Creators HQ & 500 Global Accelerator Powers Creator-Led Startups Valued over $130 Million
Creators HQ, the pioneering content creator hub in the UAE and Middle East, in partnership with Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm 500 Global, today announced the successful conclusion of the Creators Ventures Accelerator. The program has been instrumental in building and supporting a cohort of creator-led startups with a collective valuation exceeding US$130 million.
The 10-week accelerator culminated in a final showcase at the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit (January 9-11), organized by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme ‘Content for Good’. The landmark event drew over 30,000 attendees, including more than 15,000 creators and 500 speakers.
From Creators to Founders: A Competitive Journey
The Creators Ventures Accelerator attracted an overwhelming 1,100+ applications from creator-entrepreneurs across 70+ countries. After a rigorous selection process, 21 startups—collectively serving a community of over 20 million followers and users—were chosen to participate.
A New Paradigm for the Creator Economy
The program underscores a strategic shift in the creator economy, moving beyond visibility to sustainable venture building.
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, stated: “The Creators Ventures Accelerator embodies our ongoing support for content creators, empowering them to transform ideas into sustainable projects with tangible developmental and social impact. We congratulate Bump and Kami on their qualification.”
Courtney Powell, COO of 500 Global, commented on the sector’s evolution: “Creators are a growing class of bona fide entrepreneurs. With 50 million creators globally, we believe the next wave of commercialization will belong to those focused on business fundamentals, deep community engagement, quality content, and long-term product-market fit—exactly what this accelerator fosters.”
