Qatar Unveils $2bn Startup Fund Expansion and 10-Year Residency for Entrepreneurs at Web Summit 2026

Qatar has reaffirmed its ambition to become a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship, announcing a $2bn expansion in startup funding and a new 10-year residency programme for entrepreneurs at the opening of Web Summit Qatar 2026.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, addressed an international audience of founders, investors, technology leaders and media representatives, describing innovation as “the world’s most valuable currency” and emphasising Qatar’s intent to actively shape the digital future.

“In just two years, Web Summit Qatar has evolved into a key reference point for the global tech community, influencing conversations, partnerships and investment priorities,” he said.

Central to the announcements was the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds programme, which has already attracted 12 major venture capital firms to Doha. The Prime Minister confirmed an additional $2bn in capital has been added to the programme, expanding the original $1bn commitment.

In a move designed to attract global talent, Qatar also announced a new residency programme offering 10-year visas for startup founders,  entrepreneurs and executives. Founders registering at the summit can complete company formation, banking and residency processes in just days, allowing them to “put down roots” quickly in Qatar.

Web Summit Qatar 2026 has attracted a record 1,600 startups, 85 percent from outside Qatar, reflecting the country’s efforts to position itself as a meeting point for international innovation. Web Summit founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave described the tech industry as increasingly multipolar, no longer dominated by Silicon Valley, highlighting the rapid rise of companies like Upscrolled, which became the world’s most downloaded app within a week.

While the Prime Minister did not single out any region, the announcements open new avenues for founders from across the world, including Africa, to access capital, partnerships and residency opportunities potentially providing a new route for startups looking to expand globally.

“The future belongs to those who build together with openness and trust,” Sheikh Mohammed concluded, emphasising Qatar’s goal of collaborating with international partners to shape the digital economy.

For startups and entrepreneurs worldwide, the message is clear: Qatar is actively building the infrastructure, funding, and policy framework to attract innovators, offering a potential launchpad for companies seeking international scale.

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