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Fintech startups in Qatar have enormous opportunities to innovate and expand within the payments sector, with small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing and embedded payments for small merchants remaining massively underserved, according to a Doha-based fintech executive. The expat remittance corridor, which represents “billions of dirhams in annual flows,” is ripe for disruption through better user experience and lower fees, Dr Devid Jegerson, the CEO of PayLater, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview. Dr Jegerson said cross-border Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), which enables Qatari consumers to shop internationally on flexible terms, “is almost entirely untouched.” He said a significant opportunity also exists in the infrastructure layer, covering identity verification, fraud prevention, and credit scoring built for the region’s unique demographics, including a large transient population with thin credit files. On how Qatar’s commitments to entrepreneurship will shape the future of fintech and payments in the country, Dr Jegerson said the expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme and the hosting of Web Summit Qatar are structural investments that will compound over a decade. “QIA’s fund-of-funds strategy is particularly significant because it draws international venture capital into the ecosystem through local co-investment, bringing not just money but also networks, talent, and global standards,” he said. He said Web Summit Qatar puts Doha on the map of cities where serious founders and investors want to be, and that gravitational pull is underestimated. “When the right people are in the same room, ideas accelerate,” Dr Jegerson pointed out. Dr Jegerson said, “Qatar is not trying to build a startup ecosystem through press releases – it is building the connective tissue: capital, talent pipelines, regulatory sandboxes, and global visibility. That infrastructure takes time, but it lasts.” On the role of government-backed programmes in helping startups scale globally, Dr Jegerson said the most important role the government can play is to be a demanding first customer and a trustworthy regulator. “A demanding first customer sets the bar high and gives startups the credibility to open any door in the world. A trustworthy regulator creates the certainty that allows founders to invest confidently in their technology and their people,” he said. He said government institutions can also play a vital role as connectors, facilitating introductions between Qatari startups and sovereign partners in the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia, regions where Qatar’s diplomatic relationships open doors that no private company could open alone. “The fintech startups that will compete globally from Qatar are the ones that leverage this unique geopolitical position as a growth vector,” Dr Jegerson said. Citing the payments industry, Dr Jegerson said Qatar is “at the very beginning of a fundamental shift,” where cash and card-centric payment behaviour is giving way to embedded, intelligent financial products that meet consumers at the moment of purchase. “PayLater is evidence that Qatari consumers are not just ready for this; they are demanding it,” he said, adding that he expects to see consolidation around a few dominant infrastructure players and deeper integration of BNPL and instalment products into the retail and e-commerce stack over the next three to five years. Dr Jegerson said the regulatory framework under the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) is also expected to become increasingly sophisticated and internationally aligned. “The companies that will lead this space are those that earn the trust of both consumers and regulators simultaneously. Trust is the product. Everything else is technology,” he said. On his personal optimism about Qatar’s future as a fintech hub, Dr Jegerson said the driving force is the people. “Every time I sit with a young Qatari engineer, a driven expat founder, or a government official who genuinely believes that Qatar can punch above its weight in global technology, my conviction deepens,” he emphasised. “Qatar has done something remarkable: it has chosen to compete in arenas where the world would not have expected it, and it has won. Fintech is the next frontier where I believe Qatar can set a standard for the entire region. That is not optimism for its own sake. It is pattern recognition,” Dr Jegerson said. He also shared three pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs entering the fintech and payments space. He said they should “fall in love with the problem and not the solution,” noting that the “fintech graveyard is full of beautifully engineered products that nobody needed.” “Spend twice as long understanding your customer’s pain as you spend building the answer to it,” he explained. Dr Jegerson also urged young entrepreneurs to respect the regulator. “In fintech, especially, the regulator is not an obstacle. They are a co-builder of the trust infrastructure that makes your entire business possible. Build that relationship early, with humility and transparency,” he stressed. His third piece of advice was to “think in decades and not in quarters.” “The compounding power of consistent, patient execution is the most underrated force in business. Commit to the long game, and Qatar will reward you for it,” Dr Jegerson noted. 

Qatar has steadily laid the foundations of a diversified economy, nurturing startups and building infrastructure to support innovation, according to the chapter director of Startup Grind Doha.Speaking to Gulf Times Sunday, Indica Amarasinghe pointed out that Qatar’s groundwork in diversification and entrepreneurship, reinforced by the recent expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme from “$1bn” to “$3bn,” is positioning Qatar as a fast-growing hub for innovation in the region.“Qatar laid the foundations for diversification many years ago, across different economic areas. The groundwork has been in place for a long time, and we’ve seen a huge acceleration over the last three to four years.“The growth of the startup community has been remarkable — the number of startups registering in the country and the funding rounds they’ve secured have increased significantly. This shows that the groundwork laid years ago is now bearing fruit,” Amarasinghe explained.He stressed that these foundations have created the base for new initiatives like the QIA’s Fund of Funds programme. During the speech of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Adbulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani at the Web Summit Qatar 2026 held last month, he announced an additional “$2bn” of funding to the programme, bringing the total capital commitment for the Fund of Funds to “$3bn.”Amarasinghe said, “It’s a massive initiative that positions Qatar as a fast-growing startup hub in the region. Over the past year, several venture capital firms have opened offices in Qatar. With the new announcement in February 2026, six more VCs are expected, bringing the total to 12.“The impact isn’t just about funding. Funding only happens when the right match exists between startups and investors. The real value is the knowledge spillover these VCs bring. They come with years of experience investing in successful startups globally, and their presence in Qatar enriches the ecosystem.”He also said, “Their initiatives and activities help startups mature faster. So the benefits go far beyond capital — it’s about expertise, mentorship, and ecosystem development. So, there’s a trickle-down effect.”Over the last couple of years, Amarasinghe noted that the country has witnessed the rapid growth of the fintech sector, which startups, the government, and enablers have identified as spaces where new businesses can thrive.“Startups need to be vigilant, understand the country’s needs, and bring innovation to fill those gaps. Their agility allows them to respond and launch faster than large corporations, which is why they play such a vital role in resilience and innovation,” he said.Asked what opportunities should excite founders and innovators as Qatar strengthens its support for entrepreneurship, Amarasinghe said: “The infrastructure and support systems Qatar has built for entrepreneurs remain intact, and I believe they will only be strengthened further.“The government’s commitment to the startup community is clear — startups are an integral part of the country’s diversification strategy. Opportunities are not going away; if anything, they will increase.”He added: “What’s especially positive is how the key entities driving these programmes — the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI), Invest Qatar, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Qatar Science and Technology park (QSTP) — are working in unison. They’re launching new programmes to support local startups and attract international ones. This unified drive creates tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs.” 

Qatar’s expanding role as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship is attracting startups with ambitions beyond their core industries, according to a game development and design industry expert. Following its debut at Web Summit Qatar 2026, Philippine game studio Vilein says it is exploring ways to apply its innovation-driven mindset in fields such as fintech and emerging technologies. Joshua Dominic Simon, developer and game designer at Vilein, said the company’s approach to innovation is not limited to video games. “The theories we apply in gaming could also be extended to other disciplines, whether fintech or science,” he told Gulf Times. Simon noted that Qatar’s advanced ecosystem in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and startups provides fertile ground for cross-sector innovation. He said Vilein first engaged with these opportunities during the summit last month, where the company participated for the first time. While acknowledging that it is “too early” to conclude Qatar’s approach to innovation and entrepreneurship, Simon said knowledge-sharing at the summit could provide valuable insights for Philippine startups. “We see this as an opportunity to learn and grow alongside Qatar’s ecosystem,” he said. Simon pointed out that Vilein’s philosophy of focusing on “replayability” and competitive design reflects a broader commitment to innovation. “Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we believe our approach can be applied in other disciplines as well,” he said. Vilein’s participation highlights how startups are using Qatar not only as a market for gaming but also as a launching pad for wider technology innovation. Simon also pointed out that the experience has opened the door to future possibilities beyond its core discipline. Earlier, Simon had told this paper that Qatar’s purchasing power, combined with the country’s increasing awareness and investments in emerging technologies, creates a fertile ground for startups to flourish. He said, “Qatar’s strong economy and high purchasing power make it an ideal environment for innovative companies like ours to thrive. Qatar is clearly ahead in technology and awareness, and we see this as an opportunity to learn and grow alongside their ecosystem.” Simon also explained that the decision to come to Doha was motivated by a desire to compete internationally and to showcase Filipino talent in the global gaming industry. His statement resonates with the views expressed previously by Philippine ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Celo D Melicor on the sidelines of a meeting between Qatar Chamber and a business delegation from the Philippines. According to Melicor, Philippine enterprises, much like the Filipino community in Qatar, can play a constructive role in supporting the country’s continued economic diversification.Melicor also pointed to Qatar’s diversification drive under the state’s 2030 National Vision, where services and knowledge-based industries offer long-term opportunities for Philippine collaboration. “We are reaching that time in history...the long-term strategic aim is to have services, for example, AI-aided services,” noted the ambassador, who acknowledged challenges posed by AI to the Philippines’ Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, urging a pivot toward animation, game development, and creative industries. “We need an alternative...animation, game development, and higher value-added sectors by maximising the use of AI, as well as technology where there is a keen focus on creativity,” the ambassador added. 

Women-led startups took centre stage at Web Summit Qatar to launch ideas, test markets, and build cross-border connections through targeted ‘Women in Tech’ initiatives.Women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping the innovation landscape at Web Summit Qatar, with dedicated Women in Tech tickets offering access to the same benefits as general attendees alongside tailored meetups, masterclasses and roundtables designed to support female founders.The initiative was reflected on the ground through founders like Marukh Ghouri, founder and chief executive of Genie Tech; and Mariam Naufal, co-founder and CEO of Naqla, both of whom used the summit to amplify their startups and engage directly with the global tech ecosystem.Ghouri, attending Web Summit for the first time, described the four-day event as a turning point for her Pakistan-based talent platform. “We call ourselves talent matchmakers,” she said. “We connect remote talent of Pakistan with global opportunities, and that’s what brought me here — to connect incredible talent with amazing opportunities.”Reflecting on her experience, she added: “These four days have been super productive for me. I met incredible people — attendees, investors, founders. The energy was electric here, and I’m really happy I took this step to come to Web Summit Qatar.”For Naufal, Web Summit Qatar marked Naqla’s first public appearance. The startup aims to democratise access to intellectual property services for entrepreneurs across the region. “In a nutshell, Naqla’s mission is to democratise intellectual property for startups, entrepreneurs and innovators in the region,” she said.Explaining the decision to participate, Naufal highlighted the value of real-time market engagement. “Web Summit gave us the ability to talk about our startup, pitch our idea, and see the appetite for having a product like ours,” she said. “It allowed us to test the market and create friction with everybody in the ecosystem.”She added that the exposure was invaluable. “This was actually our first time going public about Naqla. I’m very happy that we did that, and hopefully at the next Web Summit we’ll be talking about the advancements we’ve made.” 

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is participating in the Web Summit through a strong showcase of student-founded startups, faculty-led sessions, and strategic ecosystem engagement, reinforcing its role as a national driver of applied entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation.Through Uhub, the university’s business incubator, UDST is spotlighting a diverse portfolio of startups developed by its students and alumni across sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, health, education, agri-tech, transportation, and accessibility solutions. These startups reflect UDST’s applied learning model, where academic knowledge translates into scalable, market-ready solutions that address real-world challenges.UDST president Dr Salem Al-Naemi said: “UDST’s participation at Web Summit reflects our firm belief that universities play an active role in building innovation-driven economies. Through UHUB, we empower our students and faculty to move beyond ideas and research into real, scalable solutions that contribute to national priorities and global markets. The startups and innovators we showcase demonstrate the strength of applied education and the University’s commitment to developing future entrepreneurs, innovators, and technology leaders.”During the summit, UDST is giving the visitors an opportunity to engage with student-led founders through talks, where selected UHUB entrepreneurs share their journeys from idea validation to product development and market entry. These sessions demonstrate how student founders build viable businesses with the university's support, positioning them as credible, investable entrepreneurs. Complementing this, faculty-led talks highlight how academic expertise in AI, automation, and data-driven innovation aligns with industry needs to deliver measurable impact.UDST’s presence also includes on-stage discussions and collaboration-focused sessions that bring together government entities, ecosystem partners, investors, and founders to explore national innovation pipelines, founder support pathways, and the role of universities in driving entrepreneurship at scale. In parallel, UHUB-supported startups engage with investors and strategic partners, thereby strengthening funding, partnership, and international exposure opportunities.Through its engagement at Web Summit, UDST continues to strengthen its position as a hub for applied innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, while highlighting the growing impact of Qatar’s university-based startups on the global technology landscape. 

Versetti Family Office, a longevity-focused investment group and venture builder is expanding its activities by expanding its team and creating a venture builder model for longevity startups, supplemented by a dedicated fund. As part of its broader commitment to improving human health and extending healthy lifespan, Versetti Family Office continues to leverage public platforms to highlight the importance of translating scientific research into scalable, evidence-based solutions. Through keynote addresses at government roundtables, such as speaking at the House of Lords and House of Commons of the UK Parliament in 2025, Versetti regularly participates at panel discussions at leading international summits, the family office advocates for a disciplined, science-driven approach to longevity that bridges the gap between academic discovery and real-world impact.  During a recent global longevity summit attended by scientists, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, Versetti Family Office outlined its strategic vision for the sector and introduced the world’s first longevity venture builder model with family office backing. The presentation emphasized the critical role of private capital in supporting early-stage research, strengthening commercialization pathways, and fostering collaboration across borders to accelerate meaningful innovation in healthspan and lifespan extension.  “Longevity is not only a scientific challenge, but a systemic one,” said a spokesperson for Versetti Family Office. “Progress depends on how effectively research, capital, and execution are aligned. Through public engagement and thought leadership, we aim to elevate the global conversation and encourage responsible, long-term investment in this vital field.”  Versetti Family Office operates with a venture-builder model, combining capital investment with operational expertise to support companies working on longevity-focused technologies. Its approach prioritizes scientific credibility, regulatory awareness, and sustainable business models, while discouraging speculative or unverified interventions that lack clinical evidence. Angel Versetti, the Founder and CEO said “I believe 2026 will be the year longevity finally goes mainstream. Moreover the first tangible radical longevity solutions will show early human trials and therefore what it means to be a human and how long a normal life should be can start changing. Very soon, at birthday parties, wishing someone to live to 200 years will be the new living to 100 years”.  The family office also highlighted the growing importance of emerging innovation hubs worldwide, recognizing regions with strong research institutions, clinical infrastructure, and intellectual property development as key contributors to the future of longevity science. By engaging with global stakeholders through public presentations, Versetti Family Office seeks to foster international cooperation and knowledge exchange across these ecosystems.  The Founder of Versetti Family Office, Angel Versetti, was founder and CEO of a pharma tech company Ambrosus which in 2018 reached a 250 million dollar valuation. He subsequently made various investments in the longevity field, supporting early stage startups and non-profits. Through continued participation in global summits and public forums, Versetti Family Office remains committed to shaping a responsible and forward-looking longevity landscape — one that emphasizes measurable outcomes, ethical innovation, and lasting societal benefit.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alchemist Doha, the local branch of the global Alchemist Accelerator, which specialises in supporting business-to-business (B2B) startups.This partnership aims to enhance Qatar's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, attract high-growth technology companies, and further reinforce Qatar's efforts to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven digital economy.This agreement establishes a strategic partnership between MCIT and Alchemist, opening global investment pathways for local startups and providing an attractive environment for international technology companies seeking regional expansion.The collaboration supports Qatar's national ambitions to advance digital transformation, diversify the economy, and strengthen the country's competitiveness within the global technology and innovation landscape.The MoU was signed by Director of Digital Innovation at MCIT, Eman al-Kuwari and CEO and founder of Alchemist Accelerator, Ravi Belani.Commenting on the agreement, Eman al-Kuwari affirmed that: "This partnership reflects Qatar's commitment to building a thriving digital economy powered by innovation, talent, and global collaboration. By attracting high-growth technology companies, we are creating new opportunities for local startups, strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and accelerating progress toward the goals of Digital Agenda 2030."Under the MoU, the ministry will support the attraction and relocation of 12 high-growth technology startups from within the Alchemist network to Qatar. MCIT will provide the required facilitation and support, including the allocation of five co-working spaces annually at the Digital Incubation Center, and will coordinate with the government entities to enable these companies to deploy their innovative digital solutions.Meanwhile, Alchemist will assume full financial responsibility for the operational requirements of these startups. Extending over three years and renewable thereafter, the MoU establishes a framework for joint governance that defines clear coordination mechanisms and responsibilities for both parties, ensuring effective collaboration and the achievement of shared objectives. The agreement is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar's digital entrepreneurship landscape and foster a dynamic, future-ready innovation ecosystem. 

As part of efforts to enhance the readiness of startups to keep pace with digital transformation and foster a culture of innovation in Qatar, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through its Digital Incubation Center (DIC) and in partnership with Scale AI, launched the "AI for Startups - Training Workshop Series".The programme kicked off last week with the first session as part of a comprehensive training track comprising six applied workshops aimed at helping startups develop practical solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI).The workshops aim to equip entrepreneurs with advanced hands-on skills through sessions covering AI prototyping, creative coding, the development of intelligent AI agents, responsible AI, trust, and cybersecurity. The programme also featured a final demo session, in which participating startups presented their prototypes and received direct expert feedback.On this occasion, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: "This training series comes as part of the ministry's ongoing partnership with Scale AI and provides a practical foundation that helps startups integrate AI technologies into their business models from the early stages. Through hands-on tools and applications, startups are able to explore modern technologies, test them, and transform them into viable prototypes. This initiative also contributes to bringing advanced expertise into Qatar's digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, enabling startups to build high-value, data-driven products and strengthening the overall readiness and scalability of the startup landscape." 

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced a major expansion of its support for entrepreneurs at the 11th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, unveiling new investment packages designed to attract global startups to Doha.Speaking at the conference’s opening ceremony, QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said: “I am pleased to announce the doubling of investment packages: up to QR4mn for seed stage companies and up to QR20mn for growth stage companies. This programme serves as a bridge for outstanding startups worldwide to establish in Qatar and expand globally.”Al-Sowaidi emphasised that entrepreneurship in Qatar has evolved into a national endeavour, supported by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). He noted that the private sector’s role in venture capital “is expanding rapidly.”“Last year, private sector participation reached 57% of total venture capital investments. We continue our journey towards achieving the national target of 70% by 2030,” he explained.QDB’s investment arm now ranks fourth among the most active investors in the Middle East and North Africa, with direct and indirect investments exceeding “QR350mn.” The bank has also tripled the value of single co-investment deals to “QR11mn,” strengthening partnerships with local and international funds.Al-Sowaidi highlighted QDB’s partnerships with the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme, including the launch of the HealthTech Accelerator with Deerfield’s Cure programme, which connects Doha and New York. He also pointed to the creation of Qatar’s first venture building studio, The studio, in collaboration with Utopia Capital Management.Capacity building initiatives have also been central to QDB’s strategy. More than 220 angel investors have been accredited through a programme with the Qatar Finance and Business Academy, paving the way for deeper engagement in venture capital across the region.“Aligned with Qatar’s ambition to be a launchpad rather than just a destination, we introduced the Startup Qatar Investment Programme. In just two years, it has supported more than 35 companies with investments exceeding QR130mn,” al-Sowaidi said.Al-Sowaidi stressed that digitalisation is now essential for competitiveness. QDB has rolled out a Digital Transformation programme, introduced the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) for self-assessment, and provided grants and financing to support companies in adopting advanced technologies.He cited figures from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) showing that 81% of early-stage entrepreneurs in Qatar rely on modern technology, evidence of the ecosystem’s ability to keep pace with global trends. QDB has also launched the Talent Community Programme, benefitting more than 50 entrepreneurs across 30 local and international companies, al-Sowaidi pointed out.He said this year’s Rowad conference gathered more than 120 local and international companies, 15 panel discussions, 45 workshops, and 28 startups competing to showcase their projects.“We stand at a moment where entrepreneurship moves from the margins to the centre of the economic system. The private sector is playing an increasingly vital role in driving development,” emphasised al-Sowaidi, who urged entrepreneurs and investors to seize the opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and deep partnerships.

For many entrepreneurs, building a company is one of the greatest achievements of their lives. But there comes a moment that is often overlooked in the glamorous world of startups and venture capital—the exit.When founders think about selling their business or stepping away, they are often hit with a reality they never prepared for: How do I exit the right way?This is what entrepreneur and business strategist Martin Martinez calls “The Founder’s Exit Dilemma.” It’s the point where passion collides with pragmatism, where years of sweat and sacrifice meet the hard reality of valuation tables, negotiations, and deal structures. And according to Martin, most founders are woefully unprepared.A Founder Who Has Been There BeforeUnlike many advisors who approach exits from purely a financial or legal perspective, Martin has lived the journey from both sides of the table.Over the course of his career, he has built and exited three businesses and acquired several companies of his own. This dual perspective gives him an unusually holistic understanding of what it means to exit—not just as a transaction, but as a deeply personal and strategic decision.“Most private equity firms, venture capitalists, and family offices focus only on the numbers. Their world revolves around ROI, multiples, and deal structures,” Martin explains. “What they often lack is operational experience. They haven’t been in the founder’s shoes. They don’t know the sacrifices made to keep the company alive, the employees who became like family, or the emotional weight that comes with letting go. That’s why so many founders feel misunderstood during an exit.”Why Founders Struggle with ExitsAccording to Martin, the Founder’s Exit Dilemma stems from three main challenges:1. Lack of Knowledge – Most entrepreneurs are experts at building businesses, but few ever study the mechanics of selling one. They underestimate how complex exits can be—from due diligence to negotiations to tax implications.2. Emotional Attachment – Founders often see their company as an extension of themselves. This emotional connection can cloud judgment, leading to undervaluing or overvaluing the business—or walking away from a fair deal.3. Poor Timing – Many exits are either rushed during financial stress or delayed until the founder is burned out. In both cases, the founder loses leverage, and the business sells for less than it’s worth.“An exit is not just a financial event—it’s a life event,” Martin emphasizes. “Founders pour years of their life into building something extraordinary, and then one day, they’re expected to just hand it over. Without the right preparation and mindset, that moment can feel like a loss instead of a win.”A Growing Need in the Middle EastMartin’s insights arrive at a pivotal time for the region. The UAE and wider Middle East are experiencing an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurship. Dubai has positioned itself as a global hub for startups, with government-backed accelerators, access to international capital, and a thriving ecosystem of founders building regional and global businesses.But with this growth comes a looming question: What happens when it’s time to exit?“Every founder thinks about building, scaling, and raising investment. Very few think about how it will all end,” Martin says. “But in reality, the exit is where the true financial freedom happens. It’s the defining moment of the entrepreneurial journey.”As the ecosystem matures, more founders in the Middle East will face this exact dilemma. Whether selling to private equity, merging with a larger competitor, or handing over to international investors, the stakes will only grow higher.Redefining the Exit ConversationMartin Martinez’s mission is to redefine how founders approach exits—not as an afterthought, but as a strategic process that begins long before a deal is on the table.His upcoming talks and personal brand will focus on empowering founders with three key strategies:Planning Early – Preparing for an exit years in advance to maximize valuation and leverage.Thinking Like a Buyer – Understanding how acquirers evaluate businesses, so founders can position themselves for stronger outcomes.Balancing Emotion with Strategy – Navigating the psychological side of exits while making decisions that serve both financial and personal goals.“What makes my perspective unique is that I’m not just an advisor,” Martin says. “I’ve lived through the late nights, the payroll struggles, the investor pressures. I know what it feels like to be a founder faced with an exit—and I also know what buyers look for when they’re making decisions. My goal is to bridge that gap, so founders can walk away not just with money in the bank, but with peace of mind.”Looking AheadAs the Middle East continues to rise as a global hub for innovation, Martin believes that preparing founders for exits will be critical to sustaining long-term success.“Great businesses aren’t just built—they’re exited,” he concludes. “And the founders who understand this will not only create wealth for themselves but will also pave the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”For Martin Martinez, The Founder’s Exit Dilemma is more than a theory. It’s a personal mission to help entrepreneurs turn one of the most stressful moments of their careers into their most rewarding.

QNB announced a significant partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to support the Tasmu Accelerator, an annual initiative launched to support global startups in introducing innovative solutions that contribute to Qatar’s transformation into a smart nation.The initiative focuses on strategic sectors such as healthcare, transportation and logistics, environment, financial services, and smart cities, aligning with Qatar’s long-term development objectives.As part of this partnership, QNB has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering innovation and fostering sustainable growth by supporting startups that drive digital transformation and technological progress in Qatar.Khalid Ahmed al-Sada, Senior Executive Vice-President, QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said:“Our sponsorship of the Tasmu Accelerator reflects QNB’s strong belief in the power of innovation and technology as key drivers of Qatar’s sustainable future. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs through this programme, we are contributing to Qatar’s Vision of becoming a Smart Nation and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in the country’s digital transformation journey.”Commenting on the partnership, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: “Our partnership with QNB reflects our mutual commitment to building a more diversified and sustainable economy by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.“Through this co-operation, we aim to empower startups and emerging companies with the tools and opportunities needed to grow, while enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This also aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.This initiative comes as part of QNB’s broader strategy to support the nation’s economic diversification and digital innovation goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

As part of its commitment to fostering a dynamic digital business ecosystem and supporting the growth of startups in their journey towards market readiness, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), signed co-operation agreements with six leading organisations to support the third cohort of TASMU Accelerator.The Cohort Champions include QNB, Deloitte, and Ooredoo, who will each award QR200,000 to three top-performing startups during the Demo Day, in recognition of their innovative solutions and their contribution to advancing Qatar's digital transformation.The Strategic Partners include Commercial Bank, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). Commercial Bank will provide free accounts to start-ups without a minimum deposit requirement, QFC will provide technical and business advisory services, support with licensing procedures, and offer incentives to companies nominated by the TASMU Accelerator, provided their activities fall within the scope of those authorised by or through QFC.QDB will ensure startups qualify for the Talent Community programme, in addition to offering up to six months of free housing and creating opportunities for co-investment through its investment arm.Speaking at the ceremony, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, said, "The signing of these agreements reflects our shared commitment to start-ups, and the importance of empowering them to generate tangible impact and succeed in building a business environment that fosters innovation."She emphasised the importance of institutional integration, knowledge exchange and collaboration with digital innovation leaders to support startups in expanding their operations and accelerating their entry into the local market through building a strong network of strategic partnerships with local and global institutions, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional hub for digital innovation.These collaborations will further reinforce the progress of the TASMU Accelerator and consolidate its role as a leading national platform for supporting digital entrepreneurs. The programme has already gained broad international recognition, with its third cohort attracting more than 1,000 applications from 77 countries. This strong response underscores the accelerator's ability to attract top talent and innovative ideas from diverse markets, and to position itself as a gateway connecting global innovators with Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem.These agreements aim to strengthen the capacity of the third cohort of start-ups to enter the Qatari market, expand their operations and develop innovative solutions aligned with the Digital Agenda 2030 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting the country's transition towards the digital economy.