internationally for targets, especially in the region.

Under the backing of The Pritzker Organization, how do you see AlgoDriven evolving — remaining a pure data platform, or expanding into broader automotive fintech infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the wider region?

The focus over the next few years is on doing more of what we’re already great at – doubling down on our software offerings for car dealers. Additionally, we intend to leverage their existing network to continue to grow internationally.

Kholoud Hussein 

In startup boardrooms, few numbers are quoted as frequently as run rate. It appears in investor decks, funding announcements, and growth projections. It can signal momentum or mask volatility. Yet despite its popularity, the run rate is often misunderstood.

At its core, run rate is a projection. It takes a company’s current revenue performance over a short period — typically a month or a quarter — and extrapolates it over a full year. If a startup generates $500,000 in revenue in one month, its annual run rate would be $6 million. The assumption is simple: if performance continues at the current pace, that is the revenue the company would generate over 12 months.

The appeal lies in its clarity. Run rate offers a fast snapshot of scale. For high-growth startups, particularly those in SaaS, fintech, or marketplace models, it provides a forward-looking signal that annual historical revenue cannot yet show.

But run rate is not the same as annual revenue. It is a forecast based on present conditions. And those conditions can change quickly.

Why Run Rate Became a Startup Staple

In early-stage companies, historical financial data is limited. A startup may have been generating meaningful revenue for only a few months. Investors evaluating growth potential need a metric that reflects the current trajectory rather than incomplete annual statements.

Run rate fills that gap.

For subscription-based businesses, especially SaaS startups with recurring revenue models, run rate can be particularly meaningful. Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) multiplied by 12 creates an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) run rate, offering investors a clean benchmark to compare companies at similar stages.

This comparability is one reason the run rate has become embedded in venture capital conversations. It creates a common language.

The Strategic Value of Run Rate for Startups

Beyond investor communication, run rate has operational value.

First, it forces discipline around revenue tracking. Startups that monitor run rate monthly develop a sharper understanding of sales velocity, churn, and pricing impact. If MRR increases steadily, leadership gains confidence in scaling marketing spend or expanding headcount. If it stagnates, corrective action can be taken quickly.

Second, run rate influences valuation. Many venture-backed startups are valued as a multiple of revenue, particularly ARR. A company with a $10 million run rate may command a significantly higher valuation than one at $5 million, even if both are unprofitable. In growth markets, revenue scale often outweighs short-term earnings.

Third, run rate helps in financial planning. Forecasting hiring, product development, and geographic expansion depends on predictable revenue streams. While not a guarantee, a stable run rate provides a framework for modeling cash flow scenarios.

The Risk of Misinterpretation

Despite its usefulness, run rate can be misleading when used without context.

A strong single month can inflate projections. A seasonal spike may not repeat. A one-time enterprise deal can distort averages. For startups in volatile sectors, the run rate may exaggerate stability.

This is why experienced investors look beyond the headline number. They examine revenue consistency, customer retention rates, and growth sustainability. A $12 million run rate built on stable subscriptions carries more weight than the same figure driven by sporadic transactions.

Run rate also does not account for costs. A company can show impressive revenue momentum while burning cash at an unsustainable rate. For startups, growth without efficiency can shorten the runway rather than extend it.

When Run Rate Is Most Meaningful

Run rate is most reliable when revenue is recurring, and churn is low. SaaS companies, subscription platforms, and fintech service providers benefit most from this metric. In these models, predictable cash flow strengthens the accuracy of annualized projections.

Marketplace startups can also use run rate effectively, particularly when transaction volumes show consistent upward trends. However, in cyclical industries, caution is warranted.

A Tool, Not a Guarantee

For founders, run rate should be treated as a strategic tool rather than a marketing headline.

It can help align teams around growth targets. It can signal readiness for funding rounds. It can support expansion planning. But it should always be paired with deeper metrics: gross margins, customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and churn.

In disciplined startups, run rate becomes part of a broader financial narrative. It shows trajectory, not destiny.

To conclude, run rate endures because it answers a fundamental startup question: if we continue at this pace, how big can we become?

It offers clarity in early growth stages when historical data is thin. It translates monthly momentum into an annual scale. And in capital markets that reward speed and traction, that translation matters.

Yet the smartest founders understand its limits. Run rate reflects today’s performance extrapolated into tomorrow. It assumes continuity in a business environment defined by uncertainty.

Used wisely, run rate is a signal of momentum. Used carelessly, it becomes a projection detached from operational reality.

For startups navigating growth, the difference between those two outcomes can be decisive.