Nine early-stage startups selected from over 850 applicants to pitch at exclusive Demo Day in Riyadh
The Sanabil Accelerator, a joint initiative by 500 Global and Sanabil Investments, has announced the selection of nine startups for its ninth cohort. These companies will present to investors and ecosystem stakeholders at an exclusive Demo Day on 2 July 2025 at the Sanabil Hub in Riyadh.
Chosen from a pool of more than 850 applicants, the selected startups reflect a growing maturity in the regional innovation landscape. The cohort features companies working across fintech, AI, climate tech, SaaS, and proptech, all with ambitions to scale across the MENA region and beyond.
This edition of the accelerator introduced sharper, outcome-driven programming. Founders participated in a 12-week sprint that combined hands-on mentorship, tailored advisory support, and access to global and regional networks of capital and talent. The programme aims to build companies that are not only venture-backed but also market-ready and operationally resilient.
Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global MENA, noted a shift in founder maturity across the cohort.
“Since the inception of the accelerator, we’ve focused on backing founders who are disrupting the status quo. What we’re seeing now is a deeper level of market understanding and more refined, user-centric product thinking. Coupled with technical and financial support, these startups are better positioned than ever to scale.”
A representative from Sanabil Investments added:
“Entrepreneurs are seeking structured support, not just capital. With each cohort, we see higher calibre applications and stronger engagement from the ecosystem. This signals growing confidence in Saudi Arabia as a launchpad for high-growth, tech-enabled ventures.”
The Ninth Cohort: Sector Innovation with Global Ambitions
The selected startups represent a diverse mix of sectors and business models. They include:
- CarbonSifr – A SaaS platform helping businesses measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions through AI-powered automation.
www.carbonsifr.com - Endl – A cross-border payment solution built on stablecoin infrastructure, offering instant settlement and low transaction costs.
www.endl.io - Feesable Technologies – Provides SMEs with same-day credit decisions and instant cash against unpaid invoices using alternative data models.
www.feesable.ai - LIVSHO – A live shopping marketplace turning video streams into real-time auctions, blending entertainment and e-commerce.
www.livsho.tv - Raff – A logistics SaaS that centralises inventory and distribution across online and offline channels for consumer goods brands.
www.tryraff.com - ReMatch – A collaboration platform for real estate agents to share listings and buyer leads, converting missed opportunities into transactions.
www.joinrematch.com - Schedex – Offers F&B businesses smart workforce scheduling to reduce labour costs by up to 15 percent through predictive staffing algorithms.
www.schedex.me - TwentyToo – Delivers real-time SKU-level performance analytics to help retailers optimise pricing, forecast demand, and improve inventory turns.
www.twentytoo.ai - Vennre – A private wealth platform giving high-income earners access to alternative investments traditionally reserved for institutional capital.
www.vennre.com
Each of these companies will present to a curated audience of accredited investors, venture capitalists, and media at Demo Day. Attendees are expected to gain early access to ventures that demonstrate regional depth and globally scalable models.
A Platform for Impact and Growth
Since launching, the Sanabil Accelerator has supported 98 startups across previous cohorts. Alumni have gone on to raise follow-on funding, expand to new markets, and form strategic partnerships with regional banks, regulators, and enterprise players.
This reflects the growing role of Saudi Arabia as a regional platform for startup acceleration. The programme is increasingly positioned as a strategic entry point for regional and international founders engaging with Saudi-based capital and networks.
Applications for Batch 10 are now open. Founders interested in participating can apply via 500 Global’s MENA platform:
https://mena.aplica.500.co
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for startup & business news and inspiring stories of MENA businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and change-makers.
To report any issue or error in the story, please email us editor [at] rasmal [dot] com
