Saudi Arabia-based cybersecurity startup CQR has raised a $3 million funding round led by Shorooq Partners, marking a major milestone in its mission to redefine Operational Technology (OT) security through AI-driven, product-based solutions. The investment will fuel CQR’s expansion, enabling it to scale its AI capabilities and strengthen critical infrastructure protection.
Revolutionizing OT Cybersecurity
Founded in 2023 by Naser Aldossary, CQR is shifting the cybersecurity industry away from service-heavy models to a scalable, AI-powered product-driven approach. With the convergence of IT and OT environments, industrial sectors like oil & gas, manufacturing, power plants, and smart cities face increasing cyber threats.
CQR’s solutions aim to eliminate costly downtime risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. In addition, it looks to provide automated threat detection, risk scoring, and rapid response mechanisms—all without requiring deep cybersecurity expertise from industrial operators.
Investor Confidence in CQR’s Vision
Shorooq’s decision to lead the funding round signals strong confidence in CQR’s potential to transform OT cybersecurity.
“Our investment aligns with our vision to back transformative technology companies addressing critical industry challenges,” said Yousef Albabtain, Partner at Shorooq. “CQR is disrupting a traditionally service-heavy industry, making OT security more accessible, efficient, and scalable. We believe their solutions will set a new industry standard.”
Securing National Infrastructure
Cyberattacks on OT systems can lead to financial losses, operational disruptions, and national security threats. Recognizing this, CQR’s leadership—comprising industry veterans from Aramco, Dragos, and other leading security firms—brings deep expertise in protecting industrial assets.
The company’s strategy aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes cybersecurity sovereignty and the protection of national infrastructure.
“Cyber threats in OT environments are evolving rapidly, and traditional security models are no longer enough,” said Naser Aldossary, Founder & CEO of CQR. “This investment will allow us to expand our AI capabilities and ensure industries remain resilient against emerging threats.”
A Growing Need for AI-Driven Security
Cybercriminals and non-state actors are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure worldwide. As cybersecurity expert Pierre Noel (former CSO at Microsoft Asia and CISO at Huawei) put it:
“OT cybersecurity is not just an IT concern—it is a matter of national security. CQR’s approach represents the future of OT security—intelligent, product-driven, and built to secure the backbone of modern industry.”
With this fresh investment, CQR is poised to lead the next phase of cybersecurity innovation in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Moreover, it is offering AI-driven protection that ensures the safety, efficiency, and resilience of industrial operations.
