20-05-2025
USQBC Doha, IFC, and Golden Gate Ventures host strategic forum on private sector growth
On May 18 in Doha, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) Doha, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Golden Gate Ventures, co-hosted a high-level forum focused on advancing private sector engagement, startup innovation, and cross-border investment.
The event supported Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), underscoring the country's commitment to economic diversification and global collaboration.
The half-day program brought together key stakeholders for high-level panels and interactive roundtables focused on early-stage venture formation, capital strategy, ecosystem development, and scaling strategies. Designed to foster peer exchange and practical insight, the event offered actionable takeaways for startups, investors, and ecosystem enablers across Qatar and the MENA region.
Aligned with the strategic objectives of NDS3, the forum emphasized economic diversification, entrepreneurial growth, knowledge-based industries, and priority economic clusters, including a digital economy.
It also reinforced USQBC Doha's role in advancing Qatar's economic transformation by empowering private sector growth and activating international partnerships. Through their deep expertise and ecosystem networks, IFC and Golden Gate Ventures are working to support Qatar's future as a hub of innovation by fostering connections that will drive impactful investment and long-term development.
Speaking at the event, Sheikha Mayes Al Thani, USQBC Doha managing director, commented: 'This forum reflects our commitment to enabling global-private sector dialogue that drives sustainable growth. By convening capital, capability, and innovation, we're proud to support Qatar's journey toward a resilient and diversified economy.'
Echoing this sentiment, Michael Lints, Partner, Golden Gate Ventures, stated: 'We are excited that the forum brings together international and regional top-tier investors and founders to Qatar. The venture capital sector plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, driving technological advancements, and contributing to long-term growth.'
Kareem Aziz, MENA Regional Lead for Venture Capital, IFC, added: 'Our partnership with Qatar is a longstanding one. We've supported Qatari companies in expanding beyond their local market. We now hope to bring the same value to the country's growing venture capital and entrepreneurship ecosystem.'
USQBC Doha serves as the Council's dedicated in-market platform, focused on advancing private sector growth, cross-border collaboration, and strategic investment. As a trusted partner to business and policy stakeholders, USQBC Doha translates shared priorities into tangible outcomes through high-level convening, market intelligence, policy alignment, and strategic facilitation. By supporting the development of a competitive, innovation-driven private sector, the Doha office plays a central role in fostering sustainable economic progress and unlocking new opportunities.
---
Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.
Instagram - @qatarliving
X - @qatarliving
Facebook - Qatar Living
YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
