Doha, November 24 (QNA) - Experts at the 'from Qatar: the flourishing of innovation and investment in the middle east' event affirmed that the State of Qatar is moving steadily toward building an integrated system from early to advanced stages in the field of venture capital, which may put it in a position similar to the most advanced centers in the field at the international level.

At its inaugural event, organized on Monday by the Q Venture Capital Association (QVCA) in collaboration with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), experts discussed the future of venture capital, noting a clear need to improve the performance of some startups in line with the development of global markets.

In her remarks, Qatar Funds Director at QIA Haya Al Ghanim emphasized that Qatar possesses what many business systems seek: a clear vision, a world-class infrastructure, and local companies eager to collaborate with startups. With the presence of QVCA, the leap toward a sophisticated innovation ecosystem becomes a coordinated and strategic one.

She noted that recent years have witnessed an accelerated transformation in the local ecosystem, which began with slow growth, then gained momentum and increasing confidence, as evidenced by the dialogues and partnerships that today bring together investors with innovators and founders.

She also indicated that the Qatari sovereign wealth fund is working to inject USD 1 billion into high-quality venture capital funds, aiming to strengthen their presence in Qatar and encourage them to invest their expertise and capital in the region.

She noted that the role of the QIA's holding company program extends beyond mere financing; it also includes creating the conditions for long-term success, from talent development to supporting corporate innovation and opening marketing channels and access to global investors. QIA has already provided funding to six venture capital funds.

She also said that Doha has witnessed significant developments in the field, including hosting new headquarters for global funds, employing local talent, a notable increase in deal flows, and a rise in international founders' interest in Qatar as a launching pad for their companies.

For his part, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures (GGV) Hussain Abdullah emphasized that Qatar possesses the necessary elements to become a prominent regional destination for listing growth companies, provided it develops a stock exchange platform capable of accommodating such companies. He indicated that a clear commitment and local growth capital will allow Qatar to strengthen its position and offer a robust alternative for listing high-tech companies.

Co-founder of Atypical Ventures Alina Truhina said that the establishment of QVCA came to advance the interests of the venture capital, private equity, and startup investment sectors in Qatar, as well as expanding effective engagement with regional and international stakeholders, adding that the association's work is not limited to Qatar alone, but encompasses the entire region.

Truhina said that QVCA's strategy is built on three main pillars, the first of which is education and training, which entail investing in people and integrating new talent into the venture capital sector, with this being the most sustainable path toward building a strong startup ecosystem.

The second pillar is policy and advocacy, through constructive work with regulators and decision-makers to develop frameworks that support innovation, facilitate capital flows, and enhance entrepreneurship, she added.

The third pillar, the Co-founder of A-typical Ventures said, focuses on ecosystem connectivity by creating spaces that bring together ideas, capital, and talent within Qatar and across borders, thereby driving growth opportunities and strengthening regional and international linkages.

Truhina emphasized that QVCA is focused on cross-border collaboration, and that its membership seeks to represent the geographic, professional, and experiential diversity within the sector.

She added that these pillars will be translated in the coming period into concrete programs, including the launch of specialized training programs, the development of new institutional partnerships, and the enhancement of dialogue with regulatory bodies to further elevate Qatar's position on the regional and global investment map.

Moreover, Truhina expressed appreciation for partners' significant support.

Participants also noted that liquidity today represents the biggest challenge for venture capital funds globally, with increasing importance placed on performance indicators such as distribution rates.

Despite the notable progress made in building the local innovation ecosystem, attendees stressed that consistency in work and execution is the most critical factor in the next phase. 

With growing interest from international talent and strong local support programs, maintaining a steady pace of development will be essential to sustaining momentum.

Speakers pointed out that entrepreneurs seeking regional expansion often raise a key question on whether sufficient human capital is available, with institutions and support entities currently working to address this matter through initiatives focusing on talent development and skills enhancement.

Participants said that the ecosystem needs short-term financing tools and better preparation for startups before moving to advanced growth stages.

They also praised the current roadmap while calling for periodic evaluations to ensure alignment with market developments.

The session concluded by emphasizing that what is needed is not a change in approach, but continued implementation of the current roadmap, accompanied by a comprehensive annual review to accelerate development and achieve Qatar's ambition of building a world-class innovation ecosystem. (QNA)