Outliers and SVC Launch 2026 Fellowship for Saudi and MENA Tech Talent

The Outliers Fellowship Program 2026 has been launched by the Outliers Venture Capital. It is their flagship talent initiative designed to identify and develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, builders and operators across Saudi and the wider region of MENA .

The 2026 cohort will be delivered in exclusive collaboration with the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC). This reflects a shared commitment to empowering the region’s venture ecosystem. This is through the development of a long term, execution – ready talent pipeline for high growth technology companies .

In his statement,H.E Dr.Nabeel Koshak ,CEO and board member of SVC stated, “ This partnership reflects SVC’s national role in advancing the venture capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia through a holistic approach that goes beyond investment.” He continued by saying, “Building human capital, strengthening institutional capabilities, and fostering knowledge and awareness are essential to the long term competitiveness of our ecosystem. This fellowship represents a practical model for developing talent that can operate at global standards and support the Kingdom’s economic transformation.”

“ The strength of any tech ecosystem is ultimately shaped by the people who choose to build within it . The Outliers Fellowship is designed to give emerging talents early, meaningful exposure to real operating environment and ambitious companies. Partnering with SVC allows us to build this pipeline with long term intent and to help shape a generation of operators who will define the region’s next chapter ,” shared Sarah AlSaleh , General Partner at Outliers .

However, the Fellowship builds on the momentum of last year’s inaugural cohort ,which attracted hundreds of applicants from 14 countries and delivered a high – impact summer experience in Riyadh. Fellows came from leading global and regional educational institutions such as UC Berkeley, Purdue University, King’s College London,KFUPM, and many others. The fellows participated in 10 curated sessions with leading founders, operators, and investors, and a number of them secured extended and full time opportunities.

Additionally, the fellowship program is highly selective and competitive, with single – digit acceptance rates.

The program brings together Fellows across engineering, product, and business disciplines . Integrated within high – growth technology companies and technology investments firms ,and supported by structured , in- person programming.

More than 40%of fellows secured extended or follow – on roles by the end of the program, demonstrating the uniqueness of the fellow and the Fellowship’s effectiveness in developing and equipping them with the best skill set to be top performers in their careers.

Since it’s designed to meet a pressing ecosystem need ,the Fellowship addresses the shortage of talent operators, limited early exposure to real company building, and the need to retain top talent within the region . It also creates a structural pathway connecting ambitious early talent with venture- backed ,high – growth technology companies across the Outliers and SVC networks, embedding future operators inside high- performance and innovation – driven cultures and strengthening the talent base required for companies to scale .

The partnership marks the first time a regional fund of funds has formally backed a dedicated regional talent pipeline for high growth technology companies.

The Outliers Fellowship offers Fellows:

• A summer internship with leading technology companies across the Outliers and SVC networks such as Lean, Strataphy , Stream, Lendo, Penny , Soum, Ejari, and Stitch among others .
• Tailored one- on- one mentorship sessions.
• Curated ,high – impact weekly in- person programming designed to accelerate the Fellows careers and learning.
• A lifelong community of Fellows and like – minded builders .

By conveying top students from around the world in Riyadh each summer, the program positions the city as a central hub for company building and operator development. This also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 which is cultivating talent , accelerating job creation and fostering innovation.

The application for the 2026 Fellowship opens on 26th January and closes on 27th February.