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South Korean tech firm Rebellions expands its operations to Saudi Arabia, opening a new office in Riyadh.

Company's strategic office operates as a crucial supply center, providing customized chips specifically for the state-owned oil corporation's operational purposes.

South Korean tech company Rebellions broadens its horizons, establishing a new office in Riyadh,...
South Korean tech company Rebellions broadens its horizons, establishing a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

South Korean tech firm Rebellions expands its operations to Saudi Arabia, opening a new office in Riyadh.

South Korean AI Startup Expands into Saudi Arabia to Boost Sovereign AI Capabilities

South Korean AI chip startup, Rebellions Inc., is making a strategic move into the Middle East by expanding its operations into Saudi Arabia. This expansion is aimed at meeting the Kingdom’s growing demand for sovereign AI capabilities and strengthening its partnership with Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies.

The new office, serving as a strategic operational hub, will position Rebellions as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure development. This move enables close collaboration on customized AI semiconductor solutions for Aramco’s AI data centers and taps into the broader Middle East market for sovereign AI technology.

Key strategic purposes and potential impacts of this expansion include:

  1. Localization and Trust-Building: Establishing a local subsidiary in Riyadh allows Rebellions to build strong in-person relationships critical for business success in Saudi Arabia. This local presence is expected to accelerate joint projects with Saudi corporations and institutions and help scale revenue substantially.
  2. Partnership with Saudi Aramco: Following a significant USD 14.4 million investment from Aramco’s venture capital arm Wa’ed Ventures, Rebellions is delivering specialized AI accelerators and neural processing units tailored to Aramco’s AI data centers. This close partnership accelerates the deployment of advanced AI chips optimized for energy sector applications and provides a stable, localized supply chain for Aramco’s sovereign AI ambitions.
  3. Expansion of AI Infrastructure: Beyond Aramco, Rebellions is engaging with Saudi telecom operators and mid-sized ICT firms to diversify its customer base and participate in Saudi Arabia’s broader AI infrastructure projects aligned with Vision 2030. This includes developing custom AI hardware ecosystems designed for data sovereignty and regional AI model development, which are strategically critical for the Kingdom's digital transformation goals.
  4. Competitive Positioning: By establishing itself in the Saudi market ahead of many global competitors, Rebellions is reinforcing its role as a rising AI chipmaker not only in Korea but as a key player in Middle Eastern sovereign AI development, strengthening geopolitical and technological ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambition to build a comprehensive, nationwide AI infrastructure as part of its large-scale national initiatives. Rebellions Inc. is actively exploring new business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, including discussions with various Saudi telecom operators and local information technology firms. The establishment of a local presence in Saudi Arabia will be a key part of Rebellions Inc.'s long-term strategy in a market eager for technological self-sufficiency.

The chips provided will be tailored to the needs of Saudi Aramco, and the new office will ensure a stable supply of Rebellions Inc.'s chips to the state-run oil giant. The strategic entry into the Saudi market positions Rebellions Inc. to address the growing demand for "sovereign AI" in the region, which prioritizes data privacy and local control. The partnership between Rebellions Inc. and Saudi Aramco could lead to technological advancements in the oil industry.

The investment from Saudi Aramco is likely to support Rebellions Inc.’s growth and development, marking a significant step for the startup as it moves into the Middle East. This expansion into Saudi Arabia is significant as it marks the startup's move into the Middle East, positioning it to capitalize on the growing demand for sovereign AI technologies in the region.

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