STUCK?, the AI-powered language intelligence platform, has officially closed its pre-seed funding round, securing a high six-figure strategic investment to advance AI-driven Arabic language solutions and reshape future content and communication in the region.
The round was led by Mena Tech Fund (MTF), a UK-based VC, with STUCK? being their first investment in Saudi Arabia. Additional backing came from the KAUST Innovation Fund and key Saudi angel investors—including Maha Taibah, founder of RUMMAN, Basma Bushnak, co-founder and CEO of Emkan Education (now PWC)—and several other key investors who spearheaded the syndicate through Oqal.
This latest round builds on early backing from 500 Global (Sanabil) and STUCK?’s 2024 Taqadam Program victory, further cementing its rapid rise as a leader in AI+Human blended language and content services in the region.
A Language Revolution at the Intersection of AI and Human Expertise
STUCK? isn’t just a translation and content generation platform—it’s a language intelligence powerhouse. In a region where context is everything, STUCK? fuses AI efficiency with human precision to deliver instant, culturally nuanced content that doesn’t just translate—it resonates.
Unlike traditional language services, STUCK? gives businesses control over their voice with three journey options—fully AI-driven, fully human, or a hybrid approach—offering the flexibility to craft messaging with the perfect balance of speed, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity—with a focus on culture and dialect.
Over the past year, STUCK? has gained serious traction, securing major corporate clients and forging key partnerships, including a Saudi Giga Project, solidifying its position as the go-to language partner for high-impact initiatives.
The Bag That Launched a Tech Powerhouse
For CEO Asmaa Naga, the idea for STUCK? started with a luxury designer bag—or rather, the decision not to buy one. Instead, she chose to invest in launching a game-changing tech platform.
This wasn’t just a bold leap—it was a move backed by expertise. With a Master of Science in Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching from the University of Oxford and over a decade of experience as a language educator, Naga had spent years studying how people communicate across cultures.
She recognised that the region didn’t just need another translation service—it needed a dynamic AI-powered platform that could bridge the gap between machine efficiency and human nuance, designed specifically for Arabic and its dialects and its relation to other languages.
That decision developed into STUCK?, a platform that’s flipping the script on Arabic-language AI and proving that investing in the right idea is always the best fashion statement.
Strategic Use of Funds: Scaling AI-Powered Localisation
With this fresh round of funding, STUCK? is set to push the boundaries of AI-powered language solutions. The company will focus on:
Fine-tuning AI models with a deep focus on localised Arabic, allowing businesses to customise their own AI-driven language tools for their specific needs.
Expanding language offerings, starting with Chinese, to bridge new international markets and enhance global connectivity.
Developing on-premise AI solutions for enterprises that require localised, AI-driven language intelligence within their secure ecosystems.
Redefining AI & Tech Leadership
STUCK? isn’t just breaking language barriers—it’s rewriting the playbook for women in tech. Rooted in Saudi Arabia, STUCK? is a rare powerhouse of female leadership in AI, with 93% of its workforce made up of women from different parts of the world.
The executive team includes:
Asmaa Naga, Founder & CEO
Tasneem Islam, Partner & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Hossam Ahmed, Paertner & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Their work isn’t just about building smarter AI—it’s about reshaping the future of technology in the MENA region and beyond, while maintaining the human touch.
STUCK? is a next-generation language intelligence platform combining AI efficiency with human expertise to deliver culturally nuanced, high-precision content in English and Arabic. Trusted by consultancies, digital platforms, marketing agencies, educational institutions, and government projects, STUCK? is redefining how businesses bridge language gaps in a rapidly evolving global market.
