Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global gaming hub is taking concrete shape with the Exel by Merak Gaming Accelerator, an initiative by Riyadh-based investment firm Merak Capital. With a fund of roughly $82 million, the program is designed to cultivate early-stage game studios from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, offering significant funding and strategic support.
Quick Facts
- Up to $300,000 in funding per studio.
- 14-week mandatory in-person program in Riyadh.
- Open to gaming studios across MENA and Africa.
- AI integration is a core curriculum focus.
The Saudi Vision 2030 Gaming Play
Exel by Merak is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, an ambitious part of Vision 2030. The accelerator aims to invest in 15 to 20 startups across its cohorts, with a clear target of producing at least 15 commercially successful games. This state-backed initiative signals a serious commitment to building a self-sustaining games industry within the Kingdom.
Breaking Down the $300K Package
Selected studios can receive up to $300,000, but it’s not all cash. The package is split into $150,000 in direct funding and another $150,000 in strategic in-kind support. This non-cash portion includes weekly mentorship from industry veterans, structured guidance on development and go-to-market strategies, and access to Merak’s high-profile partner network, which includes Savvy Games Group, Huawei, and Microsoft.
Faisal Sedrani, CEO of Exel by Merak, has described the investment as “catalytic, not symbolic,” emphasizing that the goal is to provide enough runway for studios to hit key milestones and secure follow-on funding, rather than funding a game’s entire production cycle.
From Bootcamp to Demo Day: The Program Structure
The accelerator journey is broken down into six distinct phases. It begins with a rolling application and selection process, where teams are evaluated on their strength, market potential, and technical execution.
Successful applicants first enter a two-week virtual bootcamp for initial onboarding and goal-setting. Following this, a final filtering round selects the top performers for the main event: a 14-week in-person accelerator in Riyadh. This phase demands full-time commitment from the core team and culminates in a Demo Day, where startups pitch to investors, publishers, and key industry stakeholders. Merak also provides post-program support through its network to facilitate continued growth.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility and Relocation
The program is open to studios with at least an MVP or a vertical slice in development. International teams must relocate to Saudi Arabia for the 14-week in-person phase, with Exel providing support for the move, stipends, accommodation, and travel. Local Saudi companies must have a valid Commercial Registration (CR).
While branded as a MENA initiative, its geographic scope is wide. The first two cohorts attracted over 5,000 applications from more than 70 countries. Sedrani has explicitly confirmed that African studios from hubs like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are encouraged to apply, citing potential for cross-regional collaboration.
The Commercial Mindset: Avoiding Common Founder Pitfalls
A recurring theme from the Exel team is the need for commercial acumen. Sedrani notes that a common mistake is founders pitching a creative vision without a solid business plan. The accelerator is structured to shift the founder mindset from simply “building a game” to “building a profitable company.” The curriculum relentlessly focuses on market demand, user acquisition, retention, and clear monetization strategies.
“The programme empowers you to grow your business and it also lets you identify who you are as a founder,” said program advisor Kelly Zmak. “We will poke at your weaknesses and we will reinforce your strengths.”
Applications for Cohort 3 close on May 21st, 2026, and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Exel by Merak Gaming Accelerator
Exel by Merak is the gaming-focused accelerator arm of Merak Capital, a Saudi Arabia-based investment firm. The program is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its National Gaming and Esports Strategy. It targets early-stage game studios, publishing platforms, and adjacent services, providing funding, mentorship, and strategic support to help them scale into commercially viable companies.
Source: PocketGamer.biz
