This landmark program will be a key highlight at the upcoming Startup Grind Qatar event, where leaders from the tech, venture capital, and government sectors will come together to discuss the future of innovation in Qatar and the broader Middle East.
What is the Fund of Funds?
The Fund of Funds program, unveiled during the inaugural Web Summit Qatar in February 2024, is an investment strategy that sees QIA investing in a variety of international and regional venture capital (VC) funds. In turn, those VC funds are expected to back promising startups—especially those based in or expanding to Qatar.
This approach helps QIA tap into the global venture capital ecosystem while making sure the benefits flow directly into Qatar’s growing entrepreneurial landscape. The Fund of Funds primarily focuses on sectors like technology, healthcare, fintech, and clean energy—industries seen as essential for the country’s diversification away from oil and gas revenues.
QIA’s objective is not just to earn returns from global VC funds but also to strengthen the local market, support early to growth-stage startups, and position Doha as a key innovation hub in the Middle East.
Why It Matters
Qatar, like many Gulf nations, has been actively working to diversify its economy. For years, the country has invested heavily in infrastructure, tourism, education, and technology. Now, with the launch of this billion-dollar fund, Qatar is taking a decisive step toward fostering a knowledge-based economy led by young innovators, risk-takers, and entrepreneurs.
The Fund of Funds comes at a crucial time. While the startup ecosystem in Qatar has been growing, access to Series A and beyond funding has remained a challenge. Many startups secure seed money but struggle to raise larger rounds that allow them to scale. By investing in VC funds that have a mandate to support startups at different stages of growth, QIA is effectively filling that funding gap and providing a lifeline to entrepreneurs looking to grow beyond Qatar’s borders.
Global VC Firms Arrive in Doha
As part of the initiative, several major global venture capital firms have already committed to establishing a presence in Doha. These firms include names like B Capital, co-founded by Facebook’s Eduardo Saverin, and Deerfield Management, a leading U.S. healthcare-focused investment company.
By attracting these powerhouse investors to open offices and operations in Qatar, QIA is doing more than just writing checks—it’s importing knowledge, global networks, and deep industry experience. These VC firms will not only invest in local startups but also provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to international markets.
QIA has stated that at least six prominent VC firms have already joined the program, and more are on the way. Over 120 applications from global funds have been received, with at least eight more firms currently under review.
This influx of investment firms represents a major leap forward for Qatar’s ambition to become a venture capital and innovation hub for the region.
A Win-Win Strategy
According to QIA officials, the goal of the program is twofold: deliver strong financial returns and support long-term national development. In essence, this strategy is about creating a “win-win” outcome for investors and the Qatari economy.
The Fund of Funds encourages VC firms to invest in startups that either operate in Qatar or have a strategic interest in expanding to the country. This not only helps domestic startups but also creates an incentive for international founders to consider Qatar as a base for their operations in the Middle East.
Additionally, QIA hopes that the presence of international VC firms will spark competition and innovation within the regional investment community, raising standards and fostering a healthier, more dynamic funding environment.
Startup Grind Qatar: Shining the Spotlight
The upcoming Startup Grind Qatar event is expected to place the Fund of Funds program center stage. Scheduled for April 16, 2025, this event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and tech leaders to discuss how the program is already shaping the future of Qatar’s startup scene.
Key sessions will include fireside chats with QIA representatives and global VC leaders, in-depth panel discussions on venture capital trends, and workshops focused on startup funding strategies. Attendees will also hear firsthand from startups that have already benefited from early investments and partnerships resulting from the program.
Startup Grind, known globally for its startup-focused events, aims to amplify the momentum generated by the Fund of Funds, showcasing success stories and helping to build a stronger bridge between local startups and global capital.
Transforming the Local Ecosystem
The impact of the program is already being felt. Startups in Qatar are reporting increased access to funding and mentorship opportunities, while international entrepreneurs are exploring expansion into the country thanks to the support of participating VC firms.
Several tech incubators and innovation hubs in Doha have also started to receive more interest from overseas companies and investors. This shift is helping create a more dynamic, competitive, and interconnected startup ecosystem in Qatar.
In the long term, QIA hopes that this growth will lead to the creation of high-skilled jobs, the development of cutting-edge technologies, and the rise of homegrown unicorns—startups valued at $1 billion or more.
Looking Ahead
As Qatar continues to build out its innovation economy, the Fund of Funds is likely to become a key pillar of its strategy. Officials at QIA have suggested that more funds and partnerships are on the horizon. This includes plans to support even earlier-stage funding vehicles, innovation programs at universities, and public-private startup accelerators.
By encouraging cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capital mobility, the initiative also supports Qatar’s broader national vision for 2030, which focuses on economic diversification, human development, and sustainability.
The early signs are promising: startup formation is up, foreign VC interest is high, and Qatar is gaining recognition as an emerging player in the global startup scene.
Conclusion
Qatar’s $1 billion Fund of Funds is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a signal to the world that the country is serious about becoming a powerhouse for entrepreneurship and innovation. By strategically partnering with top-tier venture capital firms and spotlighting these efforts at high-impact events like Startup Grind Qatar, the program is building real momentum.
In a region where oil wealth has historically dominated economic narratives, Qatar is showing what the future can look like—one fueled by ideas, ambition, and smart capital.
As the Startup Grind event approaches, all eyes will be on Doha to see how far this bold initiative can go—and what kind of startups it will inspire next.
How to Check Your Qatar Visa Online Using Just Your Passport Number
