Startup Qatar Investment Program

In detail

Startup Qatar Investment Program is an equity and investment programme (QDB) in Qatar. The flagship startup investment programme of Startup Qatar, the Invest Qatar initiative, powered by Qatar Development Bank. Two tiers: START, up to $1.1M for startups launching in Qatar; GROW, up to $5.5M for companies with at least three years of operations. Both official pages, qdb.qa and startupqatar.qa, now carry the same pair — the earlier $500K / $5M figures from the 2024 launch are gone (re-checked September 2026). Funding is released in tranches against mutually agreed milestones, not in one payment.

Amount

START up to $1.1M · GROW up to $5.5M — identical on qdb.qa and startupqatar.qa (re-checked September 2026). Released in tranches against mutually agreed milestones

Terms

Equity — QDB invested through this programme in the €500M Series C of Multiverse Computing (QDB newsroom and QNA, 5 Aug 2026). The stake taken and the standard terms are not published

Eligibility

• START: startups launching in Qatar
• validated concept addressing an unmet market need, with a clear objective and execution plan backed by a detailed technology roadmap
• market readiness supported by research, a sound business model and a monetisation strategy. GROW: established operations for at least three years under a qualified management team, with a positive growth outlook and financial stability. Apply via the F6S form linked from the QDB page, no stated deadline

Sectors

AI & ML, AgriTech, B2B SaaS, Climate Tech, Cybersecurity, EduTech, Energy Tech, FinTech, HealthTech, IoT & Big Data, Marketplaces, PropTech, Robotics & Drones, SportsTech, Supply Chain Tech (list not exhaustive)

Benefits

• Registration and licensing waivers
• flexible entrepreneur visas
• subsidised co-working space
• talent support
• access to R&D grants
• training and mentoring
• subsidised housing support

Status

Open