Is Doha a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Doha has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Doha gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Doha

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Doha offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Doha's early-stage funding environment is actively developing, supported by government initiatives and a growing investor base. Notable entities include the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which offers programs like the Startup Qatar Investment Program providing equity funding for seed and growth stages, and the QRDI Council with grants like the Small Business Innovation Grant. Angel networks such as Doha Tech Angels are also active, focusing on early-stage tech startups. Despite increased activity, including a significant rise in VC deals and funding value in 2024, challenges remain. A key challenge identified is a funding gap at the Series A to C stages, as highlighted by the Qatar Investment Authority's (QIA) $1 billion Fund of Funds designed to attract global VCs to bridge this. Additionally, navigating regulatory requirements and the need for substantial initial capital for business registration have been noted as hurdles for entrepreneurs.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Doha has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Doha is cultivating a growing startup and innovation ecosystem with significant government backing aimed at economic diversification. The city features numerous coworking spaces and hosts various tech and startup events, including major conferences like Web Summit. Entrepreneurial activity is increasing, with a rise in early-stage ventures. Support for startups is available through initiatives like "Startup Qatar" and entities such as the Digital Incubation Center (DIC) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC). These programs offer resources, mentorship, and funding, catering to both early-stage founders with idea-to-prototype support and more mature startups seeking to scale, providing a mix of personalized and structured support.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Doha can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Doha, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Doha is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Doha has a growing talent pool supported by numerous educational institutions, including Qatar University and various international branch campuses. These institutions contribute to a well-educated workforce. Industry-specific skills are developing, with demand in areas like technology, digital marketing, cybersecurity, engineering, AI, and healthcare. The government and educational centers are focusing on upskilling and reskilling programs to meet these needs. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in a developing ecosystem with government initiatives, incubators, and accelerators. Programs like the Talent Community Program aim to attract and retain skilled professionals, fostering innovation and collaboration within the startup landscape. While challenges like talent shortage exist, efforts are underway to enhance the local workforce and attract global expertise.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Doha can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Doha boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Doha offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring incubators like Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) and the Digital Incubation Center (DIC), and accelerators such as those at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). These entities provide mentorship, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities. Funding is available through programs like Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) Startup Qatar Investment Program and QSTP's Tech Venture Fund. Government initiatives, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, are crucial. Invest Qatar's "Startup Qatar" platform serves as a central resource for information, support, and opportunities, including potential tax waivers and visa facilitation for qualified startups. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) also works to simplify business processes and reduce operational costs. This comprehensive support system helps startups establish, grow, and contribute to Qatar's economic diversification.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Doha. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Doha Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Doha provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Doha face several challenges. Competition can be intense, both from established local businesses and international entrants. The cost of living and doing business, including office space and hiring skilled talent, can be high. Regulatory hurdles and navigating the legal framework, such as requirements for local partners in some sectors, can also be complex and time-consuming. While the government is working to improve the ecosystem, these factors require careful planning and resources.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Doha or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Doha offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash