Qatar’s startup ecosystem witnessed a landmark year in 2025, with venture capital funding reaching a record QAR 214 million (approximately $59 million) across 33 deals. This represents a staggering 81% year-on-year increase from the QAR 118 million raised in 2024, according to a new report from Magnitt.
The surge in investment value elevates Qatar to the fourth most active market in the MENA region, reflecting growing investor confidence and the success of national strategies aimed at fostering a robust startup landscape.
Government Initiatives Fuel Growth
A significant driver behind this momentum is the concerted effort from key national entities. Initiatives from Invest Qatar, the Qatar Development Bank’s (QDB) startup programs, and the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds have been instrumental in creating a fertile ground for both founders and investors. These programs have played a crucial role in de-risking investments and building an integrated support system for emerging companies.
Early-Stage Deals Dominate Volume
While funding value saw a massive jump, deal flow remained concentrated in the early stages, consistent with an ecosystem in a high-growth phase. Pre-Seed and Seed rounds collectively accounted for 93% of all transactions in 2025. This indicates a healthy pipeline of new ventures, though the total number of deals saw a slight 11% dip from the previous year, suggesting a trend towards larger check sizes for promising startups.
FinTech And Logistics Lead The Way
FinTech maintained its position as the most active sector by deal count, capturing 33% of all deals with 11 transactions. This activity is bolstered by the Qatar Central Bank’s supportive strategies and the nation’s FinTech Strategy 2030, which aims to cultivate financial innovation.
In terms of capital raised, the Transport and Logistics sector emerged as the clear leader. The sector attracted QAR 80 million, marking a remarkable 716% annual increase. This growth was largely driven by a few significant late-stage deals, including a major investment in the delivery platform Snoonu.
Snoonu’s Landmark Acquisition Signals Market Maturity
The year was also highlighted by a major exit, signaling the growing maturity of the Qatari ecosystem. Saudi-based Jahez acquired leading Qatari delivery platform Snoonu in a deal that valued the company at QAR 1.1 billion. The transaction, which involved key investors like QDB, underscores the increasing role of regional buyers in providing liquidity and successful exit paths for Qatari startups.
About Magnitt
MAGNiTT is the leading venture data platform for emerging venture markets, serving founders, investors, and enablers across the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey. It provides data-driven insights and analytics on startup ecosystems, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
Source: Fintech Gate
