Outliers Venture Capital has unveiled the Outliers Fellowship Program 2026, its flagship initiative aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, operators, and builders across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
The program will be delivered in exclusive partnership with the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), marking the first formal backing by a regional fund-of-funds for a dedicated talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.
Building on last year’s inaugural cohort, which attracted applicants from 14 countries and included students from institutions such as UC Berkeley, Purdue University, King’s College London, and KFUPM, the Fellowship combines hands-on internships with leading tech companies, one-on-one mentorship, and structured in-person programming. More than 40% of Fellows in the previous cohort secured extended or follow-on roles, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in developing high-performing talent.
The Fellowship addresses a critical need in the region: the shortage of experienced operators, limited early exposure to company-building, and retention of top talent within MENA. Fellows are embedded in high-growth technology companies such as Lean, Strataphy, Stream, Lendo, Penny, Soum, Ejari, and Stitch, receiving training and mentorship designed to accelerate their careers.
H.E. Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO of SVC, said the partnership “represents a practical model for developing talent that can operate at global standards and support the Kingdom’s economic transformation.”
Applications for the 2026 program open on January 26 and close on February 27. More information is available at https://fellowship.outliers.vc.