Saudi Arabia’s gaming accelerator, Exel by Merak, hosted its first demo day, showcasing 17 gaming startups from its inaugural cohort and announcing a total investment of $5.1 million across the companies. The event marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s strategy to evolve from a major consumer of games into a global hub for game development.
By the Numbers
The first cohort highlights the accelerator’s significant commitment and global appeal:
- $5.1 Million: The total investment distributed among the 17 startups.
- 17 Startups: The number of companies in the accelerator’s first cohort.
- $300,000: The investment amount each participating startup received.
- 300+: The number of global applications the program received for its first batch.
Showcasing a New Wave of Saudi Gaming Talent
The demo day provided a platform for the 17 selected studios to present their original intellectual property to an audience of investors, publishers, and strategic partners. The projects were noted for being inspired by local stories but designed with international appeal and backed by scalable business models.
“The Demo Day is not only an opportunity to showcase the next gaming talent, but it also signals to the world that Saudi Arabia is a global hub for game studios, not just a market for consuming games,” said Faisal Sedrani, Vice President – Innovation Platform at Merak Capital and Head of Exel.
A Comprehensive Support System for Growth
Beyond the significant seed investment, Exel provides each startup with a comprehensive support program. This includes mentorship from industry leaders, legal and relocation assistance for global talent, and crucial access to technology partners such as Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS. This holistic approach is designed to foster scalable gaming businesses rooted in Saudi culture and primed for global markets.
Building a Long-Term Gaming Pipeline
The accelerator, powered by Merak Capital’s $80 million gaming fund and backed by the National Development Fund (NDF) and the Social Development Bank (SDB), is building a long-term pipeline to nurture the next generation of Saudi gaming startups. By combining capital with essential tools and expert guidance, Exel aims to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a world-class creator in the global gaming industry.
Source: WAYA
