- What
- Backing via Startup Qatar, targeting a QAR 1 billion portfolio by 2030.
- From abroad
- Not stated on the programme’s site (checked September 2026) All programmes open to founders from abroad →
Checked · October 2026 · qdb.qa · How we check ↗
In detail
Qatar Development Bank is a development bank in Qatar. The primary funding and development institution for startups in Qatar. Runs the Startup Qatar Investment Program (START and GROW), Ithmar, the ROWAD Awards and QBIC. Its Startup Qatar Investment Program (2024) has backed 40+ startups from 15 countries — most recently joining Multiverse Computing’s €500M Series C (€1.5B valuation), bringing the AI unicorn’s regional HQ to Doha (Aug 2026); target portfolio QAR 1B by 2030.
- Amount
- More than 40 startups from 15 countries backed via Startup Qatar since 2024 · target portfolio QAR 1 billion by 2030
- Services
- Equity
- Loans
- Guarantees
- Incubation
- Acceleration
- Mentoring
- Status
- Always active
Is this for you?
Where is your company?
Are you open to giving equity?
We match them against what Qatar Development Bank publishes.
A guide to the published criteria, not a decision — the programme selects.
What the source says
“The program's target portfolio is set to reach QAR 1 billion by 2030, reinforcing Qatar’s long-term commitment to building a globally competitive startup and innovation ecosystem.”
“Since Startup Qatar was launched in 2024, QDB has invested through the initiative in more than 40 startups from 15 countries worldwide.”
“QDB’s investment forms part of the company’s EUR 500 million Series C funding round, which values Multiverse Computing at EUR 1.5 billion.”
“OSS Application / Application Form / Looking Forward to Reviewing Your Application / Application Type * … Services you are interested in … I have read and agree with Terms and Conditions of the service* / Submit”
“Co-Investment / Seed Funding / SME Equity / Direct Lending / Al Dhameen / Partial Guarantee”
“Direct Lending”
Closing soon on the map
No published deadline in the next 30 days · All published deadlines →
Compare government programmes in Qatar
| Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Development BankBacking via Startup Qatar, targeting a QAR 1 billion portfolio by 2030. | not published | Not published | Active |
| Invest QatarFDI facilitation, stakeholder introductions and direct pitching to VC funds via Gateway. | not published | No equity | Active |
| Media City QatarGaming and screen incentive programmes; licensing with 100% foreign ownership. | not published | No equity | Open |
| Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)Business licensing; Web Summit Qatar 2026 incentives waive fees for the first three years. | not published | No equity | Active |
| Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ)Free zone investment incentives and benefits. | not published | No equity | Active |
| QCB FinTech Regulatory SandboxLive testing of fintech under QCB supervision for up to 12 months; Express 3–6 months. | not published | No equity | Active |
| QFC Digital Assets LabRegulatory pathway to QFC licences; no funding stated. | not published | No equity | Open |
| Startup QatarInvest Qatar platform routing founders to the QDB-powered Investment Program. | not published | Not published | Active |
No programmes match these filters.
Highest amount in each programme’s own “What” line. Other currencies converted for sorting only (Gulf pegs; KWD, EUR, GBP approximate).
Questions founders ask
What does Qatar Development Bank offer?
Backing via Startup Qatar, targeting a QAR 1 billion portfolio by 2030.
Can founders from abroad apply?
Not stated on the programme’s site (checked September 2026).
How do I apply?
Through its own application form — the Apply button on this page goes straight there.
Sources
Primary source · qdb.qa · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/qatar-development-bank · Checked October 2026