Doha: Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the launch of a USD 30 million Tech Venture Fund, marking a significant step forward in nurturing early-stage deep tech startups within Qatar. The fund is introduced alongside its first cohort of co-investment partner funds, aiming to foster innovations that align with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy and Qatar Foundation's mission.
According to Qatar News Agency, the fund is strategically focused on startups that deliver measurable social or climate impact. It supports founders who are building companies poised to create lasting value for Qatar's economy and innovation ecosystem. Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, emphasized the critical role of deep tech startups, stating, "The Tech Venture Fund is built on a simple conviction: important companies of the next decade will be deep tech startups with an impact lens, focused on building inclusive, sustainable technologies that serve humanity and the natural world."
The fund targets sectors at the forefront of technology such as AI, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, advanced materials, and clean technology. It also emphasizes Qatar's strategic position as a launchpad for regional and global expansion, with sectors of interest including EdTech, HealthTech, CleanTech, AgriTech, PropTech, smart infrastructure, aviation technology, and mobility.
In addition, portfolio companies are required to have their headquarters and core leadership team based in Qatar. The fund seeks founders developing technologies with strong commercial potential and the capability to address significant global and regional challenges. By co-investing alongside prominent venture capital firms from various regions, QSTP aims to provide Qatar-based startups with access to broader capital pools and global expertise.
The initial group of co-investment partners includes Global Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, White Star Capital, VentureSouq, and Builders VC. These firms bring extensive sector expertise and networks across the WANA region, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Asia, with additional partners to be announced soon. VentureSouq concentrates on supporting high-growth technology founders in the WANA region, while Builders VC, under the Qatar Investment Authority's Fund of Funds program, targets technology-driven modernization in essential industries.