Creators aren’t just
content-makers, they’re entrepreneurs

Creators Ventures is a 10-week hybrid program that empowers creators to become founders of scalable, high-growth companies, and supports founders building tools for the creator economy to advance their growth. Bringing together Creators HQ’s creator economy network with 500 Global’s venture-building expertise, the program equips participants with mentorship, tools, and business fundamentals to transform influence into sustainable ventures. Each cohort culminates at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, where participants showcase their startups to a global audience of investors, industry leaders, and corporate partners.

If you’re a creator or creator-enabler…

  • With an idea, a vision, a product, or solution and the ambition to scale
  • Ready to join us in person in Dubai for 4 weeks out of the 10 weeks
  • Driven by your community

Who Should Apply

<strong>CONTENT CREATORS</strong><br> Content Creators launching products or services

CONTENT CREATORS
Content Creators launching products or services

<strong>STARTUPS</strong><br> Startups building tools for creators (tech, platforms, tools, services)

STARTUPS
Startups building tools for creators (tech, platforms, tools, services)

Why Participate

Real Impact

Turn your idea into a
scalable business

Access Funding

Pitch to investors hungry
for creator economy innovations

Global Exposure

Present at one of the world’s

largest creator summits.

Mentorship Guidance

Learn from leading
founders and operators

What you can expect

  • Hands-on guidance through MVP prototyping and creation + business fundamentals
  • Strategic support to build scalable brands, products, and IP
  • Access to network of advisors and product development resources
  • Mentors proving the art of the possible
  • 3-day, 2-night retreat to reset and refocus on the path ahead

Pre-Program

Application Process

The priority application deadline is September 13 and the final deadline to apply is October 3. The team reviews all applications and will respond with a decision prior to launching October 27.

 

Week 1

MVP Sprint + Business Bootcamp

From prototype to product-market fit in 5 days.

 

Week 2

Founder’s Retreat

A retreat to reset, connect, and chart out the road ahead.

 

Weeks 3 – 8

Experimentation, Content + Growth Weeks

Creators take program learnings to their personal platforms to iterate, validate, and kickstart traction with the support of their mentors.

 

Week 9 – 10

Fundraising, Events + Networking

The cohort will return to Dubai to prepare for the finale of the program, presenting at the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

 

Jan 9-11, 2026

Present On-Stage During the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026

Participants in the Creators Ventures program will have the opportunity to present on-stage at 2026 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, UAE.

Mentors - Resident

BRIAN LEE

[GO-TO-MARKET & GROWTH] CREATOR & FOUNDER, NEW YORK
- Scales creator businesses with capital and advisory.
- Ex-founder with exit to Maker Studios (acquired by Disney)
- Creator angel investor

GIACOMO

[PRODUCT] FOUNDER & PRODUCT MENTOR, ITALY
- 7+ years of experience leading product development across early-stage startups from concept to Series A.
- Collaborated with founders to pressure-test ideas, challenge assumptions, and refine strategies toward product-market fit.

SORA LEE

[MARKETING & MONETISATION] CREATOR & FOUNDER, SAN FRANCISCO
- 15 years leading product marketing and strategy at Netflix, Meta, TikTok, and highgrowth startups.
- Expert in go-to-market, growth, monetisation, & partnerships across entertainment, tech, & consumer industries.

In partnership
with 500 Global

500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.1B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets.

500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 150+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 175+ team members are located in more than 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.

Pitch at the 1 Billion

Followers Summit

The 1 Billion Followers Summit is a large, global event in Dubai dedicated to the content creator economy, bringing together creators, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders to shape the future of digital content.

Startups from the Creators Ventures program will pitch live at the 1 Billion Followers Summit and have the opportunity to gain access to funding.

Day 1

10

Startups

Highest-voted startups will be
selected from 20 startups for next
round.

9 JAN 2026

Day 2

3

Finalists

Startups will be selected as finalists
by judges based on their pitch
performance.

10 JAN 2026

Day 3

1

Winner

The three startups will challenge each
other as duel on specific topics and
elements, with 1 final winner!



11 JAN 2026

1 Billion Followers Summit
brings together

15000

International Content Creators

30000

Attendees from around the globe

420

Speakers across multiple stages

Frequently asked questions

Priority deadline: September 12, 2025
Application deadline: October 7, 2025
Applications received by the priority deadline will initiate an earlier start of the review process.

No, there are no fees for participating in the program.

This program is conducted in English. Participating startups will need to have a strong verbal and written understanding of the English language.

This program lasts 10-weeks.

The program is designed for the creator community. We're looking for content creators launching products or services and the founders developing the tools to support them.

2-3 members per team.

Each application is reviewed by the program team members from 500 Global, and decisions are made through a dedicated committee inclusive of Creators HQ and 1 Billion Followers Summit leadership.

The program is hybrid, so you are only expected in-person for the first and last two weeks. 

The program is a tuition-free, equity-free, non-investment program. However, startup participants have the opportunity to engage and interact with our 500 Global’s investment team in the region during the duration of the program. 500 Global or its affiliates may consider selecting startup participants for potential capital contribution at its absolute sole discretion.