Qatar Science And Technology Park Launches US$30 Million Tech Venture Fund To Fuel Impactful Deep Tech Innovation

Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of the education, science, and community development organization Qatar Foundation, has announced the launch of its US$30 million Tech Venture Fund and named its first cohort of co-investment partner funds. 

The fund will invest in Qatar-headquartered early-stage deep tech startups developing technologies with measurable social or climate impact, in line with the mission of Qatar Foundation as well as the country's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). Its investment strategy shall thus focus on companies operating at the intersection of deep tech and impact, with the aim of supporting ventures that can contribute to Qatar’s economy and innovation ecosystem. 

The fund will co-invest alongside local, regional, and global venture capital firms acting as lead investors or co-investors. The first group of co-investment partner funds includes UAE-based emerging markets investor Global Ventures, Singapore-headquartered early-stage investor Golden Gate Ventures, global multi-stage venture capital firm White Star Capital, UAE-based fintech and climate-focused investor VentureSouq, and San Francisco-based sector-focused investor Builders VC. Additional co-investment partners will be announced in the coming weeks. 

In a statement, Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, said, “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. We’re here to back those founders early and bring the best investors in the world alongside us when we do.”

The fund shall target founders working across artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, advanced materials, and clean technology. Areas of interest include edtech, healthtech, cleantech, agritech, proptech, smart infrastructure, aviation technology, mobility and supply chain, healthcare and life sciences, future of construction, experiential tourism, mega-event and sports technology, as well as AI and compute. 

While the fund's primary focus will be on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, it may also invest in Series A rounds for companies that show growth and align with the fund’s goals. Investments will target startups building scalable technologies with large addressable markets and competitive advantages, including proprietary algorithms, novel processes, unique datasets, and technologies designed to improve existing solutions. 

QSTP's first fund deployed more than $20 million across more than 150 startups, including several of Qatar and the region’s early startup companies. The new fund forms part of QSTP’s strategy to support technology and scientific innovation aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar Foundation’s mission. 

To be eligible to apply, startups must be headquartered in Qatar, with part of their operations, leadership teams, and workforce based locally, alongside a commitment to scaling from Qatar as a regional hub. Interested startups can submit applications for funding via this link. 

Pictured in the lead image is the QSTP team. Image courtesy QSTP.