Orbit Startups and Sanabil Investments Launch Accelerator for Early-Stage Tech Innovation Across Saudi Arabia and MENA

Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit aims to ignite early-stage startups in high-growth sectors across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.

New Delhi, India, 7th January 2025 – Orbit Startups (Orbit) and Sanabil Investments have unveiled the Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit, a new program designed to nurture early-stage startups from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as global startups aiming to expand into these markets. The accelerator will target key sectors such as fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, mobility, and logistics.

This partnership signifies a major milestone for Orbit, which has supported 45 portfolio companies in the MENA region since 2020. The initiative underscores Orbit’s dedication to fostering economic transformation in emerging markets through technology and entrepreneurship while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital innovation.

Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit is an extension of Sanabil’s commitment to early-stage startups and is the second accelerator launched since 2021. The first, Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global, now in its 8th edition, focuses on seed investment. In contrast, Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit will concentrate on pre-seed investment.

Participating startups will receive an initial investment of USD $100,000 and access to follow-on funding. The four-month program will emphasize sales, marketing, and product development, followed by lifetime membership in the Orbit and Sanabil ecosystem. Startups will also benefit from an in-person market orientation in Riyadh and receive hands-on support from Orbit’s extensive network of partners, mentors, and investors.

“Entrepreneurship is the catalyst for economic transformation, and technology pushes the boundaries of what is possible,” said William Bao Bean, Managing General Partner of Orbit Startups. “We’ve been bridging innovation from startups and large organizations, including corporates, conglomerates, and governments, for the past 15 years. Our partnership with Sanabil reinforces our commitment to scaling startups cross-border in the MENA region. By equipping startups with the necessary resources, we’re enabling industry disruption and unlocking substantial economic potential. This partnership will support startups as they scale beyond their home markets, positioning them for growth in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region through 2030 and beyond.”

A Sanabil Investments spokesperson added, “Partnering with Orbit, we are committed to empowering early-stage startups across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, web3, and mobility. Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit is designed to foster innovation and drive the growth of Saudi’s startup ecosystem. This initiative reflects our dedication to supporting visionary entrepreneurs and promoting long-term sustainable development.”

This collaboration aims to cultivate innovation and enhance the region’s entrepreneurial landscape, driving growth and economic development across MENA and beyond.