Applications now open for the 2025 accelerator empowering Saudi female tech founders
Standard Chartered, in partnership with Falak Investment Hub, has launched the third cohort of its ‘Women in Tech’ (WiT) accelerator in Saudi Arabia. The 2025 edition invites women-led and women-founded tech startups to apply for a focused programme designed to help founders scale through mentorship, funding, and market access.
Under the theme “Innovate. Lead. Inspire.”, this year’s initiative builds on two successful cycles and is part of Standard Chartered’s global Futuremakers initiative, which promotes economic inclusion through entrepreneurship, education, and employability.
Applications are open until June 27, 2025, with the programme set to begin in early July. The top three startups will be awarded a total of USD 45,000 in equity-free grants.
A Platform for Purpose-Driven Growth
The WiT accelerator is powered by Falak Investment Hub, a Riyadh-based investment and innovation platform that has worked with over 180 startups across the region. The partnership combines Falak’s local ecosystem expertise with Standard Chartered’s global platform to support female tech founders building solutions with impact.
Mazen Bunyan, CEO of Standard Chartered Saudi Arabia, stated:
“Through this programme, we continue to support women-led innovation and inclusive growth in the Kingdom. The initiative reflects our belief that empowering diverse talent creates better outcomes for communities and economies alike.”
Notable alumni from previous cohorts include Chefaa, which recently raised $5.25M to expand in Saudi Arabia, Afsih, an assistive tech startup that won first place in Cohort 2, and AVA and Tarkeez, both scaling across fintech and productivity sectors.
What the 2025 Cohort Offers
Participants in the third cycle will embark on an intensive eight-week journey. The programme offers:
- A curated series of masterclasses and workshops
- Tailored mentorship and expert advisory sessions
- Access to regional investment networks and ecosystem partners
The accelerator program is equity-free, allowing founders to benefit from structured support without dilution.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Entrepreneurial Vision
The Women in Tech programme is aligned with broader national efforts to advance female participation in entrepreneurship and tech leadership. As the Kingdom continues to prioritize innovation and economic diversification, initiatives like WiT offer an on-ramp for women founders to build scalable businesses in a competitive environment.
Startups interested in applying can submit their applications before June 27, 2025. The programme kicks off in July.
Further information is available via Falak Investment Hub’s official website.
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Last Updated on May 18, 2025 by Safiya K
