Summary of QIA Announces New $1Bn Fund of Funds

TLDR:

• Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a $1 billion “Fund of Funds” program to boost the venture capital ecosystem in the region.
• The program aims to provide capital for startups to scale their operations and expand internationally.

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, has launched a $1 billion “Fund of Funds” program to support the venture capital ecosystem in Qatar. This initiative aims to address the funding gap for companies in later funding rounds, such as Series A to Series C. The program aims to:

• Provide capital for innovative businesses to scale operations and expand market presence in Qatar, across the GCC, and internationally.
• Attract leading international VC funds and entrepreneurs to the region.
• Channel investments through other VC funds and enable co-investments.
• Prioritize investments in the technology sector, particularly in areas like fintech, edtech, and healthcare.

By bridging the funding gap and attracting international VC funds, Qatar aims to establish itself as a regional hub for VC activity and technological advancement. The program also seeks to generate market-competitive returns for QIA while contributing to the sustainable development of the venture capital ecosystem in Qatar. With an emphasis on technology investments, the program aligns with Qatar’s National Development Strategy (NDS3) and supports the growth of innovative startups in the region.