Creators HQ, the UAE’s first content creator hub, in collaboration with 500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, has opened applications for the Creators Ventures Accelerator. The initiative will run as part of the second edition of Creators Ventures during the upcoming 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled for 9–11 January 2026 across Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Museum of the Future.
Building the Next Generation of Content Businesses
The 10-week accelerator will welcome 20 creators and startups from around the world, equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and resources to scale their businesses. Participants will gain access to 500 Global’s venture-building expertise and Creators HQ’s industry network, with the aim of fostering globally impactful and sustainable content ventures.
Applicants can register via Creators HQ until 3 October 2025. The programme is open to individuals and startups in the content industry who are at least 18 years old.
Investment and Pitching Opportunity
The accelerator culminates in the Creators Ventures Pitch during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, where participants will present their ideas before a panel of industry leaders and investors. Projects will be judged on innovation, scalability, social and economic impact, and financial viability.
The competition features a three-stage process, narrowing down from 20 participants to 10, and finally three finalists. Up to AED 50 million has been allocated by Creators HQ for investment, with the ultimate winner receiving financial backing to grow their venture.
Strengthening the Creator Economy
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said the initiative will foster collaborations across creators, investors, and experts, advancing the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for meaningful content and creative innovation.
Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner of 500 Global, noted that creators already possess influence, distribution, and community trust, making them well-positioned to disrupt industries. The accelerator, she said, is designed to provide them with the infrastructure to evolve into founders capable of building scalable global businesses.
A Global Platform
Backed by the UAE Government Media Office, the accelerator further strengthens the country’s positioning as a leader in the creator economy and new media industries. By attracting global talent and encouraging content ventures to relocate to the UAE, the programme contributes to the nation’s ambition of combining innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact in the digital era.
–Input WAM
