The key facts
- Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed met with General Catalyst co-founder David Fialkow — technology, investments and economic growth were discussed.
- General Catalyst, founded in 2000, has invested in more than 800 companies, including Airbnb and Anthropic.
- Otter announced raising $320 million from General Catalyst's Customer Value Fund for international expansion and innovation.
Talks in Abu Dhabi
Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed held talks with American businessman and billionaire David Fialkow, co-founder of the venture firm General Catalyst. According to The National, the discussion centred on opportunities for business and technology partnerships, advances in the technology sector and their impact on investment trends. The parties emphasised the importance of leveraging expertise and investment opportunities to stimulate economic growth.
Participants' comments
In a post on X on Wednesday, Sheikh Tahnoon said the parties had “exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and potential avenues for cooperation”.
About General Catalyst
Fialkow founded General Catalyst in 2000. The company manages assets worth billions of dollars and has invested in more than 800 companies; its portfolio includes such diverse projects as Airbnb and Anthropic. On Tuesday, the AI-based voice transcription tool Otter announced raising $320 million from General Catalyst's Customer Value Fund — the funds will go towards international expansion and product innovation.
Sheikh Tahnoon's role
Sheikh Tahnoon also chairs the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council and plays a key role in Abu Dhabi's global investment strategy with a focus on advanced technologies. He regularly meets with leading business and technology leaders: he has previously held talks with G42 head Peng Xiao, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Jensen Huang and Satya Nadella, as well as with senior officials of the current US administration. In February, he met with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the growing importance of AI and the effectiveness of government administration.
