QIA and QDB-backed Utopia Capital Management launches A-typical Ventures; to open venture studio

Backed by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Utopia Capital Management, a pioneer in emerging and frontier market investments, on Monday launched A-typical Ventures, a new driving force for early-stage venture innovation across the Middle East’s startup ecosystem.

Unveiled at the Web Summit 2025, A-typical Ventures will launch a venture studio, and it is actively seeking the region’s entrepreneurs looking to scale innovations and drive economic diversification across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-Commerce, logistics and mobility, and climatetech.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)-domiciled A-typical Ventures will enable Pre-seed, Seed and Pre-series A founders across the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), Levant, Pakistan and Turkiye to refine their business models, optimise their go-to-market strategies, and unlock powerful growth opportunities.

The QDB will be supporting A-typical Ventures through the creation of a venture studio, providing hands-on strategic and operational support to startups within the latter's ecosystem.

The QIA’s investment marks one of the first deployments of capital from its 'Fund of Funds' programme, which aims to develop a strong start-up and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar and attract leading venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the region.

"A-typical Ventures represents a next-generation approach to early-stage venture investing and building. This is an incredibly exciting time for the region, and we are eager to contribute to the growth of a thriving, innovation-driven venture economy," said Alina Truhina, managing partner of Southeast Asia and the Middle East at Utopia.

Fatma Ali al-Khater, who is joining A-typical Ventures as a partner said the Middle East is at a "pivotal" moment in building a thriving startup ecosystem.

Finding the unique opportunity to shape startup ecosystem's future, she said "with my deep-rooted experience in the region’s economic and investment landscape, I am committed to supporting A-typical Ventures to lay the foundations for a robust ecosystem that enables startups to scale faster, build stronger and make a lasting impact on the regional economy.”

“Qatar is once again proving itself as an unparalleled hub for startups and innovation,” said Mohammed al-Emadi, QDB executive director of Investment and Incubation.

Asserting that QDB is co-building the next generation of game-changing ventures; he said its collaboration with Utopia and the Qatari partners marks a bold step toward reshaping the startup landscape.

By merging strategic investment with hands-on venture-building expertise, QDB aims to empower high-potential startups in Qatar and across the Middle East, helping them scale faster, break into new markets, and drive real economic impact.

"This is yet another leap to position Qatar and the region as a global powerhouse for disruptive innovation and high-growth ventures," he said.

As Qatar’s leading enabler of entrepreneurship and private sector development, QDB brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this venture, leveraging its deep understanding of fostering a dynamic, innovation-driven startup ecosystem.