Exel by Merak opens applications for first cohort

user icon
NOHA.GAD
calender icon
Jan 21, 2025
article image

Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Exel by Merak, the new gaming accelerator funded by Merak Capital’s $80 million gaming fund, opened applications for its inaugural cohort, offering a transformative platform for startups to refine their offerings, scale their businesses, and unlock investment opportunities through a structured program.

The accelerator targets nurturing the growth of gaming startups, equipping founders with essential resources, mentorship, and funding to enhance their ventures and contribute meaningfully to the global gaming landscape, a recent statement revealed.

Exel operates within the framework of the Merak Gaming Fund, a strategic initiative supported by the National Development Fund (NDF) aimed at fortifying Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem.

Faisal Sedrani, Vice President and Leader of Exel by Merak, stated that the accelerator’s mission is to empower gaming founders to build sustainable businesses while connecting them to a robust network of local and international experts.

The application process is competitive, targeting startups with innovative concepts and strong growth potential. Selected participants will receive initial convertible note investment to kickstart their development, with opportunities for follow-on investments contingent on progress.

Abdullah Altamami, Founder and CEO of Merak Capital, commented: “The National Development Fund's sponsorship of the Merak Gaming Fund underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultivating a world-class gaming ecosystem. Exel by Merak is an embodiment of this vision, equipping startups with the resources, mentorship, and funding necessary for success on a global scale.”

Participants will further benefit from expert mentorship through weekly sessions with seasoned gaming professionals and ongoing support from a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR).

The accelerator program begins with a two-week virtual bootcamp focused on refining business strategies, followed by a 16-week acceleration phase that emphasizes scaling, product commercialization, and investment readiness. 


Share

Related News

Alkhabeer, Fasanara partner to advance fintech credit solutions in Kingdom
News
Calendar Icon
July 17, 2025
Alkhabeer, Fasanara partner to advance fintech credit solutions in Kingdom
Read More
Schneider Electric launches Lauritz Knudsen brand in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
July 17, 2025
Schneider Electric launches Lauritz Knudsen brand in Saudi Arabia
Read More
Elon Musk’s xAI in talks for data center deal in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
July 17, 2025
Elon Musk’s xAI in talks for data center deal in Saudi Arabia
Read More
E-commerce market increases demand for Grade A warehousing in Kingdom
News
Calendar Icon
July 16, 2025
E-commerce market increases demand for Grade A warehousing in Kingdom
Read More
Shareek, SDAIA sign MoU to advance Saudi AI and data innovation
News
Calendar Icon
July 16, 2025
Shareek, SDAIA sign MoU to advance Saudi AI and data innovation
Read More
Nesma & Partners completes acquisition of Al Yusr Industrial Contracting
News
Calendar Icon
July 16, 2025
Nesma & Partners completes acquisition of Al Yusr Industrial Contracting
Read More
Tuwaiq Academy, Google Cloud launch ‘3,000 Developers Initiative’
News
Calendar Icon
July 16, 2025
Tuwaiq Academy, Google Cloud launch ‘3,000 Developers Initiative’
Read More
EEP to launch, operate schools in Riyadh starting 2026
News
Calendar Icon
July 15, 2025
EEP to launch, operate schools in Riyadh starting 2026
Read More
Mastercard renews partnership with 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh
News
Calendar Icon
July 15, 2025
Mastercard renews partnership with 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh
Read More
Uber unveils new product to empower women in Saudi Arabia
News
Calendar Icon
July 15, 2025
Uber unveils new product to empower women in Saudi Arabia
Read More