DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – September 5, 2025: 500 Global, a leading international venture capital firm, and Creators HQ, the UAE’s premier content creator hub, today announced the launch of the Creators Ventures Accelerator. The strategic partnership aims to transform high-potential content creators into scalable startup founders, addressing the rapidly expanding creator economy projected to reach $480 billion by 2027.
Bridging Creator Influence and Venture Building
The inaugural accelerator cohort will support up to 20 promising creators and creator-enablers through a comprehensive 10-week hybrid program. Participants will leverage 500 Global’s proven venture-building methodology alongside Creators HQ’s specialized creator economy expertise and extensive network.
“Creators possess the influence, distribution channels, and community trust that traditional startups invest years developing,” said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner at 500 Global. “Our partnership with Creators HQ provides essential infrastructure for these visionaries to evolve into founders capable of scaling global enterprises.”
Comprehensive Acceleration Program
The Creators Ventures Accelerator combines business development fundamentals with creator economy-specific strategies. Program participants will receive:
- Mentorship from industry veterans and successful entrepreneur-creators
- Network access to 500 Global’s portfolio of 3,000+ companies across 80+ countries
- Business development tools tailored for creator-led ventures
- Investment readiness training and pitch preparation
- Market expansion guidance for scaling creative businesses globally
Strategic Regional Positioning
The partnership leverages 500 Global’s 13-year presence in the MENA region and track record of accelerating over 4,000 startups through 190+ programs worldwide. Creators HQ brings established infrastructure and government backing, having attracted 2,415 active members from 147 countries and 78 international companies in just six months of operation.
“We view creators as entrepreneurs, not just content producers,” said Her Excellency Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit. “This collaboration with 500 Global equips creators with the strategic knowledge, mentorship, and professional networks necessary to build industry-defining companies.”
Global Showcase Platform
The accelerator program will culminate at the 1 Billion Followers Summit (January 9-11, 2026), where participants will present their ventures to an international audience of investors, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and corporate partners. The summit will feature confirmed speakers including Jay Shetty, Supercar Blondie, and Marina Mogilko.
Market Impact and Vision
The initiative addresses a significant market opportunity within the creator economy’s rapid expansion. By providing structured entrepreneurial pathways for content creators, the program aims to generate scalable businesses that can compete globally while maintaining authentic creator-audience relationships.
Applications for the Creators Ventures Accelerator are now open at [application portal].
About 500 Global
500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm managing $2.1 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic development. With a portfolio spanning 5,000+ founders across 3,000+ companies in 80+ countries, 500 Global has backed 35+ unicorn companies and 150+ companies valued over $100 million. The firm’s 175+ team members operate from 25+ countries, bringing extensive experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators.
About Creators HQ
Creators HQ operates as Dubai’s government-backed creative ecosystem, established under the Content Creators Support Fund announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the 2024 1 Billion Followers Summit. The initiative provides comprehensive support including state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship programs, business setup assistance, and UAE Golden Visa pathways. Creators HQ’s member community collectively reaches over 2.45 billion followers across digital platforms, with strongest participation from the UK, US, India, France, and Germany.
