Merak Capital's gaming accelerator, Exel by Merak, has tapped Faisal Sedrani as its new chief executive officer. Sedrani takes the helm as the accelerator pivots from its gaming roots toward a wider multi-sector innovation mandate tied to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
Sedrani played a key role in launching Exel as a Merak Capital subsidiary and has been driving its startup growth programmes since the beginning. He's also held the vice president role at Merak Capital's innovation platform since 2024, where he's overseen programmes designed to help emerging companies in promising sectors scale up and find their footing.
Get 1-month GTA+ subscription with pre-order.
Pre-Order GTA 6 Now
Expanding beyond gaming
Exel by Merak built its reputation working with gaming startups, but the accelerator is now casting a wider net. The plan is to support entrepreneurs across different industries, drawing on the organisation's digital and startup experience to build ecosystems that can sustain themselves over time. The shift reflects a deliberate push to create lasting impact within the Kingdom's broader innovation scene.
Outside the accelerator world, Sedrani co-founded Smart Deer Co in 2022, a venture focused on environmental tech and smart solutions, particularly desert restoration work. That project involves pulling together robotics, IoT, and environmental science teams, and partnering with local communities to tackle real-world ecosystem challenges in practical ways.
Cohorts moving forward
Exel by Merak's accelerator programmes are still running, with startups at various stages getting mentoring, funding access, and strategic advice. Cohort 2 wrapped up recently, and Cohort 3 is set to kick off later this year. The programmes are structured to give emerging entrepreneurs the tools and guidance they need to grow, reinforcing the accelerator's position in Saudi Arabia's innovation infrastructure.
Sedrani addressed the appointment directly: "After leading the company over the past year, this step reflects our direction and focus on building real value in the innovation ecosystem. Grateful for the trust and the team behind the work. Looking ahead to what we'll build next."
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Faisal Sedrani?
Faisal Sedrani is the newly appointed CEO of Exel by Merak. He led the accelerator's establishment as a Merak Capital subsidiary and currently serves as vice president of Merak Capital's innovation platform.
What is Exel by Merak?
Exel by Merak is a Saudi Arabia-based accelerator owned by Merak Capital. Originally gaming-focused, it's now expanding to back multi-sector innovation aligned with Vision 2030.
What sectors will Exel by Merak focus on now?
The accelerator is moving beyond gaming to work across multiple high-potential sectors, including technology, environmental solutions, and digital innovation.
What is the role of the accelerator programmes?
Exel's accelerator programmes offer mentoring, funding, and guidance to startups, helping entrepreneurs scale their operations and contribute to the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem.
When will the next accelerator cohort begin?
Cohort 3 of Exel by Merak's accelerator programme is scheduled to start later this year, following the recent graduation of Cohort 2.
