Saudi Arabia’s Exel by Merak Accelerator has made a bold move to strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the global gaming industry. The accelerator announced a $5.1 million investment across 17 gaming startups, each receiving $300,000 in funding along with mentorship, relocation support, and access to global technology partners.
From 300 Applications to 17 Startups
The first Exel cohort emerged after a highly competitive process that drew over 300 global applications. The selected studios represent not just promising business models, but also creative talent capable of producing games with international reach.
At the Demo Day event, the 17 startups showcased original intellectual property (IP). Many of these titles drew inspiration from Saudi culture while being designed to meet global standards. Investors, publishers, and strategic partners attended the showcase, underlining the growing confidence in Saudi’s ability to produce world-class gaming talent.
As Faisal Sedrani, Vice President – Innovation Platform at Merak Capital and Head of Exel, explained:
“The Demo Day is not only about presenting the next wave of gaming talent. It signals to the world that Saudi Arabia is now a hub for developing and exporting games, not just consuming them.”
What Startups Receive
Exel’s program goes beyond capital. Each participating startup benefits from a comprehensive support system aimed at turning creative visions into sustainable businesses. This includes:
- ✅ Equity Investment – Structured $300,000 funding for growth and scalability.
- ✅ Mentorship – Guidance from seasoned industry leaders.
- ✅ Market Readiness – Support in preparing for publishing, distribution, and scaling.
- ✅ Relocation Assistance – Help for teams moving to Saudi Arabia to access the ecosystem.
- ✅ Tech Partnerships – Direct connections with global partners such as Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS.
Building a Long-Term Gaming Pipeline
Exel’s mission isn’t limited to a single cohort. Backed by Merak Capital’s $80 million gaming fund, and institutionally supported by the National Development Fund (NDF) in collaboration with the Social Development Bank (SDB), the accelerator is laying the groundwork for a sustainable pipeline of gaming innovation in Saudi Arabia.
The program is designed to empower:
- ✅ Studios – Creating original games for global audiences.
- ✅ Technologies – Building tools that advance development and distribution.
- ✅ Publishing Platforms – Establishing Saudi Arabia as a hub for game publishing.
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets, with a population that actively plays and spends on games at higher rates than global averages. By nurturing homegrown studios and attracting global talent, Exel by Merak is not only fueling local creativity but also positioning the Kingdom as a serious global contender in the gaming industry.
This $5.1 million investment is more than financial support—it’s a signal that Saudi Arabia is moving quickly from being a consumer of games to a global producer and exporter of gaming IP.