Qatari startup ecosystem recapped

“Diala, what is the ecosystem like in Qatar?” I receive this question every day.

For those interested in what is happening here in Doha, the startup programs, and entrepreneurship support initiatives, here is a summary of the major players I collaborate with.??

When it comes to startup incubation and acceleration programs, the biggest three players in the country are:??

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Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and its programs: ??

• Digital Incubation Center (DIC) - was created to boost ICT innovation in Qatar, particularly among young people at the critical early stages of starting or growing a technology-related business. The Center supports startups from ideation to growth through Ideacamp, Direct Incubation, Coworking Space, and Make the Deal programs.??
• TASMU SMART QATAR Accelerator (TA) - a catalyst for start-ups as part of MCIT’s flagship initiative, Smart Qatar. Focusing on priority sectors, the TASMU Accelerator fuels Qatar's digital ecosystem by nurturing global growth-stage start-ups with a six-month program. It equips visionary entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed for successful market entry and growth in Qatar.?

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Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and its programs:??

• Scale7 Qatar - the first Fashion & Design business incubator in Qatar.??
• Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) - a unique mixed-use business incubation center.?
• Qatar FinTech Hub - brings together talented entrepreneurs, investors, and enablers to develop innovative solutions in the FinTech industry.?
• Among other programs??

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Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and its programs: ??

• Incubation Center - a technology-focused program that aims to foster local tech entrepreneurship in Qatar.?
• XLR8 - a 10-week program offering intensive training and mentorship, enabling promising innovators to transform tech-based ideas into commercially viable businesses.?
• ELV8 - 12-month growth accelerator program, a launchpad for the global growth of Qatar’s tech startups.?
• Tech Venture Fund (TVF) - a strategic venture capital fund designed to support local innovative startups and attract international startups looking to scale in the region.?
• Product Development Fund (PDF) - a cost-sharing fund wherein QSTP provides up to 50% of the total budget as a grant to encourage local startups and SMEs in the private sector to develop products and services relevant to local market needs.?

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When it comes to startup funding, the leading players are:??

• Qatar Development Bank (QDB) - a fully owned government financial entity set up by an Emiri Decree to invest in and develop local industries by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. ?
• Rasmal Ventures - the 1st independent Qatar-based venture capital fund manager that backs the best Qatari entrepreneurs as well as MENA region startups and international companies expanding to this market. ?
• Doha Tech Angels LLC (DTA) - Qatar’s first private investment club registered in Qatar Financial Center. DTA invests in early-stage, high-growth, innovative startups. ?
• Alchemist Doha - Leveraging Alchemist's global network and support programs, Alchemist Doha will identify and invest in the most promising founders with compelling products and early market traction. Alchemist Doha is uniquely positioned to deeply integrate founders with Qatar's local innovation ecosystem, including providing a launchpad to global expansion.
• Golden Gate Ventures - a venture capital firm investing across Southeast Asia that announced in May 2024 their first MENA fund, to be headquartered in Doha. ?

Let’s connect if you are interested in the Qatari market and startup ecosystem. ?

Hope this helps!??