Exel by Merak promotes Deema Almutairi to manager
She will oversee the accelerator's operations as it continues supporting game startups across the KSA
Riyadh-based gaming accelerator Exel by Merak has promoted Deema Almutairi to manager.
Almutairi has been with Exel by Merak for nearly two years, joining the company as a program manager in 2024. In her new role, she will oversee the accelerator's operations as it continues supporting game startups across Saudi Arabia.
Alongside her position at Exel, Almutairi also served as an associate on Merak Capital's Innovation Platform during the same period, contributing to the firm's wider innovation initiatives.
Before joining Exel, she worked as a project manager at GameFounders, the global games-focused accelerator, after previously holding several leadership positions at Saudi gaming community organisation GCON.
Accelerator growth
Exel by Merak was launched through Merak Capital's $80 million gaming fund in 2024 to support local and international game developers in Saudi Arabia.
Its first cohort invested $5.1m across 17 startups, with each company receiving $300,000 in equity funding. The accelerator has also become the first gaming-focused programme to join the Riyadh Creative District.
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