Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC), founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Nama, recently hosted Travelocity.com founder Terry Jones, who spoke on ‘Disruptive Technologies – The fuel for Innovative New Business Models’.
The event forms part of QBIC’s focus on the individual development of its entrepreneurs by offering seasonal ‘Speaker Series’ sessions with renowned professionals and high-profile entrepreneurs such as Chris Free, Uber’s GM for Qatar and the UAE; Rabea Ataya, Bayt.com’s CEO and founder; Elmar Mock, co-inventor of SWATCH; Simon Casson, VP and regional GM at Four Seasons; and Ibrahim Manna, GM Emerging Markets at Careem.
In addition to being the founder of Travelocity.com, Jones is also the chairman of Wayblazer and Kayak.com; author of ON Innovation; board member of Boingo, Smart Destinations, and The Camping and Education Foundation, and managing principal of ON Inc.
QDB CEO and QBIC chairman Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said: “We are thrilled to be hosting our third Speaker Series session this year, this time in collaboration with the US embassy in Qatar. Terry Jones shared his insights on how startups are shedding old concepts and business models with new ‘disruptive technologies.’ He guided our entrepreneurs and attendees on how to identify and utilise these technological advances.”
He added: “We strive to host speakers that can bring new insights and share something different and enticing with our entrepreneurs in this fast-paced business world. We are pleased to have had Terry Jones join us for this Speaker Series session and look forward to many more.”
The ‘Speaker Series’ sessions bridge the gap between budding entrepreneurs, and successful professionals with valuable experience and knowledge on overcoming the challenging road to successful entrepreneurship. Visiting speakers also provide one-on-one coaching sessions for QBIC’s incubatees, and depending on their business field, provide them with specialised advice.  
QBIC CEO Aysha al-Mudahka said: “The Speaker Series is an increasingly popular event and has generated a lot of interest over the past few years with the number of attendees increasing rapidly with every session held. 
“We’re delighted to host renowned professionals such as Mr Jones, who continue to enhance the development of our entrepreneurs, and look forward to the year ahead with plenty of globally-recognised and influential speakers taking part in future sessions.”