- UAE-based game-developing studio Khosouf Studio has raised a $600,000 seed round from Merak Capital.
- Founded in 2020 by Ahmad Al-Natsheh, Khosouf Studio develops narrative-driven games and immersive VR experiences.
- The investment was made through Merak Capital’s Gaming Fund, launched in 2024 with a size of $81 million, and delivered in partnership with the National Development Fund to support early-stage gaming studios building original intellectual property.
- The funding will support Khosouf Studio’s growth as it relocates its operations to Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem and its Vision 2030 ambition to become a global hub for interactive entertainment and game development.
Press release:
Merak Capital, a Saudi-based investment firm licensed by the Capital Market Authority, has led a SAR 2.2 million ($600,000) seed round in Khosouf Studio, a UAE-based independent game developer specialising in premium PC, console, and virtual reality titles.
The investment was made through Merak Capital’s Gaming Fund. The fund is delivered in partnership with the National Development Fund and aims to empower the next generation of gaming startups by supporting early-stage studios that contribute to the development of a globally competitive gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
It will support Khosouf Studio’s growth and expansion as it relocates its operations to Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem and its objective to become a global hub for interactive entertainment and game development in line with Vision 2030.
Abdulelah Alshareef, Principal of Venture Capital at Merak Capital, commented: “Khosouf Studio represents the type of globally minded gaming developer we seek to support through Merak Capital’s Gaming Fund. This investment reflects our conviction in backing local and international studios with strong creative and technical capabilities that are committed to building and scaling their operations from Saudi Arabia. By supporting teams like Khosouf, we aim to accelerate the development of globally competitive gaming intellectual property while contributing to the growth of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”
Founded in 2020, Khosouf Studio develops and publishes premium, narrative-driven titles for PC, console, and VR platforms.
The studio released its award-winning debut title BOX to the BEAT VR internationally and is currently in production on two original IPs: The Panic Pit and Glitch Core, a first-person shooter roguelite with a strong co-op focus.
Alongside its original games, Khosouf Studio delivers gaming and non-gaming VR services, including interactive experiences, simulations, and educational solutions for clients.
Ahmad Al-Natsheh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Khosouf Studio, said, “Merak Capital’s investment is an absolute game changer. It will elevate our goals and push us to new heights while helping establish our long-term base in Saudi Arabia. Having such an established and capable partner allows us to scale with confidence while publishing proudly locally developed original titles across the entire world.”
In 2024, Merak Capital launched its SAR 306 million gaming fund and gaming accelerator to back high-potential gaming studios building and scaling original intellectual property while building long-term value within Saudi Arabia.