Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit is a four-month pre-seed accelerator and market-entry program for tech startups looking to build and scale in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through Saudi Arabia. The program supports startups from Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, as well as global startups seeking to expand into the region, through investment, mentorship, training, and access to the regional startup ecosystem.
Program Details
• Program Duration: Each accelerator batch runs for four months.
• Investment: Every startup selected for the accelerator receives an investment of USD $80,000–$100,000.
• Program Fees: There are no fees for participating in the program.
• Language of Instruction: The program is conducted entirely in English. Founders are expected to have a strong command of spoken and written English.
Eligibility Criteria
• Startup Profile: The program is designed for tech startups with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Selected companies may range from startups at the MVP stage with little or no traction to companies at the growth stage.
• Target Stage: The accelerator is formally positioned as a pre-seed program, although applicants may be at different levels of commercial traction.
• Founder Commitment: Founders must be working on their ventures full-time and be able to dedicate the necessary time to the full accelerator curriculum.
• Geographic Focus: The program is open to startups from Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, as well as global startups seeking to enter or expand into MENA through Saudi Arabia.
• Travel Requirement: Founders must be able to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the in-person portions of the four-month program.
• Team Participation: All founders are expected to participate in each program session. Startups may also include up to two additional team members.
Program Structure
• Weeks 1–3 / Phase 1: Develop a Working Foundation: The first phase focuses on kickoff, onboarding, goal setting, and storytelling fundamentals. Participants refine their startup's purpose, establish actionable milestones, develop a compelling company narrative, learn about doing business in Saudi Arabia, and connect with key members of the local startup ecosystem.
• Weeks 4–7 / Phase 2: Market Validation & Questioning Assumptions: Participants focus on validating their business models and preparing for fundraising. Topics include customer persona development, customer interviews, competitor analysis, market positioning, and an introduction to the fundraising process.
• Weeks 8–12 / Phase 3: Accelerate Your Product: This phase focuses on product development, growth, and traction. Startups refine their UI/UX, conduct data-driven growth experiments, and develop key fundraising materials, including an investment pitch deck and financial model.
• Weeks 13–16 / Phase 4: Perfect Your Pitch: The final phase prepares startups for investor engagement and fundraising. Participants take part in pitch clinics, receive personalized mentorship, and obtain direct feedback from venture capital investors to strengthen their fundraising pitches.
Application and Timeline
• Application Deadline: Applications for Batch 5 close on 1 October 2026.
• Next Batch Start: The next accelerator batch is scheduled to begin in October 2026.
• Location Requirement: Founders are required to be present in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during Weeks 1–4 and Weeks 8–12 of the accelerator.
• Fundraising Support: Each batch concludes with a Demo Day designed to connect participating startups with regional venture capital firms, angel investors, and family offices.
About the Organizers
• Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit: A four-month pre-seed accelerator and market-entry program supporting tech startups seeking to build and scale across the MENA region through Saudi Arabia.
• Orbit Ventures: A venture capital firm and accelerator operator supporting technology startups across emerging and growth markets.
• Sanabil Investments: A financial investment company wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Sanabil commits more than USD $3 billion in capital annually to global private investments, including venture capital, growth, and small buyout opportunities.
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit provides tech startups with a structured pathway to validate their business models, accelerate product and commercial growth, access investment, and establish a presence in the MENA market through Saudi Arabia. The program is open to qualified regional founders as well as global startups pursuing expansion into the region.