500 Global, in partnership with Sanabil Investments, has announced the eight companies joining the eleventh batch of their joint accelerator program in Saudi Arabia. Selected from over 690 applications, the new cohort features startups building solutions in high-growth sectors including AI, fintech, healthcare diagnostics, and digital risk management. The program will culminate in a Demo Day on July 1, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Eighth batch of the Sanabil Accelerator program.
- 8 startups selected from over 690 applicants.
- Cohort focuses on AI, fintech, and healthcare tech.
A Focus on Execution and Resilience
This year’s selection process prioritized companies demonstrating strong operating discipline and clear business fundamentals. In response to regional uncertainty, the accelerator has adapted its format, delivering the initial phases of the program remotely as part of a hybrid model. This approach is designed to provide founders with practical support while offering the flexibility needed to navigate changing market conditions. Participants have engaged in targeted mentorship, operator-led workshops, and gained access to regional and global networks.
“Batch 11 reflects the rising caliber and ambition of founders building from the region today,” said Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global MENA. “We are seeing entrepreneurs develop globally relevant companies with stronger execution, deeper innovation, and clearer paths to scale.”
A spokesperson for Sanabil Investments added, “This cohort demonstrates the strength and relevance of the region’s next generation of founders, particularly those building solutions in sectors that matter most to long-term economic resilience and growth.”
Meet the Batch 11 Startups
The eight companies selected for the accelerator program are:
- Carevision: An AI platform that uses a smartphone camera to perform a 60-second cardiometabolic risk scan.
- Emtethal: A computer vision and IoT platform that helps hospitality operators detect and prevent food safety and operational violations in real-time.
- IBEA: A fintech solution that addresses late B2B payments by turning them into revenue for buyers while providing suppliers with early, debt-free access to capital.
- Kami: An AI-powered platform for Gen-Z creators, transforming short fictional stories into immersive, multi-format experiences to enable early monetization.
- Melon Digital: An insurtech app offering personalized insurance coverage, transparent pricing, and AI-powered claims processing.
- Raid AI: A tool that instantly detects deepfakes across various channels to help businesses prevent fraud and identity theft.
- TPP: A media intelligence company focused on creating and scaling Arabic content to help brands make data-driven marketing decisions.
- Xsquare: A platform that helps businesses connect their financial operations into a single, unified view, streamlining money management.
About The Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global
The Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global is a hybrid program supporting early-stage founders building companies in sectors critical to the MENA region’s future. The initiative provides capital, mentorship, and access to a global network to help accelerate the growth of participating startups. Applications for the next cohort are now open for startups across the MENA region.
Source: Yahoo Finance
