Latest news with #StartupQatar
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Invest Qatar showcases startup ecosystem at Web Summit Vancouver
Tribune News Network Doha Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar,marked its successful participation in the inaugural Web Summit Vancouver, held from 27 to 30 May. The event showcased Qatar's welcoming and dynamic startup ecosystem through the 'Startup Qatar' pavilion, which attracted significant attention from attendees and industry leaders. The 'Startup Qatar' pavilion, a collaborative effort between Invest Qatar and key ecosystem partners including Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) highlighted the exclusive advantages and extensive opportunities available to startups and entrepreneurs looking to establish and expand their ventures in Qatar. Throughout the four-day summit, the pavilion facilitated connections between attendees and key stakeholders in Qatar's startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It emphasised the country's thriving business environment, multi-sectoral opportunities, and tailored benefits designed to empower ambitious startups and support their long-term growth. Senior representatives from the Qatar delegation actively engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions, highlighting the country's progress in driving innovation and technological advancement. Hamad Al-Naimi, Strategy Manager at Invest Qatar, participated in a panel discussiontitled 'From Seed to Scale: Catalysing Startup Growth in Emerging Tech Hubs' alongside António Dias Martins, CEO of Startup Portugal. During the discussion, Al-Naimi shared valuable insights into the policies and initiatives Qatar is pursuing to strengthen its position as a dynamic hub for innovation and startups. He also highlighted Qatar's recently launched $1 billion incentives programme, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of startups and fintech companies. The programme focuses on key sectors, including technology, with targeted support for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data-driven innovation, to foster a robust digital economy and attract high-impact investments. The participation at Web Summit Vancouver builds on the significant interest and record success of the 'Startup Qatar' initiative during previous international tech events. The initiative, launched ahead of the inaugural Web Summit Qatar, has recorded over 450 business registrations facilitated by QFC and received more than 4,000 applications for the 'Startup Qatar Investment Programme' by QDB. This programme offers funding of up to $500,000 for seed-stage and up to $5 million for growth-stage companies. To date, the programme has awarded $23.5M in funding to 19 startups from across the world, including Italy, Oman, Singapore, the U.K., the U.S. and Turkey. These startups benefit from funding, mentorship and other support services in Qatar's innovation-driven 'Startup Qatar' initiative is designed to support startups at every stage of their journey. It provides an innovative one-stop online platform ( catering to all business requirements and enabling them to access Qatar's extensive network of support services, opportunities, funding, incubation programmes, government grants, networking events and various other resources.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: QDB, Rasmal Ventures sign agreement to promote innovation, entrepreneurship in Qatar
QDB VP Enterprise Development Khalid Abdulla al-Mana and Alexander Wiedmer, co-managing partners at Rasmal Ventures, on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2025. Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has signed a co-operation agreement with Rasmal Ventures on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2025 to bolster Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting innovation, attracting global talent, and fostering local and regional growth opportunities for startups. Through the collaboration, both parties seek to strengthen Qatar's position as a global entrepreneurship hub, which will contribute to attracting top talent and empowering startups to access new regional and global markets. The partnership focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Qatar by leveraging QDB's Talent Community Programme with Rasmal Ventures joining as an official partner of the programme, which was designed to nurture a dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. The partnership will enhance Qatar's ability to attract global talent and innovators, offering a supportive environment for the growth of high-growth companies. The two organisations will also collaborate to exchange information on promising investment opportunities and foster cooperation in joint investment initiatives to enable startups to access the necessary resources and networks for their global expansion, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. The two parties will also work to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Startup Qatar investment initiative by exploring joint investment opportunities and boosting the contribution of Rasmal Ventures to the programme, as well as expanding the scope of beneficiaries. QDB VP Enterprise Development Khalid Abdulla al-Mana said the partnership reflects the bank's ongoing commitment to developing an advanced investment landscape in line with the highest global standards to empower startups and contribute to their sustainable growth. 'Through our collaboration with Rasmal Ventures, we aim to enhance investment flows and help entrepreneurs build extensive networks, enabling them to connect with regional and global investors.' Dr Shaikha al-Jabir and Alexander Wiedmer, co-managing partners at Rasmal Ventures, emphasised that the work QDB and Startup Qatar are doing is immensely important for the economy and the innovation ecosystem. They added: 'It is an enabler for VC funds as we are. We are delighted to partner with QDB to support the startups in the programme as they seek to grow.' QDB's latest partnership reflects its vision to foster an environment that supports the growth of entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the development of the business ecosystem and boosting the competitiveness of startups both regionally and internationally. It also equips startups with the necessary tools to succeed, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional hub for innovation and investment in the region. This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to achieve economic diversification by empowering entrepreneurs and startups to thrive and grow. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar Development Bank and Rasmal Ventures sign cooperation agreement to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Development Bank has signed a cooperation agreement with Rasmal Ventures on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2025. The partnership is aimed at bolstering Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting innovation, attracting global talent, and fostering local and regional growth opportunities for startups. Through this collaboration, the two parties seek to strengthen Qatar's position as a global entrepreneurship hub, which will contribute to attracting top talent and empowering startups to access new regional and global markets. The partnership focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Qatar by leveraging QDB's Talent Community Program with Rasmal Ventures joining as an official partner of the program which was designed to nurture a dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. The partnership will enhance Qatar's ability to attract global talent and innovators, offering a supportive environment for the growth of high-growth companies. The two organizations will also collaborate to exchange information on promising investment opportunities and foster cooperation in joint investment initiatives to enable startups to access the necessary resources and networks for their global expansion, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. The two parties will also work to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Startup Qatar investment initiative by exploring joint investment opportunities and boosting the contribution of Rasmal Ventures to the program, as well as expanding the scope of beneficiaries. QDB VP Enterprise Development Mr. Khalid Abdulla Al Mana said the partnership reflects the bank's ongoing commitment to developing an advanced investment landscape in line with the highest global standards to empower startups and contribute to their sustainable growth. 'Through our collaboration with Rasmal Ventures, we aim to enhance investment flows and help entrepreneurs build extensive networks, enabling them to connect with regional and global investors.' Dr. Shaikha Al Jabir and Mr. Alexander Wiedmer, the co- managing partners at 'Venture Capital', emphasized that the work QDB and Startup Qatar are doing is emencely important for the economy and the innovation ecosystem. They added, 'It is an enabler for VC funds as we are. We are delighted to partner with QDB to support the startups in the program as they seek to grow.' QDB's latest partnership reflects its vision to foster an environment that supports the growth of entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the development of the business ecosystem and boosting the competitiveness of startups both regionally and internationally. It also equips startups with the necessary tools to succeed, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional hub for innovation and investment in the region. This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to achieve economic diversification by empowering entrepreneurs and startups to thrive and grow. About Qatar Development Bank Founded in 1997 under Emiri Decree No. 14, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), formerly known as Qatar Industrial Development Bank, is a development institution that primarily focuses on boosting industrial development and supporting the economic diversification of the private sector in Qatar. Over the past two decades, QDB has played a pivotal role in becoming the primary support arm for the private sector in Qatar, acting as a strong catalyst for social and economic development through three main pillars: access to finance, access to markets, and access to capacity building. QDB offers a comprehensive support system, including various financing plans, consultancy services, legal advisory, mentoring, and capacity-building platforms. This integrated approach has helped QDB become a vital partner in the growth journey of SMEs, from concept to export, enabling them to compete both nationally and internationally, contributing to Qatar's economic vision for 2030. Currently, QDB and its affiliated institutions are building on Qatar's rich legacy of social and economic achievements through bold future-focused initiatives, with an emphasis on digital transformation in SMEs and the business environment, making it easier for entrepreneurs and SMEs to enter the new economy, embrace renewed opportunities, and gradually transform QDB into a digital future-focused institution and beacon for financial and developmental institutions across the region and the world.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Prime Minister inaugurates Web Summit 2025
Doha: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurated Web Summit Qatar 2025, the second edition of the Middle East and North Africa's largest technology event, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. During his keynote address, HE the Prime Minister affirmed that Qatar's continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship while actively implementing regulatory reforms and creating new economic opportunities to empower the private sector. "Built on the back of our thriving energy sector, we are positioned for a private sector take-off. This launch will include even more transformative partnerships across key sectors, from pioneering fintech solutions to groundbreaking climate technologies." HE the Prime Minister emphasised that Qatar will continue to reinforce its commitment to supporting startups, stating: "We plan to renovate our entire economy to make Qatar the top regional destination for startups and create an ecosystem for startups to innovate and thrive." He added: "A year ago, we gathered here for the first Web Summit in the MENA region. Today, as we look across the same space, we see something remarkable: a vision realised, ambitions surpassed, and the future unfolding before our eyes. Here in Qatar, we are creating a platform where innovation meets opportunity, and partnerships transform global industries." "We want to create opportunities for future generations, and this runs deep within our national identity, reflected in many of our domestic and international commitments. Through the catalyst of Web Summit Qatar, we are witnessing a convergence of talent, technology and ambitionnot just in Qatar, but throughout the region." Notably, HE the Prime Minister announced that the Qatar Investment Authority has successfully fulfilled its Web Summit Qatar 2024 commitment, establishing a USD one billion Fund of Funds to support startups and selecting six globally recognised investment firms to deploy capital, foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs locally and globally. "Each of them will open offices or their regional headquarters in Qatar, so that all of the MENA region can benefit from their expertise and investments. These entities represent distinct and relevant sectors crucial to our ecosystem, from digital health technologies and fintech to clean energy solutions, AI and manufacturing helping us build depth and excellence across our innovation landscape." From there, HE the Prime Minister announced the expansion of the Startup Qatar initiative, a one-stop platform providing information, support and opportunities for startups. Since its launch last year, the program has attracted over 2,000 applications from 60 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, and India. "We are expanding this home-run project, and we'll support even more startups this year by establishing R&D offices, collaborating with local universities and enhancing the country's AI and machine learning ecosystem." In this regard, HE the Prime Minister highlighted that Qatar's strategic efforts led to significant progress in global rankings, advancing 11 places in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index within just one year--the highest leap among the top 100 business environments in the index. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani highlighted that Qatar has been attracting growing interest from leading global companies and investment companies seeking to explore regional opportunities and forge partnerships in the business incubator and accelerator space. He further underscored Web Summit Qatar's role in positioning the country as a bridge between East and West and as a crucial hub cultivating partnerships and innovations that address global challenges--reaffirming Qatar's dedication to supporting entrepreneurship, empowering startups and enhancing global partnerships to build a tech-driven and prosperous future. In his address, Paddy Cosgrave, Founder and CEO of Web Summit, commended the GCO Director's efforts in bringing Web Summit to the region. "It's been the best decision that we've ever made. Before hosting our first Web Summit in Qatar, our ambition for a second year was 7,500 attendees. I'm delighted to say that more than 25,000 attendees are in Doha this week from more than 120 countries around the world. It is beyond anything we could have expected or planned for," said Cosgrave. He added that in partnership with Crunchbase, Web Summit has gathered investment data, which revealed that 148 companies who attended the inaugural edition have since raised nearly USD 30 billion in investment. The summit kicked off with panel discussions featuring leading entrepreneurs from around the world, including Alexander Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI, and Alexis Ohanian, Co-founder of Reddit and General Partner at Seven Seven Six. This year's expanded edition welcomes over 25,000 attendees from over 124 countries, more than 1,520 startups, over 600 investors, and more than 380 speakers alongside 180 industry partners. The event has also drawn unprecedented media interest, with representatives from over 600 media outlets. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will feature panel discussions and workshops exploring advancements in technology and digital market trends. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar will continue to support startups: PM
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Sunday inaugurated the Web Summit Qatar 2025, the second edition of the Middle East and North Africa's largest technology event, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. In a keynote address, the Prime Minister affirmed that Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship while actively implementing regulatory reforms and creating new economic opportunities to empower the private sector. "Built on the back of our thriving energy sector, we are positioned for a private sector take-off. This launch will include even more transformative partnerships across key sectors, from pioneering fintech solutions to groundbreaking climate technologies." The PM emphasised that Qatar will continue to reinforce its commitment to supporting startups. "We plan to renovate our entire economy to make Qatar the top regional destination for startups and create an ecosystem for startups to innovate and thrive. A year ago, we gathered here for the first Web Summit in the MENA region. Today, as we look across the same space, we see something remarkable: a vision realised, ambitions surpassed, and the future unfolding before our eyes. Here in Qatar, we are creating a platform where innovation meets opportunity, and partnerships transform global industries,' the PM said. "We want to create opportunities for future generations, and this runs deep within our national identity, reflected in many of our domestic and international commitments. Through the catalyst of Web Summit Qatar, we are witnessing a convergence of talent, technology and ambition–not just in Qatar, but throughout the region." The PM announced that the Qatar Investment Authority has successfully fulfilled its Web Summit Qatar 2024 commitment, establishing a $1 billion fund of funds to support startups and selecting six globally recognised investment firms to deploy capital, foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs locally and globally. "Each of them will open offices or their regional headquarters in Qatar, so that all of the MENA region can benefit from their expertise and investments. These entities represent distinct and relevant sectors crucial to our ecosystem, from digital health technologies and fintech to clean energy solutions, AI and manufacturing helping us build depth and excellence across our innovation landscape." From there, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of the Startup Qatar initiative, a one-stop platform providing information, support and opportunities for startups. Since its launch last year, the program has attracted over 2,000 applications from 60 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, and India. "We are expanding this home-run project, and we'll support even more startups this year by establishing R&D offices, collaborating with local universities and enhancing the country's AI and machine learning ecosystem." In this regard, HE the Prime Minister highlighted that Qatar's strategic efforts led to significant progress in global rankings, advancing 11 places in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index within just one year--the highest leap among the top 100 business environments in the index. The PM highlighted that Qatar has been attracting growing interest from leading global companies and investment companies seeking to explore regional opportunities and forge partnerships in the business incubator and accelerator space. He further underscored Web Summit Qatar's role in positioning the country as a bridge between East and West and as a crucial hub cultivating partnerships and innovations that address global challenges--reaffirming Qatar's dedication to supporting entrepreneurship, empowering startups and enhancing global partnerships to build a tech-driven and prosperous future. In his address, Paddy Cosgrave, Founder and CEO of Web Summit, commended the GCO Director's efforts in bringing Web Summit to the region. "It's been the best decision that we've ever made. Before hosting our first Web Summit in Qatar, our ambition for a second year was 7,500 attendees. I'm delighted to say that more than 25,000 attendees are in Doha this week from more than 120 countries around the world. It is beyond anything we could have expected or planned for," said Cosgrave. He added that in partnership with Crunchbase, Web Summit has gathered investment data, which revealed that 148 companies who attended the inaugural edition have since raised nearly USD 30 billion in investment. The summit kicked off with panel discussions featuring leading entrepreneurs from around the world, including Alexander Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI, and Alexis Ohanian, Co-founder of Reddit and General Partner at Seven Seven Six. This year's expanded edition welcomes over 25,000 attendees from over 124 countries, more than 1,520 startups, over 600 investors, and more than 380 speakers alongside 180 industry partners. The event has also drawn unprecedented media interest, with representatives from over 600 media outlets. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will feature panel discussions and workshops exploring advancements in technology and digital market trends.
