Qatar’s Bold Leap into Global Entrepreneurship
The main attraction at Websummit Qatar 2025 was Qatar's dedication to attracting global entrepreneurs to set up shop in Doha.
At Websummit 2025 Qatar, I witnessed a seismic shift in the startup landscape—a push by Qatar to become the new epicenter for global entrepreneurship. Forget the old ways of doing business in the GCC; Qatar’s playing a whole new game, and the stakes are sky-high.
The Catalyst: QIA’s Fund of Funds Program
Qatar is not just offering a warm welcome—it’s rolling out the red carpet for entrepreneurs worldwide. With QIA’s (Qatar Investment Authority) inaugural venture capital Fund of Funds, the State of Qatar is investing over $1 billion into international and regional VC funds, with a laser focus on tech and healthcare. This isn’t your average funding round. Here’s what makes it a game changer:
Dual Mandate: Expect top-notch financial returns alongside a measurable development impact on Qatar’s VC ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships: The program is handpicking fund managers with proven track records, ensuring that every dollar accelerates innovation.
Ecosystem Catalysis: Beyond funding, the initiative bridges the current funding gap for startups, ushering in global best practices and robust local support.
The first cohort of leading VC managers has already been onboarded, and applications are still being welcomed. The message is clear: if you’re serious about scaling your venture, Qatar’s door is wide open.
Startup Qatar Investment Program: The Launchpad for Global Innovation
If you thought that was impressive, wait until you hear about the Startup Qatar Investment Program, powered by QDB. This isn’t just about seed money—it’s a comprehensive launchpad for tech startups aiming to establish or expand operations in Qatar. With funding options that range from $500K for startups to $5M for growth, visas, and relocation assistance, the program is designed to catapult innovation.
Key benefits include:
Financial Muscle: Tranche-based funding that scales with your milestones.
Operational Ease: Enjoy waived registration and licensing costs, flexible visa options, and subsidized co-working spaces.
Development Power-Ups: Access to R&D grants, market expansion support, and tailored skilling and mentorship programs.
Living the Dream: With subsidized housing and relocation assistance, Qatar is ensuring that settling in is as smooth as your product launch.
Going Global: Visas & 100% Foreign Ownership
Qatar is rewriting the rules for foreign entrepreneurs. Not only can you secure a visa to operate your business here, but recent regulatory reforms also allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors.
Visas for Foreign Entrepreneurs: Qatar offers various business and investor visas—ranging from short-term 72-hour visas for meetings and conferences to long-term investor visas for extended projects. These streamlined online processes mean that as a qualified foreigner, you can obtain a visa and legally reside and operate your business in Qatar with ease.
100% Foreign Ownership: Historically, setting up a business in Qatar required a local sponsor owning at least 51% of the company. Today, thanks to reforms and incentives available in free zones like the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), many sectors—especially in technology, healthcare, and consulting—permit 100% foreign ownership. This means you can now build and run your venture completely on your own terms, tapping into a pro-business environment that’s ripe with opportunities.
In short, Qatar not only welcomes your entrepreneurial spirit with inviting funding initiatives and support programs—it also offers the legal and regulatory framework to let you stay in the country and own your business outright.
A Land Grab in Global Entrepreneurship
The overall vibe at Websummit 2025 was clear: Qatar is on a relentless quest to build a vibrant startup ecosystem that fuels economic diversification and sustainable growth. Whether you’re a fledgling startup or an established global player looking to break new ground, Qatar is not just offering capital—it’s offering a complete ecosystem designed for breakthrough innovation.