Exel by Merak has significantly advanced Saudi Arabia's gaming ambitions by investing $5.1 million across 17 startups from its inaugural accelerator program. The investment was announced during a Demo Day in Riyadh, marking the culmination of an intensive development period for the selected companies. This strategic funding underscores the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global hub for game development and innovation.
A Landmark Investment in Gaming Innovation
The Demo Day served as a platform for the 17 startups to present their games and business models to over 450 industry stakeholders. Each company received $300,000 in equity investment, part of a collective $5.1 million injection from the Merak Gaming Fund. This event showcased the tangible outcomes of the accelerator and the high potential within the Saudi gaming ecosystem.
The cohort was selected through a highly competitive process that attracted more than 300 applications from around the world. This rigorous selection highlights the global interest in the Saudi market and the high caliber of talent the program sought to cultivate. The chosen studios represent a diverse range of creative visions, many incorporating local culture with an appeal for international audiences.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Capital
Throughout the intensive program, participating founders received far more than just financial backing. The accelerator provided crucial support in product decision-making, strengthening publishing readiness, and refining commercial execution strategies. An in-house team of globally experienced specialists guided the startups through every stage of their development journey.
A network of 18 globally experienced mentors offered end-to-end guidance, providing invaluable industry insights and connections. Furthermore, the program facilitated access to key technology partners, including industry giants like Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS. This holistic support system was designed to transform creative ideas into sustainable and scalable businesses.
Strategic Vision for a Global Gaming Hub
This initiative is a core component of a larger strategy to build a sustainable pipeline for gaming innovation within the Kingdom. Backed by Merak Capital's $80 million gaming fund and institutional partners, the accelerator aims to empower a new generation of developers. The program targets game studios, technology creators, and publishing platforms to foster a complete and robust ecosystem.
Faisal Sedrani, CEO of Exel by Merak, emphasized that the program signals a major shift for the nation's role in the industry. The goal is to transition Saudi Arabia from being a primary consumer of games to a significant developer and exporter of original gaming intellectual property. This vision aligns with broader national objectives to diversify the economy and foster creative industries.
The timing of this investment is critical, as Saudi Arabia represents one of the world's fastest-growing gaming markets. By nurturing homegrown studios and attracting international talent, Exel by Merak is directly fueling the local creative economy. This positions the Kingdom to become a serious contender and a key producer in the global gaming landscape.
The successful conclusion of Exel by Merak's first Demo Day and the substantial investment represent more than just a funding round. It is a clear declaration of Saudi Arabia's intent to cultivate a world-class gaming industry from the ground up. By empowering local and international entrepreneurs, the Kingdom is strategically positioning itself as a formidable new force in global game development.