In the coming months, the global technology leader will announce collaborations with leading institutions from the public and private sector in the buildup to the official Hub launch later this year.  

Mastercard Academy offers expert led in-person and virtual courses, including gold-standard certifications, from over 200 experts across Mastercard’s global network. The comprehensive offering provides payment professionals with limitless learning at their fingertips, with content being continuously updated to reflect the latest trends. To date, Mastercard Academy has hosted live training sessions for over 42,000 attendees, delivered more than 7,000 trainings and achieved 98% customer satisfaction.  

Through the Academy Hub, Mastercard will host financial industry players from across the globe in Qatar to equip them with highly sought-after knowledge and skills that will enable them to take their careers to the next level. 

“Over three decades ago, we set out on a mission to empower our customers and partners with the knowledge, skills and insights needed to thrive in the world of payments. This led to the inception of Mastercard Academy. In line with our commitment to investing in Qatar, a country that is home to a dynamic financial ecosystem, we are proud to bring the Mastercard Academy Hub to Doha. The upcoming opening of the Hub will enable us to boost innovation capabilities in the region and strengthen our relationships with the government, educational institutions and businesses,” said J.K. Khalil, division president, East Arabia, Mastercard. 

Mastercard’s geographical presence and market position in Qatar have witnessed a sustained growth. The country is well on its way to becoming one of the company’s global hubs. With its strong understanding of local trends and the ability to develop innovative, seamless and secure digital offerings, Mastercard is at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation.

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The forum, scheduled for May 5-6, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, aims to highlight investment opportunities in the Gulf and African markets. It also seeks to foster economic partnerships among businesswomen and facilitate the exchange of experiences on entrepreneurship and sustainable development trends.

On this occasion, Ibtihaj Al-Ahmadani, Qatar Chamber board member and President of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, said the forum presents a valuable opportunity to discuss key issues and challenges facing cooperation between Gulf and African businesswomen. She also highlighted Africa as an attractive investment destination across various sectors, noting the growing Gulf interest in expanding investments in the continent.

Al-Ahmadani emphasized the Chamber’s keenness to sponsor the event, which aligns with its priority of strengthening collaboration among businesswomen. She also stressed that the Qatari Businesswomen Forum places great importance on supporting women entrepreneurs and paving the way for them to play a vital role in the Qatari economy.

Key Points:

• The forum will bring together female entrepreneurs and investors from the Gulf and Africa to promote economic cooperation.
• Ali Bu Sherbak Al-Mansouri expressed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting businesswomen and enhancing their economic role.
• More than 120 women entrepreneurs from GCC and African nations are expected to attend.
• The event will feature former African female presidents, African ministers of economy, and CEOs of major African companies.
• A series of panel discussions will review success stories and highlight promising sectors for investment.

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As part of this agreement, qualifying media companies pre-approved by Media City Qatar are seamlessly registered through QFC, benefiting from a streamlined process that enables them to operate under permitted activities. Entities that registered during the summit will also receive significant incentives, including a waiver on registration and annual fees for the first four years.

Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, commented on the milestone, saying: “Seeing the interest from so many companies at Web Summit Qatar 2025 is a testament to the growing appeal of Qatar’s media sector and the strength of our expanding ecosystem. Once finalized, these partnerships will bring fresh ideas, diverse expertise, and new opportunities that will contribute to a more vibrant and competitive industry. By continuously broadening our network, we are directly supporting Qatar National Vision 2030, driving the growth of a knowledge-based economy and positioning the country as a global destination for media and innovation.”

In addition, Media City Qatar played a key role at Web Summit Qatar 2025, sponsoring the Media Village, a dynamic space where over 600 international journalists and industry leaders connected and exchanged insights, while also engaging with visitors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, companies, and startups at its strategic booth within the Startup Qatar Pavilion, an initiative by Invest Qatar. Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation, Media City Qatar signed an MoU with Huawei on February 24 for the development of a state-of-the-art smart media campus.

Media City Qatar continues to contribute to the growth of Qatar’s media industry by fostering innovation, attracting global partnerships, and creating opportunities for emerging and established players alike.

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This new grant program is designed to support early-stage ventures by accelerating innovation and enhancing research and development (RDI) activities within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Nada Al Olaqi, Senior Program Director-Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council said, “This initiative represents an important step in enhancing the SME ecosystem in Qatar. By providing SME’s and startups with the necessary resources and support”, she added, “We are working to provide an incubating environment that helps innovation flourish, helping these companies grow and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the State of Qatar, and we look forward to seeing the creative and impactful solutions that this program will offer, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading global destination in Qatar. Innovation Sector.”

The “SME and Startup Business Development Grant” aligns with the mission of the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council to drive the innovation agenda and promote economic diversification. It aims to reduce the investment risks associated with the development of technology in SMEs and startups, as well as their entry into the market. The grant also seeks to enhance the readiness of new products and services developed by companies, accelerating technology commercialization. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the diversification of the economy by generating R&D-based revenue for small and medium-sized businesses. QRDI Council is committed to intensifying R&D and innovation activities within Qatar’s business sector, a key element in achieving the country’s sustainable economic development goals.

Through tailored funding and incentives, the QRDI Council aims to promote economic diversification and drive the commercialization of technologies in key sectors such as medical and healthcare, logistics and transportation, smart cities, and creativity, arts, and tourism. Therefore, QRDI’s goal is to support small businesses that are actively conducting research, development, and innovation (RDI) with a clear path towards commercialization, helping them scale their solutions and meet global demand.

Those interested in applying for this scholarship can visit the Innolight platform to learn more about the scholarship and the application schedule.

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Web Summit Qatar brings together global technology leaders, startups, and enterprises to explore the latest innovations shaping the digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to evolve, PowerDMARC is dedicated to empowering businesses with advanced email security solutions to combat phishing, spoofing, and domain impersonation attacks.

What to Expect:

• Live Demonstrations: Get hands-on experience with PowerDMARC’s AI-powered email authentication platform.
• Expert Insights: Meet industry specialists and gain in-depth knowledge on DMARC, SPF, DKIM, BIMI, MTA-STS, and TLS-RPT.
• Exclusive Partnership Opportunities: Explore collaborations to enhance your MSSP cybersecurity offerings with DMARC.
• Real-World Case Studies: Learn how global organizations are securing their email channels with PowerDMARC.

“We are excited to be part of Web Summit Qatar 2025 and connect with businesses looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture,” said Maitham Al Lawati, CEO of PowerDMARC. “Email fraud is a growing concern, and we’re here to provide the tools and expertise necessary to prevent brand abuse and data breaches.”

Attendees are invited to visit PowerDMARC at Stand A402 to discover how its comprehensive suite of email authentication management solutions can safeguard domains and ensure secure email communication.

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“B Capital has been dedicated to identifying and supporting visionary entrepreneurs across North America and Asia, and we are attracted to the Middle East as a rapidly emerging hub for innovation,” said Raj Ganguly, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of B Capital. “With our deep global expertise, particularly in AI, and our commitment to backing transformative companies, we look forward to helping the region’s most innovative businesses shape the future of technology.”

B Capital invests globally in exceptional founders and businesses driving innovation through technology. With over $8 billion in assets under management, the firm targets seed to late-stage growth technology investments. B Capital’s value-add platform, as well as its strategic partnership with The Boston Consulting Group, equips entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to scale quickly, expand into new markets and build market-leading businesses.

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Building on its success at the first Web Summit Qatar in 2024, where QFC registered over 300 firms in just four days, QFC will once again offer exceptional incentives to companies looking to establish or expand their business ventures in Qatar. Companies that choose to register with the QFC during the Web Summit will benefit from waived registration and annual fees for the first four years, along with a tax exemption.

In addition, QFC is introducing instant banking services this year, in collaboration with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Dukhan Bank, enabling potential clients to open corporate accounts seamlessly. This initiative further simplifies the business set-up process, resulting in a faster and more efficient entry into the Qatari market.

QFC’s participation in the Web Summit reinforces its commitment to supporting business growth and technological innovation in Qatar. By offering attractive incentives and streamlined services, QFC continues to position Qatar as a premier destination for global companies seeking to expand in the region.

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The program, now in its 8th edition, has gained widespread recognition for its ability to shape the entrepreneurial landscape in Qatar. Each edition builds on the success of the last, with QRDI Council’s commitment to empowering local businesses growing ever more evident. This bootcamp is not just a training program, it’s a vital support system for Qatar’s SME sector, which continues to play an essential role in the country’s vision for innovation and economic diversification.

Beyond its focus on SMEs, the QRDI Council recognises the critical role of product management across organisations of all sizes. The Council’s initiatives support the integration of product management practices across all sectors, ensuring that businesses, from SMEs to large local enterprises (LLEs), are equipped with the tools they need to maintain competitiveness and promote innovation in today’s global economy.

Aysha Abdulhameed Al Mudahka, RDI Program Director at QRDI Council, said: “As a key component of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, QRDI Council is proud to promote research and innovation to aid in the nation’s sustainable development. In keeping with the Vision’s objectives of creating a knowledge-based, competitive, and innovative economy, our ongoing efforts to support SMEs and encourage entrepreneurship are essential to diversifying Qatar’s economy and guaranteeing long-term prosperity.”

Ghanim Al Sulaiti, the founder and CEO of Enbat Holding, previously spoke as a guest speaker at the sixth edition of the SME Bootcamp. He gave the participating SMEs valuable advice and shared insightful stories from his business career. The growth and success of small and medium-sized businesses depend on efforts like the QRDI Council’s SME Bootcamp, which Ghanim emphasised as crucial.

“Having a platform like QRDI Council that brings together people from different parts of the industry helps bridge the gap and makes it more engaging. I believe there’s so much in common between our vision at Enbat and QRDI. QRDI Council has been a pillar in Doha, raising awareness about the importance of research and focusing on R&D. In our industry, we constantly need this. We need to find ways to improve people’s lives through innovative ideas and sustainable solutions. That’s why we continue to work together, and that’s why we’re here today.”

As the 8th edition concludes, the bootcamp featured several remarkable guest speakers, including Hamad Hadeed CEO of cytomate, and Mohamed Ali Abbaspour, Founder & CEO of sponixtech. Both entrepreneurs shared their personal journeys and provided participants with a unique view of what it takes to overcome challenges and successfully scale a business. Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and strategic decision-making were invaluable to the attendees, offering a roadmap for navigating the often-turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.

Throughout the week, attendees share experiences, gain new insights, and build relationships that can help propel their ventures forward. This collaborative environment fosters both professional growth and the exchange of ideas, allowing participants to see their businesses from new perspectives.

But QRDI Council’s SME training is far more than a series of inspirational talks. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience where participants are immersed in practical, real-world business exercises. Over five days, they explore the 5D framework, dive deep into advanced market research techniques, and develop actionable business roadmaps. Focused sessions on customer engagement and product launch preparation ensure participants are ready to tackle the practicalities of launching and growing a business. Each session is designed to address every aspect of the product launch process, creating a launch plan, anticipating potential delays, managing stakeholder expectations, and refining strategies for success.

On the final day, participants showcase their progress by presenting their business propositions and demonstrating the insights and skills they’ve gained throughout the training. This hands-on approach ensures that they leave with a deep understanding of how to turn theory into practice, making them better equipped to navigate the challenges of the business world.

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Commenting on the report’s significance, Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QDB, said Qatar Development Bank remains at the forefront of enabling venture capital investments in Qatar, marking a nine-year journey of support for the industry. “As we review the data presented in this report, we recognize the important role we play in empowering Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are proud of the sector’s growth, particularly with the increasing participation of private and international investors, who now account for more than 50% of total investments. We also emphasize the importance of solid future planning and pursue our efforts to attract investors to tap innovative projects, which would boost venture capital investments in Qatar, especially in key clusters aligned with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.”

“Our goal at this stage is to expand the base of investors and funds in Qatar. To this end, we have launched several pioneering regional initiatives, including the Startup Qatar Investment Program under the umbrella of Startup Qatar, a platform unveiled by the Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar) last year, the Arab Entrepreneurs Investment Program, and the Partial Guarantee program, all aimed at boosting investment and supporting the private sector,” Al Emadi explained.

Philip Bahoshy, CEO and Founder of MAGNiTT, said his organization was pleased to publish its annual report in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank. “Over the past year, Qatar has seen remarkable growth, with notable events such as the Web Summit and the launch of the new fund of funds. Additionally, the emergence of several venture capital funds in the country has fostered positive momentum, with transactions increasing by 24% year-on-year.”

This year’s report underscores Qatar’s growing role as an attractive investment hub in the Middle East and North Africa, with the number of venture capital deals in the country increasing by 24% year-on-year in 2024. The total value of deals reached QAR 115 million, marking a significant 135% increase in direct investment despite a slowdown in venture capital investments across the region and challenges in the broader investment landscape. Qatar bucked the trend, ranking fourth in the MENA with 5% of the region’s total deals in 2024. QDB’s investment arm also ranked fourth in the region among the most active investors in terms of the number of deals, affirming Qatar’s leadership in the investment sector and solidifying its position as a hub for innovation. Additionally, Qatar ranked sixth for venture funding in the region in 2024, four times its share in 2023.

The report also underscores fintech as the leading sector in Qatar, accounting for 29% of deals in 2024, an increase of 12% from 2023, highlighting the success of initiatives driven by QDB’s Qatar FinTech Hub. QDB remains dedicated to strengthening the venture investment landscape by collaborating with partners in Qatar and the region through the Qatar FinTech Hub, fostering investments, attracting innovative startups to establish their businesses locally, and developing products that enhance private sector participation in venture capital.

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With a total investment raise of 7.6 million USD, TeamSec aims to accelerate its growth operations, focusing on rapid expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, TeamSec also aims to diversify its product and service portfolio and enhance current service offerings.

Focused on accelerating the financial sector’s digital transformation, TeamSec is driving the creation of a more efficient and transparent financial ecosystem by digitizing securitization processes. TeamSec seeks to create critical value for investors and financial institutions through AI and data analytics-based solutions.

Rasmal Ventures’ Co-Managing Partner, Alexander Wiedmer, said: “TeamSec’s bold vision to revolutionize the securitization industry across the Middle East and beyond resonates strongly with us. Their mission-driven, execution-focused team exemplifies the kind of ambition and innovation we are excited to support. Our investment, alongside Deniz Ventures, reflects our commitment to advance fintech solutions that redefine traditional financial processes. By backing teams like TeamSec, with deep expertise in their field, we aim to accelerate digital transformation and fortify the regional financial ecosystem.”

Commenting on the investment, Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said: “We recognize the immense potential securitization holds in supporting regional growth. Our recent strategic investment in TeamSec, a fintech innovator specializing in Securitization-as-a-Service, underscores our commitment to shaping this market and enabling its growth. We are the first investor in TeamSec, supporting the founder and team in their growth journey at an early stage.”

NEOHUB CEO Gürhan Çam highlighted that TeamSec’s technological infrastructure will lay the groundwork for stronger collaborations among financial institutions in the future and contribute significantly to the financial ecosystem. He stated: “Digital transformation in the fintech sector is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As DenizBank and NEOHUB, we aim to address the technological gaps in the field of securitization by collaborating with startups through our investment in TeamSec. We recognize that TeamSec’s innovations in securitization have the potential to set new industry standards.”

Emphasizing the role Emirates NBD’s Corporate Venture Capital arm played in driving this investment, Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said: “Emirates NBD’s Innovation Fund drives strategic investments in cutting-edge fintech startups like TeamSec, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that align with our vision of being the most innovative bank for our customers. As the industry evolves, the fund ensures we stay ahead of disruptive trends while enhancing the digital experience for our clients.”

Esad Erkam Köroğlu, Founder and CEO of TeamSec, highlighted that this strategic investment from Deniz Ventures combined with the VC mindset and experience of the Rasmal Ventures’ team, is a key enabler in achieving the company’s vision: “The investment we received from ENBD and Rasmal Ventures demonstrates the trust placed in TeamSec’s vision and technological prowess by these renowned institutions. At the same time, this investment round supports our mission to revolutionize the securitization market, positioning TeamSec as a leader in the fintech sector as well as in the securitization market, particularly in the MENA region. With this investment, we endeavour to strengthen our position as a global game-changer in the field of securitization.”

Both Emirates NBD and Deniz Ventures remain committed to investing in fintech and technology-driven startups, driving innovation and digital transformation in the financial sector. Building on prior investments such as Erguvan in 2023 and NewBridge Fintech Solutions, their support for high-growth startups like TeamSec highlights their dedication to shaping a sustainable, tech-enabled future in finance.

The TeamSec deal was worked on by Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Partner at Rasmal Ventures, and the legal advisors were BTS & partners.

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