QDB, MAGNiTT release 2nd issue of Qatar Venture Capital Market Report

Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with the research platform MAGNiTT, released the second issue of ‘Qatar Venture Investment Report’ for 2021, which aims to open new horizons for SMEs in Qatar, examining key areas of venture investment, and the most important changes in the local investment landscape.

The report highlights the impact of venture investment in Qatar and the evolution of the local funding ecosystem, as well as offers an overview of Qatar’s investment landscape. The report is part of QDB’s three-access pillars, where it provides entrepreneurs and investors with access to capabilities and sufficient and reliable information that helps in making sound decisions. QDB acting CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi highlighted the various benefits of publishing the report.He said, “Further to the remarkable success of the first report, we present the 2021 edition on venture capital investment, today. All members of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar can benefit from the valuable information provided as it guides our future progress. The different areas of the report showcase promising growth, which opens new horizons and helps guide the launch of new initiatives.”The report features some key growth indicators, including venture funding in Qatar, which hit a record high of QR69mn in 2021, having grown by 92% when compared to 2020. The report also sheds light on the important role played by accelerators in driving investment in Qatar in 2021, contrary to the regional trend. It also indicates that accelerated programmes were responsible for 46% of all transactions closed in the past year, much higher than a contribution of 16% observed across Mena. Furthermore, fintech startups closed the most VC deals while the transport and logistics industry received the most funding.Philip Bahoshy, MAGNiTT CEO & Founder, stated: “The report highlights the continued growth of the VC ecosystem in Qatar with key metrics, including 92% increase in capital deployment, another exit for the country and increased interest from private, corporate, and international firms. This provides strong foundations for further growth in the years to come.”The significance of venture capital to the success of SMEs stems from its ability to quickly transfuse this burgeoning sector with the funds required to accelerate growth and bring innovative solutions to the market. This puts VCs at the forefront of those willing to believe in the unbound potential of startups and SMEs and their innovative offerings.Download the full report at https://magnitt.com/research/2021-qatar-venture-investment-report-en-50808