Helping Startups Become Fundable | FounderHQ
The Startup Qatar Investment Program, powered by Qatar Development Bank, provides investment and relocation support for technology startups launching or expanding into Qatar.
Maximum funding support for innovative technology startups looking to establish and launch operations in Qatar.
Maximum funding support for established global startups looking to expand their operations into the Qatari market.
QDB states that funding is provided in tranches based on mutually agreed milestones. Your funding amount therefore depends on the investment agreement and progress against those milestones.
Think of the headline amount as the program ceiling, not money paid upfront. Startups accepted into the program agree milestones with QDB, with capital subsequently released in tranches against those milestones.
Your existing operating history and reason for entering Qatar determine which track is relevant.
START is designed for innovative technology startups that want to establish and launch their operations in Qatar.
GROW is designed for established global startups that already operate elsewhere and want to expand into the Qatari market.
The program combines investment with incentives designed to make establishing operations in Qatar easier for international startups.
Registration and license renewal costs can be waived through the program's support package.
The package includes flexible work and entrepreneur visa issuance for eligible founders and teams.
Startups can access subsidized coworking spaces while establishing their Qatari operations.
Living and relocation support includes subsidized housing for eligible program participants.
Participants can access talent and internship support as they establish their local teams.
Program participants can gain access to innovation and research and development grant opportunities.
The program supports adoption of participating startups' technology by relevant industries.
Skilling, training and mentoring support are included within the wider program ecosystem.
Selected technologies and products may receive opportunities for exposure through booths, exhibitions and events.
QDB gives priority to several technology categories, although it explicitly says the list is not exhaustive and other innovative and disruptive startups can apply.
Don't build the application around the funding amount. Build it around why Qatar makes commercial sense. Show the unmet market need, the local customer, your entry strategy, your technology roadmap, the milestones you would use the capital to reach, and how a Qatar operation becomes a meaningful part of the company's growth rather than simply a route to funding.
If your startup has the technology, market case and execution plan, review the official requirements and determine whether START or GROW matches your stage.
