KSA-Based Gaming Accelerator Exel by Merak Stages First Demo Day

On August 15, 2025, KSA-based gaming accelerator Exel by Merak held its inaugural Demo Day, which was attended by investors, publishers, and strategic partners, spotlighting 17 gaming startups chosen from more than 300 global applicants to its program.  

Each of the participating startups received US$300,000 in funding, along with mentorship and hands-on guidance from international industry experts. 

Launched in 2024 as a subsidiary of Merak Capital, a KSA-based technology-focused investment firm, Exel by Merak supports studios, technologies, and publishing platforms through a comprehensive program that blends funding, mentorship, relocation assistance, and critical resources, helping them to build scalable businesses in line with Vision 2030 while competing on a global stage. 

Speaking with Inc. Arabia, Faisal Sedrani, Head of Exel by Merak and Vice President of the Innovation Platform at Merak Capital, said that the accelerator’s mission is to combine funding with holistic support that strengthens both founders and their companies. “At Exel, we believe that building successful gaming companies requires much more than investment,” Sedrani said. “Our selection and support model is holistic by design, we look at the strength of founders, the scalability of their vision, and their potential to add value to both Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem and the global gaming industry. Once selected, we support them across three critical pillars: mentorship from seasoned global experts, relocation assistance to ensure smooth integration into Saudi Arabia, and access to global partners ranging from publishers to investors. This comprehensive approach ensures founders have the tools, networks, and environment to thrive.” 

That philosophy shaped the process of selecting the 17 startups that took part in Exel’s inaugural Demo Day. “We were humbled to receive more than 300 applications from around the world," Sedrani shared. "From these, we first shortlisted the top 50 startups to join a two-week bootcamp, where they received training, met mentors, and worked on key deliverables. This allowed us to see their commitment, creativity, and ability to execute in real time."  

The 17 startups were selected based on their ability to grow, alignment with the Kingdom’s long-term ambitions in gaming, and their diversity across platforms spanning mobile, console, personal computer (PC), and emerging technologies. The selected startups also demonstrated a balanced mix of creativity, ambition, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on the global gaming stage, Sedrani added.

In addition to tailored support for market readiness, legal guidance, relocation assistance, and connections to leading global technology partners such as Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS, Exel by Merak will offer the startups a structured equity investment package. But what truly sets Exel by Merak apart, Sedrani noted, is not just the capital it provides, but the structured support that's designed to help founders succeed.

“Through mentorship, founders gain direct access to industry veterans who provide hands-on guidance, from product design to monetization strategies," Sedrani explained. "With relocation assistance, we make it seamless for international startups to establish a headquarters in Saudi Arabia, handling the operational complexities so they can focus on their business. And by facilitating introductions to global partners, whether publishers, investors, or technology providers, we accelerate their ability to scale beyond borders. When combined, these supports create a powerful ecosystem where founders are not just thriving, but positioned to grow into global leaders.” 

Faisal Sedrani, Head of Exel by Merak and Vice President of the Innovation Platform at Merak Capital.

Following the success of its inaugural cohort, Exel has established a sustainable pipeline to cultivate the next generation of Saudi gaming startups. The pipeline, which is fuelled by Merak Capital’s $80 million Gaming Fund, is backed by Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund (NDF) and run in collaboration with the Social Development Bank (SDB). 

As the Kingdom continues to expand its gaming ecosystem, Sedrani noted that the development of local studios is central to achieving both cultural authenticity and global competitiveness. “By nurturing a strong local gaming industry, we create the foundation for creativity, talent development, and authentic storytelling,” he said. “At the same time, we ensure that studios are exposed to global best practices, partnerships, and markets, so they can benchmark themselves at an international level. This dual approach allows Saudi studios to grow with cultural depth, while achieving the scale and sophistication needed to compete globally.” 

Sedrani emphasized that cultivating homegrown studios is essential for the Kingdom’s long-term ambitions in this domain. “Supporting local studios is essential, because they are the anchors of the gaming ecosystem," he said. "They create original works of art, generate job opportunities, and cultivate talent that will drive the industry forward for decades. Without strong local studios, the ecosystem would be overly reliant on importing content and expertise. By investing in Saudi-based creators, we ensure that the Kingdom becomes not just a consumer of games, but a global producer of original and influential content." 

Sedrani also pointed to the unique contribution that Saudi studios can bring to the global gaming landscape. “Saudi gaming studios bring a new perspective to a global industry that is always in demand for new narratives, art styles, and player experiences," he said. "They can blend global mechanics with regional narratives, offering diversity that enriches the medium as a whole. What makes this possible is the scale of ambition in Saudi Arabia, supported by strong infrastructure and capital. Through initiatives like Merak Gaming Fund and Exel by Merak, we are ensuring that these studios don’t just have the creative spark, but also the financial resources, mentorship, and global partnerships they need to succeed. This combination positions Saudi studios to contribute innovative ideas and large-scale productions that resonate far beyond our borders.” 

Sedrani also highlighted that Exel by Merak is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation agenda, which positions gaming as both a creative sector and a driver of economic growth. Here, Sedrani pointed to Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host a global event like the Esports World Cup as creating a powerful ripple effect across the wider gaming sector in Saudi Arabia. “The Esports World Cup has been a powerful spotlight, showing the world that Saudi Arabia is serious about this sector," he said. "While Exel by Merak doesn’t have an esports mandate, the global attention from events of this scale creates a halo effect across the broader gaming sector. It validates the Kingdom as a hub where gaming in all its forms can thrive."

“For emerging studios, this means increased visibility and credibility," Sedrani continued. "Investors who come to Saudi Arabia for esports quickly discover the depth of opportunities in game development, publishing, and company investability. That’s where Merak Gaming Fund and Exel by Merak play a critical role, channelling that momentum into tangible support for studios that are building original content and scalable businesses. We’re turning the spotlight into sustained investor interest that accelerates the growth of our local studios."

Pictured in the lead image is Faisal Sedrani, Head of Exel by Merak and Vice President of the Innovation Platform at Merak Capital. All images are courtesy of Merak Capital.