Startup Qatar Investment Program

Startup Qatar Investment Program

Invests in technology startups entering or expanding in Qatar with equity support and venture growth pathways.

Eligibility · QA

The Startup Qatar Investment Program is Qatar Development Bank's primary equity investment vehicle for technology startups entering or scaling operations in Qatar. The program offers two investment tiers: the START track provides up to USD 1.1 million for early-stage companies with a validated concept and demonstrated market readiness, while the GROW track provides up to USD 5.5 million for established companies with at least three years of operations that are expanding into the Qatari market. Both tiers disburse capital in tranches tied to milestone achievement. Applications are submitted through the F6S platform at f6s.com/sqinvestmentprogram on a rolling basis.

Eligibility spans more than 15 technology sectors including AI/ML, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, Cybersecurity, EdTech, Climate Tech, PropTech, Robotics, and Drones. For the GROW track, applicants must demonstrate at least three years of operations, positive revenue growth, and financial stability. Beyond capital, accepted companies receive registration fee waivers, visa support, subsidized co-working space, housing support, mentorship, and referrals to R&D grant programs administered by QRDI partners — including the QRDI Small Business Innovation Grant (up to QAR 800,000 for Phase I, up to QAR 2.2 million for Phase II). Those R&D grants are issued by QRDI, not QDB.

The Startup Qatar Investment Program is an equity-based mechanism: QDB takes an equity stake in exchange for capital. Founders seeking purely non-dilutive support should engage QRDI directly. The program is well-suited for international technology companies with proven products that are ready to establish a Qatari entity and commit leadership to in-country operations.