{"id":307467,"date":"2025-11-22T17:48:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T17:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/307467\/"},"modified":"2025-11-22T17:48:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T17:48:39","slug":"qdb-doubles-investment-packages-to-attract-global-startups-to-doha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/307467\/","title":{"rendered":"QDB doubles investment packages to attract global startups to Doha"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"QDB<\/p>\n

QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi. <\/p>\n

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced a major expansion of its support for entrepreneurs at the 11th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, unveiling new investment packages designed to attract global startups to Doha.
Speaking at the conference\u2019s opening ceremony, QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said: \u201cI am pleased to announce the doubling of investment packages: up to QR4mn for seed stage companies and up to QR20mn for growth stage companies. This programme serves as a bridge for outstanding startups worldwide to establish in Qatar and expand globally.\u201d
Al-Sowaidi emphasised that entrepreneurship in Qatar has evolved into a national endeavour, supported by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). He noted that the private sector\u2019s role in venture capital \u201cis expanding rapidly.\u201d
\u201cLast year, private sector participation reached 57% of total venture capital investments. We continue our journey towards achieving the national target of 70% by 2030,\u201d he explained.
QDB\u2019s investment arm now ranks fourth among the most active investors in the Middle East and North Africa, with direct and indirect investments exceeding \u201cQR350mn.\u201d The bank has also tripled the value of single co-investment deals to \u201cQR11mn,\u201d strengthening partnerships with local and international funds.
Al-Sowaidi highlighted QDB\u2019s partnerships with the Qatar Investment Authority\u2019s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme, including the launch of the HealthTech Accelerator with Deerfield\u2019s Cure programme, which connects Doha and New York. He also pointed to the creation of Qatar\u2019s first venture building studio, The studio, in collaboration with Utopia Capital Management.
Capacity building initiatives have also been central to QDB\u2019s strategy. More than 220 angel investors have been accredited through a programme with the Qatar Finance and Business Academy, paving the way for deeper engagement in venture capital across the region.
\u201cAligned with Qatar\u2019s ambition to be a launchpad rather than just a destination, we introduced the Startup Qatar Investment Programme. In just two years, it has supported more than 35 companies with investments exceeding QR130mn,\u201d al-Sowaidi said.
Al-Sowaidi stressed that digitalisation is now essential for competitiveness. QDB has rolled out a Digital Transformation programme, introduced the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) for self-assessment, and provided grants and financing to support companies in adopting advanced technologies.
He cited figures from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) showing that 81% of early-stage entrepreneurs in Qatar rely on modern technology, evidence of the ecosystem\u2019s ability to keep pace with global trends. QDB has also launched the Talent Community Programme, benefitting more than 50 entrepreneurs across 30 local and international companies, al-Sowaidi pointed out.
He said this year\u2019s Rowad conference gathered more than 120 local and international companies, 15 panel discussions, 45 workshops, and 28 startups competing to showcase their projects.
\u201cWe stand at a moment where entrepreneurship moves from the margins to the centre of the economic system. The private sector is playing an increasingly vital role in driving development,\u201d emphasised al-Sowaidi, who urged entrepreneurs and investors to seize the opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and deep partnerships.<\/p>\n

Related Story<\/p>\n

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\"Ghanim<\/p>\n

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