The Start from Qatar initiative received the attention of participants in the QNA Web Summit

Doha -

A week after its launch on the sidelines of the Web Summit that concluded in Doha on February 29, the “Start from Qatar” initiative witnessed a great demand from startups, as the initiative recorded more than 3,000 visits within a week of its official launch.

The Investment Promotion Agency in Qatar revealed great interaction with the initiative, which aims to provide an integrated online platform that meets all business needs.

The Investment Promotion Agency recently announced the launch of the integrated electronic platform “Start from Qatar”, which was designed to meet the business requirements of emerging companies and provide a unified, specialized window to display the information, opportunities and support programs provided by the country.

This new initiative, launched ahead of the Web Summit, enables companies to access financing programs, business incubators, government grants, networking events, support services, and a variety of other resources through one platform.

The initiative provides financing solutions for startups (Qena)

An exceptional role

The Investment Promotion Agency said in a statement, “The Qatar Financial Center worked, as part of its exceptional role during the Qatar Web Summit 2024, to facilitate the effective registration of more than 100 companies, which indicates great interest by startups to join the vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar.”

The statement explained that the initiative provides financing solutions for emerging companies, whether in the establishment stage or in the growth and expansion stage, with its focus on attracting emerging companies in the field of technology, either to establish businesses or expand their presence in Qatar. It also provides incentives and support services that are consistent with the incentives and support provided by “Start from Qatar” platform.

On the sidelines of the Web Summit, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani, announced an investment worth one billion dollars to support entrepreneurs and emerging projects in Qatar and the region.

On this occasion, the CEO of the Investment Promotion Agency in Qatar, Sheikh Ali bin Al Waleed Al Thani, expressed his happiness at the great interaction by emerging and promising companies from all over the world, seeking to establish their businesses in Qatar through the “Start from Qatar” platform.

The “Start from Qatar” initiative is of interest to participants in #QatarWebSummit 2024 #Qena #Qatar #Economy https://t.co/OAI4iROPpg pic.twitter.com/Ep8pqK2SGC

- Qatar News Agency (@QatarNewsAgency) March 3, 2024

Knowledge-based economy

He added that this innovative cooperation with key national stakeholders confirms Qatar's firm commitment to enhancing the innovation environment and advancing the entrepreneurship system to support the country's transformation into a knowledge-based economy.

For his part, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Qatar Web Summit 2024, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabr Al Thani, said that the distinguished participation of entrepreneurs in the summit “highlights our commitment to nurturing talent, and this event has achieved many achievements, by hosting the largest gathering startups at the inaugural Web Summit, attracting more than double the expected number of attendees.

He added, "Through forward-looking initiatives such as 'Start from Qatar', we are working to attract visionaries from all over the world to turn their ideas into reality here in Qatar. Qatar, by providing financing, incentives and logistical support, has become a leading destination for startups in the field of... Technology.

The “Start from Qatar” initiative offers multiple facilities regarding establishing businesses, including tax exemptions and fees. Qualifying startup companies can benefit from a tax exemption for a period of 5 years, and a group of other facilities include free fees for registering companies and renewing licenses for a period of 5 years.

The initiative also provides free shared office space in one of the country's leading local business incubators, accommodation benefits, and free visas for entrepreneurs.

In addition, startups can apply for financing through the “Start from Qatar” investment program, provided by Qatar Development Bank.

The Investment Promotion Agency was established in Qatar in 2019, and supervises activities to promote and attract foreign investment to the country. Its mission is to enhance the position of the State of Qatar as an ideal destination for investment, and to attract and facilitate investments that support the country’s development and economic diversification process.

Source: Al Jazeera + Qatar News Agency (QNA)