press release:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 13, 2026 – Outliers Venture Capital announced the launch of the Outliers Fellowship Program 2026, the firm’s flagship talent initiative aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, builders and managers across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
The 2026 edition is delivered in exclusive partnership with Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s venture ecosystem through the development of a long-term, actionable talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.
This fellowship builds on the momentum of last year’s inaugural cohort, which attracted hundreds of applicants from 14 countries and delivered a high-impact summer experience in Riyadh. Fellows come from leading global and regional institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, Purdue University, King’s College London, and KFUPM. This cohort participated in 10 carefully selected sessions with key founders, executives, and investors, many of whom secured extension or full-time opportunities.
The fellowship program is highly selective and competitive, with acceptance rates in the single digits. It brings together fellows across engineering, product, and business disciplines. Embedded in high-growth technology companies and technology investment firms, we are supported by structured, in-person programming. More than 40% of Fellows secure an extension or follow-on role by the end of the program, demonstrating the uniqueness of Fellows and the fellowship’s effectiveness in developing and equipping them with the best skill sets to become top performers in their careers.
The fellowship is designed to meet the ecosystem’s pressing needs, addressing the shortage of qualified operators, limited early exposure to real company building, and the need to retain top talent within the region. It creates a structured pathway to connect ambitious early-stage talent with venture-backed, high-growth technology companies across the Outliers and SVC networks, embedding future operators in high-performance, innovation-driven cultures and strengthening the talent base needed to scale companies. This partnership marks the first time a regional fund of funds has formally supported a region-specific talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.
The Outliers Fellowship provides fellows with:
Summer internships with leading technology companies in the Outliers and SVC network, including Lean, Strataphy, Stream, Lendo, Penny, Soum, Ejari, and Stitch Customized 1-on-1 mentorship sessions High-impact, curated weekly in-person programs designed to advance Fellows’ careers and learning A lifelong community of fellows and like-minded ambitious builders
Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Director of SVC, said: “This partnership reflects SVC’s national role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s venture capital ecosystem through a holistic approach that goes beyond investment. Building human capital, strengthening organizational capacity, and fostering knowledge and awareness are essential to the long-term competitiveness of the ecosystem. This fellowship provides a practical model for developing talent who can operate at global standards and support Saudi economic transformation.”
“A technology ecosystem is ultimately only as strong as the people who choose to build within it,” said Sarah AlSaleh, general partner at Outliers. “The Outliers Fellowship is designed to give emerging talent early exposure to a real-world production environment and meaningful experience for aspiring companies. SVC By partnering with us, we can build on this pipeline with long-term intent and help shape the next generation of operators that will define the next chapter for the region.”
The program positions Riyadh as a central hub for company building and operator training by bringing the best students from around the world to Riyadh every summer. Doing so aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by developing talent, accelerating job creation, and fostering innovation.
Applications for the 2026 Fellowship will open on January 26th and close on February 27th.
