At the ‘Runway to Web Summit’ Katherine Maher, CEO of Web Summit, highlighted the potential and offerings of the world’s largest technology conference.
Doha, Qatar: The upcoming Web Summit Qatar is anticipated to present unique opportunities for startups, investors, and the broader tech community.
In a captivating address at the ‘Runway to Web Summit’ Katherine Maher, CEO of Web Summit, highlighted the potential and offerings of the world’s largest technology conference.
The event, a precursor to the Web Summit Qatar was held recently at Qatar Science and Technology Park.
“At the Web Summit, startups will have the opportunity to create the potential to build new things in the world,” Maher stated, underlining the vast untapped creativity, energy, and market potential in the Arabic-speaking world.
Web Summit Qatar the first of its kind in the region takes place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from February 26-29, 2024.
Over the four days, thousands of regional and international entrepreneurs, investors, and the next generation of leaders will tap into new opportunities to develop in the already fast-growing tech scene in the region.
Acknowledging the importance of Doha as a hub, Maher added, “I know sitting here in Doha as well, the incredible opportunity to bring in people not just from the Arabic-speaking world but also South Asia and Africa. I’m just hugely excited about that.”
Maher emphasized the significance of startups in addressing market opportunities and accessing young talent, creative capital, and technological skills. She also highlighted that a passion for developing the ecosystem is evident in the region.
“There is a transformation that goes of becoming hospitable and encouraging to startups. Cultural change involves acceptance and tolerance, even embracing risk and failure,” she said.
“We know very well that every startup that launches is not going to succeed. But for every failure you have the learning opportunity that makes you more likely to succeed in the next round. So that embrace of the risk, embrace of the dynamism, ability of startups to move to utilise the capital most efficiently. I think the transformation of component pieces of the ecosystem that are underway and are going to continue to evolve,” she added.
Maher said the collaborative nature of Web Summit, where startups can gain access to mature establishments in various fields, including energy, aviation, media, and telecommunications, particularly in Doha.
“You have the opportunity for startups to have access to mature services,” she affirmed.
Anticipating a global investor presence, Maher expressed confidence in attracting investors from the US, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. She emphasized the diversity of interests among investors, noting that it would contribute to the success of both investors and startups.
Maher touched upon the importance of master classes and exhibitions, emphasising the success of similar opportunities at past Web Summits. She noted the passion for developing the ecosystem and the need for cultural change, acceptance of risk, and learning from failure.
Regarding the Web Summit’s unique value, Maher emphasised, “There is no other event like Web Summit, where people meet and maintain connections.”
