Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Outliers Venture Capital unveiled the 2026 edition of its Outliers Fellowship Program, a highly selective initiative aimed at preparing the next wave of startup operators and builders across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

As per a recent press release, the new edition will be delivered in exclusive partnership with the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), aiming to strengthen the regional venture ecosystem by building a long-term, execution-ready talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.

The partnership marks the first time a regional fund of funds has formally backed a dedicated talent program for venture-backed startups.

The Fellowship builds on the success of last year’s inaugural cohort, which attracted applicants from 14 countries and hosted a summer program in Riyadh. Participants engaged with founders, operators, and investors, with more than 40 percent securing extended or full-time roles after completion.

The program brings together talent across engineering, product, and business functions, embedding Fellows within fast-growing technology companies. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by strengthening local talent, accelerating job creation, and positioning Riyadh as a regional hub for company building.