Outliers Venture Capital has announced the launch of the Outliers Fellowship Program 2026, a flagship talent initiative delivered in exclusive partnership with the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC). This collaboration aims to identify and develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, builders, and operators across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
The partnership marks the first time a regional fund of funds has formally backed a dedicated regional talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.
Bridging the Ecosystem Talent Gap
The fellowship addresses critical challenges within the regional startup landscape, specifically the shortage of skilled operators, limited early exposure to real company-building, and the need to retain top talent within the region. By connecting ambitious early talent with venture-backed, high-growth technology companies, the program aims to embed future operators inside high-performance teams.
Sarah AlSaleh, General Partner at Outliers, highlighted the strategic intent behind the initiative:
“The strength of any tech ecosystem is ultimately shaped by the people who choose to build within it. The Outliers Fellowship is designed to give emerging talent early, meaningful exposure to real operating environments and ambitious companies. Partnering with SVC allows us to build this pipeline with long-term intent and to help shape a generation of operators who will define the region’s next chapter.”
Program Structure and Opportunities
The fellowship creates a structured pathway for participants, offering a summer internship with leading technology companies across the Outliers and SVC networks, including Lean Technologies, Strataphy, Stream, Penny, Ejari, and Stitch.
Participants in the program will benefit from:
- Tailored Mentorship: One-on-one sessions designed to guide professional growth.
- Curated Programming: High-impact, in-person weekly programming in Riyadh to accelerate learning and career development.
- Community Access: Entry into a lifelong community of like-minded fellows.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural cohort, which attracted hundreds of applicants from 14 countries—including students from UC Berkeley, Purdue, and KFUPM—the program has proven its efficacy. More than 40% of the previous cohort secured extended or follow-on roles by the end of the program.
A National Commitment to Human Capital
The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by cultivating talent, accelerating job creation, and fostering innovation.
H.E. Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member of SVC, commented on the partnership:
“This partnership reflects SVC’s national role in advancing the venture capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia through a holistic approach that goes beyond investment. Building human capital, strengthening institutional capabilities, and fostering knowledge and awareness are essential to the long-term competitiveness of our ecosystem.”
Applications for the 2026 Fellowship will open on January 26 and close on February 27.
About Outliers Venture Capital
Outliers is an operator-led investment firm rooted in MENA that backs early-stage companies with conviction. The firm partners with founders who embrace bold challenges to shape early insights into category-defining companies.
About Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC)
Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) is an investment company established in 2018 and a subsidiary of the SME Bank, part of the National Development Fund (NDF). SVC aims to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and SMEs from pre-Seed to pre-IPO by investing $3 billion through fund investments and direct investments.
Source: Press Release
