Sanabil Investments, LAUNCH Announce Founder University
The program is designed to empower ‘year zero’ and ‘year one’ MENA-based early-stage founders to build scalable startups
Sanabil Investments, a company fully owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled Sanabil Founder University by LAUNCH—a global initiative created in collaboration with the American podcaster, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and author Jason Calacanis' firm. The collaboration marks Founder University’s first foray into the Kingdom and the broader MENA region.
The program is designed to empower ‘year zero’ and ‘year one’ MENA-based early-stage founders—whether they’re just starting out with an idea and a co-founder or already have a working minimum viable product (MVP) and initial users—to build scalable startups. While the program doesn’t guarantee funding, standout participants will gain exposure to top investors and may be considered for potential investment by LAUNCH or its partners during or after the program.
In a statement, a Sanabil spokesperson commented, “We are proud to bring Founder University to Riyadh as part of our efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem, enabling the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping the global economy.”
Jason Calacanis, founder of LAUNCH, added, “There’s a huge opportunity for the US and Saudi Arabia to build the most impactful startups of 2030 and beyond, starting with this program.”
The 12-week pre-accelerator program, which will be held in Riyadh in November 2025, blends virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate a global cohort of participants. Its curriculum is designed to cover critical startup fundamentals such as achieving product-market fit, structuring equity, acquiring customers, designing products, and navigating the fundraising landscape.
The initiative underscores Sanabil’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship both in Saudi Arabia and around the world by equipping aspiring founders with essential tools, mentorship, and resources to support them at the earliest stages of their startup journey.
Interested applicants can apply here.
