Exel by Merak invests $300,000 each in 17 gaming startups at its first Demo Day

• Startups unveiled original IP rooted in Saudi stories but built for global markets.
• Merak Capital’s $80m Gaming Fund powers the accelerator’s long-term vision.
• Exel provides equity investment, mentorship, legal and relocation support to studios.
• The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to grow gaming as an industry.

Saudi-based gaming accelerator Exel by Merak has invested $300,000 each into 17 startups after concluding its first Demo Day. 

Chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants, the selected studios will also receive mentorship and hands-on support from global industry leaders. 

The Demo Day brought together investors, publishers, and partners to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming sector. 

Studios showcased original IP rooted in local stories that are crafted for global audiences, built to international standards, and supported by scalable business models.

“Defining a new benchmark" 

Backed by Merak Capital’s $80 million games fund, the accelerator offers equity investment, market readiness, legal and relocation assistance, and access to global partners like Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS.

The program aims to support gaming startups by providing founders with resources, mentorship, and funding to help grow their ventures and contribute to the global games industry as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. 

“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 head of Exel and VP of innovation platform at Merak Capital Faisal Sedrani. 

“With the support of our partners and backing of Merak Capital’s Gaming Fund, we’re defining a new benchmark in startup acceleration in the region, one that’s built on investment, mentorship, and scaling.”