Exel by Merak kicks off Cohort 3 bootcamp with 60 gaming startups
The top 20 will advance to the in-person accelerator in Riyadh
Gaming accelerator Exel by Merak has launched the virtual bootcamp phase of its third cohort, with 60 startups taking part in a two-week intensive programme running from June 7th to June 18th.
The bootcamp combines expert-led sessions, hands-on labs, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship.
Participating startups will work with mentors, Entrepreneurs in Residence Kelly Zmak and Glendon Dphrepaulezz, and the broader Exel team to sharpen their strategies, strengthen their business models, and prepare final bootcamp pitches.
60 startups competing for 20 accelerator spots
Startups are competing for a place among the top 20 teams selected to join the in-person accelerator phase in Riyadh, which offers up to $300,000 per team, split between $150,000 in cash and $150,000 in strategic in-kind support.
The in-person phase runs for 14 weeks and requires full-time commitment from founding teams, including CEOs and co-founders.
Exel by Merak is the gaming accelerator arm of Saudi Arabia-based investment firm Merak Capital, which launched the programme in 2024 with approximately $82 million, targeting early-stage game studios across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
You can learn more about the accelerator here.
