• Saudi Arabia's Venture studio Value Makers Studio (VMS) has launched VMS Accelerate in Cairo, a three-month accelerator aimed at supporting startups expanding into the Saudi market.
• The programme will provide up to $28,000 (EGP 1.5 million) in funding per startup, alongside mentorship, strategic support, and access to a network of 150+ mentors and industry experts.
• VMS plans to invest in seven seed- and seed+-stage startups in the first Cairo cohort, helping founders refine growth strategies and prepare for regional expansion and future funding rounds.

Press release:

Value Makers Studio (VMS), a venture studio focused on building and scaling startups across the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the launch of VMS Accelerate in Egypt—a three-month accelerator designed to help high-potential startups scale and expand into the Saudi market.

The programme will provide cash investments of up to EGP 1.5 million per startup, alongside strategic support, mentorship, and market access to help founders grow beyond their local markets. VMS plans to invest in seven startups in the programme's first Cairo cohort.

VMS Accelerate targets Seed and Seed+ stage startups with scalable business models and regional ambitions. Beyond capital, the accelerator is designed to help founders strengthen their fundamentals, refine their growth strategy, and prepare for regional expansion and future investment rounds.

The program runs for three months and combines structured learning with practical exposure to investors and regional partners. Participating startups will gain access to a network of more than 150 mentors and industry experts, along with over 18 curated sessions covering growth strategy, business fundamentals, partnerships, and investor readiness.

To simulate real-world investment and market dynamics, the programme includes weekly investor sessions, an Investment Room simulation, and an innovative initiative called “Customer on the Board", giving founders direct feedback from customers and industry experts while building their companies.

Motaz Abuonq, CEO of Value Makers Studio (VMS), said:

“Egypt is home to one of the region’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. At VMS, we see enormous potential in Egyptian founders who are building scalable businesses. Through VMS Accelerate, we aim to provide the capital, mentorship, and market access needed to help these startups expand into Saudi Arabia—one of the fastest-growing startup markets in the region.”

The programme also serves as a bridge between the Egyptian and Saudi startup ecosystems, connecting participating startups with investors, corporates, and ecosystem players in Saudi Arabia to facilitate market entry and strategic partnerships.

Program Timeline

• Applications Open: March 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Program Start: May 2026

Startups interested in applying can learn more and submit their applications here.