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Investment firm Merak Capital has partnered with Microsoft to accelerate the growth and impact of gaming start-ups in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership will see Saudi Arabia leverage Microsoft’s technical expertise and ecosystem to support entrepreneurs and further boost its games industry.
Microsoft will also grant gaming startups access to its Azure cloud services, advanced development tools, and a global partner network. Through the Exel Gaming Accelerator, startups can leverage AI to innovate and receive mentorship from industry experts.
The partnership builds on Merak Capital’s $80 million gaming fund to support the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector. The fund is overseen by the National Development Fund, the Social Development Bank, and the Saudi Esports Federation.
A step forward
“Microsoft has long been at the forefront of technology innovation, and our collaboration represents a significant step for Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem,” said Merak Capital CEO and founder Abdullah Altamami.
He added: “By bringing Microsoft’s industry-leading technology and global expertise into Exel Gaming Accelerator and the Merak Gaming Fund, we are providing gaming founders with the infrastructure, tools, and mentorship needed to build scalable businesses.
“This collaboration is about more than just technology; it’s about enabling studios to create commercially viable games that resonate with global audiences while strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the gaming industry.”
Microsoft Arabia president Turki Badhris commented: “At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering developers and creators with the tools they need to build transformative experiences.
”Our collaboration with Merak Capital represents an exciting opportunity to nurture gaming innovation in Saudi Arabia and support a thriving ecosystem that has the potential to make a global impact.”
Earlier this week, Merak Capital partnered with Savvy Games Groupto to boost the video games ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to help developers grow internationally by connecting them with investors and industry leaders for long-term expansion.
Moreover, Merak’s Exel Gaming Accelerator is now accepting applications from game startups seeking mentorship, funding, and strategic support. The application deadline is February 16th, 2025.
