Doha, Qatar: Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and Startup Portugal, the Portuguese association for the promotion of entrepreneurship, have announced their partnership to foster collaboration and create new opportunities within the startup ecosystems of both countries.
Signed during Web Summit Qatar 2025, this partnership aims to enhance cross-border opportunities, knowledge exchange and business growth for startups in Qatar and Portugal.
As part of the agreement, both organisations will facilitate mutual referrals of startup companies interested in expanding into each other’s markets, offering tailored support for startups establishing a presence in the respective markets.
The collaboration is designed to streamline the process for startups seeking international expansion, enabling them to pursue an efficient business journey within their respective regions. Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal will join efforts to provide comprehensive guidance on business setup, regulatory frameworks and operational logistics, empowering startups to scale globally.
The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar and António Dias Martins, Executive Director of Startup Portugal.
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: “We are pleased to partner with Startup Portugal on this important milestone. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of creating a dynamic startup environment that drives investment and business growth. By facilitating opportunities for Portuguese startups to establish in Qatar and fostering new prospects for cooperation, we are unlocking potential that will bring mutual benefits. We look forward to working together to further strengthen the economic ties between our two nations.”
António Dias Martins, Executive Director of Startup Portugal, mentions: “This partnership with Invest Qatar marks a significant step towards strengthening the ties between our entrepreneurial ecosystems. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and market access, we are creating new opportunities for Portuguese and Qatari startups to scale and thrive internationally. We are excited to work alongside Invest Qatar to support startups in their expansion journeys, enabling innovation and business growth across both regions.”
Over the years, Portugal has made significant investments in Qatar across key sectors like renewable energy, food and beverages and real estate, contributing to economic growth, sustainability and stronger bilateral ties.
The partnership between Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal further reinforces these ties by fostering business development, innovation and new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries. Portugal is home to approximately 5.000 startups, as of November 2024, representing more than 26,000 jobs.
Similarly, Qatar is investing in a fully-fledged startup support network aimed at boosting GDP by 2-4% by 2033, creating nearly 40,000 new jobs, diversifying the economy and increasing FDI through global venture investments.
Startup Qatar, an initiative by Invest Qatar, recently awarded $18m in funding to 15 startups from across the world, including Italy, Oman, Singapore, the U.K., the U.S. and Turkey. Through the Startup Qatar Investment Program, provided by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), these startups benefit from funding, mentorship and market access, thriving in Qatar’s innovation-driven ecosystem.
