Misk Accelerator

3-month zero equity accelerator program empowering seed-stage tech startups to scale their ventures to the next stages.

Program Format

Online

Program Type

Internship

Language

Arabic

Page Sections

Program details

Program Highlights

Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Format

Online

Program Type

Internship

Language

Arabic

Program Details

The Misk Accelerator was founded in 2019 with the goal of enabling and supporting early-stage tech startups locally and worldwide that seek to have Saudi Arabia, the largest market in the MENA region, as their platform to operate and grow.

Since 2019, the Misk Accelerator has supported 193 startups across 10 cohorts. In its 11^th cohort, a qualified batch of 20 startups will participate in the 12-week hybrid (in-person and virtual) program providing startups with all the mentorship, resources, and tools aimed at accelerating their growth and expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Program Elements

1-to-1 Coaching Sessions

These sessions are designed to customize your Misk Accelerator experience by having hands-on detailed sessions around core elements.

Feb 2025

Focus Weeks

These in-person weeks are meticulously crafted to equip startups with the essential tools and guidance vital for excelling in diverse aspects of their entrepreneurial journey.

Feb 2025

MasterClasses & Workshops

These sessions are led by industry leaders and entrepreneurship experts to share their knowledge and insights through tailored content followed by Q&A to address your particular challenges.

Feb 2025

Misk Accelerator Investor Night

This key event revolves around founders presenting their business ideas to a distinguished group of venture capitalists and angel investors, followed by curated 1:1 introductions to maximize the potential of investment.

Feb 2025

Demo Day

The grand finale! The flagship Misk Accelerator Demo Day is one of the premier events in the KSA innovation calendar - expect senior stakeholders to attend that are eager to learn more about YOUR game-changing solution.

Feb 2025

Global Engagement

Startups will travel to a global innovation hub, engaging with vibrant local ecosystems to expand operations and connect with investors.

Feb 2025

Secure Direct Equity Investments

Selected startups will receive direct equity investments from a global venture investment partner, providing the capital needed to scale rapidly.

Feb 2025

Program Highlights

Zero equity

Access to local and global network of founders, investors, communities, and more

Business development and funding opportunities

Access to shared office space

Tailored support services and IT perks

Post-program support

Program Achievements

193

Accelerated startups

93%

Of startups recommend the program

3430

Jobs created by startups

2.28

Billions collective startups’ valuation

Program Requirements

1. Geographic Location:

Must be based in Saudi Arabia.

2. Youth-Focused Impact:

Over 50% of the organization's beneficiaries should be youth.

3. Legal Status:

Registered NPO (e.g. Association, nonprofit company or endowment) or Social Business (e.g. has commercial registration along with social business accreditation).

Program Requirements

We are looking for startups that meet the following criteria:

Tech startups
Early-stage with early traction
Operating or looking to scale in KSA
Post MVP

Application Process

Select the Misk Accelerator program and apply.

The Misk Accelerator team will review your application based on eligibility criteria and interviews.

All applicants will receive an email confirming or rejecting their program enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program is 3-months long.

No, there are no fees for participating in the program.

The program offers a hybrid experience of in-person and virtual sessions. The physical parts will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The program covers full accommodation expenses and partial flights expenses for the physical weeks.

No, the program is open for all nationalities residing in Saudi or any country around the world.

The program is zero equity and in return does not offer funding.

We expect founders to commit fully to the program and to working full-time on their startup.

The program is designed for founders. However, team members are allowed to participate in some of the program’s sessions and activities.

Given the diversity of the participants, mentors, and speakers, most of the program sessions are conducted in English; thus, a strong verbal and written English language skills are required.

Yes, if you have applied before and have not gotten in, we strongly encourage you to apply again. Having made progress since your last application is a strong signal to us.

Startups are not allowed to be enrolled in another accelerator during the program.