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Aramco Ventures Expands Footprint with New Paris Office

In an exciting move for the company, Aramco Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco, has recently unveiled plans to establish a new office in Paris, France, slated to open in 2026. This strategic expansion underscores Aramco's growing dedication to fostering global innovation, particularly as it continues to invest in next-generation technologies aimed at enhancing its long-term business diversification strategy and transforming the energy sector.

With over $7 billion allocated for investments, Aramco Ventures plays a pivotal role in identifying and backing innovative startups and technological solutions across various industries. The forthcoming Paris office will serve as a vital hub for accessing France's and Europe's dynamic innovation ecosystem, which is globally recognized for its strengths in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial digitization, and quantum computing.

Paris: A Strategic Hub for Innovation and Growth

France is rapidly emerging as one of the foremost centers of innovation in the EU, particularly in the fields of AI, digital technologies, and quantum research. This surge is being fueled by daring governmental initiatives and a robust ecosystem comprising startups, universities, researchers, and investors. National efforts like the quantum strategy and extensive investments in AI have positioned France as a significant location for global technology investments.

The innovation landscape is further bolstered by top-tier academic institutions, such as Paris-Saclay University, which ranks first in Europe in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Platforms like Station F, the world's largest startup campus, also contribute to the region's attractiveness for innovation.

Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer and Chairman of Aramco Ventures, stated, "Aramco is leveraging advanced technologies with the potential to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the world today." He emphasized that Aramco Ventures, under its global venture capital program, plays a crucial role by funding startups and growth-stage companies at the forefront of innovation, covering areas from sustainability to industrial AI. The establishment of the Paris office reflects Aramco Ventures' intent to amplify its international presence and contribute to significant scientific and technological advancements in France, as it ranks among the top three venture capital markets in Europe.

Building on Existing Investment Successes in France

Aramco is no stranger to the French research scene, having established a fuel research center in Paris focusing on energy, transportation, and the environment. Additionally, through its venture programs, Aramco has already made two significant investments in French startups: Pasqal, a quantum computing company, and Prophesee, a developer of a neuromorphic vision processing platform aimed at enhancing efficiency and intelligence in video processing systems.

The new Paris office signifies Aramco Ventures' intention to deepen collaborations with founders, institutions, and investors in France while fostering the scaling of next-generation technologies in sectors such as AI, quantum research, deep tech, and sustainability.

About Aramco Ventures

Aramco Ventures is the corporate venturing division of Aramco, a leading integrated energy and chemicals company globally. Headquartered in Dhahran, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, Aramco Ventures invests worldwide in startups and growth companies with technologies critical to its parent company. The endeavor primarily supports operational decarbonization, the development of new lower-carbon fuel businesses, and digital transformation initiatives. Furthermore, Aramco Ventures operates Prosperity7, the company’s investment program focused on groundbreaking technologies.

For more details, please visit www.aramcoventures.com.