500 Global and Sanabil unveil the tenth accelerator cohort, selecting nine high-growth startups from 735+ applications and strengthening MENA’s innovation ecosystem.
It’s always a bit of a thrill watching how accelerator programmes evolve in the region, and the latest update from 500 Global and Sanabil Investments highlights how far things have come. The pair have just revealed the tenth batch of the Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global, narrowing down more than 735 applications to just nine startups that will now push towards Demo Day on 17 December 2025.
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This new cohort spans a broad mix of sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, data infrastructure, martech, and e-commerce enablement. According to the announcement, the selected teams demonstrated real traction and a deep understanding of their customers’ challenges — exactly what investors are looking for in today’s market.
This year’s programme emphasizes execution over theory, with fast iterations, hands-on support, and peer learning from other founders. Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global MENA, highlighted how both the accelerator and startups have matured over the years, noting that some founders are returning with new ventures after exiting earlier ones — a telling sign that a real startup cycle is forming in the region.
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Sanabil’s spokesperson also underscored the rise in ambition inside Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem, stating that the surge in applications reflects growing confidence. Innovations from the programme contribute to economic diversification and create new opportunities far beyond the Kingdom.
While the final nine startups weren’t disclosed, they are set to present on Demo Day, where a curated group of VCs will attend. Applications for the next round are already open to founders across MENA who want to join what has become a highly influential community.
The broader context shows the growing footprint of both organisations. 500 Global now manages around $2.2 billion in assets and has backed more than 3,000 companies worldwide, including several unicorns. Sanabil Investments, meanwhile, deploys over $3 billion annually into private investments as part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, bolstering global growth and VC opportunities.
Why 500 Global and Sanabil Matter to MENA
For founders aiming to scale from MENA to global markets, 500 Global and Sanabil have become an increasingly important launchpad. If Batch 10 is any indication, the next wave of innovators in the region could be even stronger.
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