Qatar has launched a $30 million deep-tech venture fund that will invest in early-stage startups headquartered in the country that are developing tech with measurable social or climate impact.
The fund adds to a wave of state-backed investment vehicles across the Gulf aimed at attracting startups and venture capital firms amid growing competition in AI, climate technology, and advanced industries.
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, said the Tech Venture Fund will target companies working in areas including AI, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, advanced materials, and clean technology.
It will also consider startups in education technology, health technology, agriculture technology, property technology, smart infrastructure, aviation technology, and mobility.
The launch reflects Qatar’s effort to deepen its domestic venture ecosystem and position the country as a base for technology companies seeking regional and global expansion.
Gulf governments have been increasing support for startup financing as they seek to diversify their economies and build local innovation capacity beyond energy-related industries.
QSTP said portfolio companies must be headquartered in Qatar, with core leadership teams and operations based locally. The fund will back founders developing technologies with commercial potential as well as the ability to address regional and global challenges.
The fund will co-invest alongside local, regional, and global venture capital firms, giving Qatar-based startups access to wider pools of capital, sector expertise, and international networks.
Its first group of co-investment partners includes Global Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, White Star Capital, VentureSouq, and Builders VC.
The firms bring investment networks across the Middle East and North Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and broader Asia.
For venture investors, the launch points to the growing role of state-backed capital in early-stage deep technology, a segment that often requires longer development timelines and larger funding commitments than software-led startups.
Rama Chakaki, president of QSTP, said the fund is intended to back deep-tech startups with an impact lens, focused on technologies that can support inclusive and sustainable growth.
The initiative is aligned with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, which places emphasis on economic diversification, research, innovation, and sustainability.
QSTP said additional co-investment partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
