The Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneur Club, has successfully concluded the seventh edition of its Investment Forum, a premier event designed to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and the investment community. This year’s forum centered on the theme “Family Offices: Unlocking Smart Capital for the Next Generation,” highlighting their growing importance in driving innovation and economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Unlocking Smart Capital Through Family Offices
The 2025 forum brought together a prominent group of international investors, venture capital funds, family offices, and financial institutions to explore global investment trends and local growth opportunities. A key focus was the strategic role family offices play in providing not just capital, but also expertise and strategic guidance to emerging ventures.
Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, emphasized this point, stating, “This year, the Forum placed particular emphasis on the growing role of family offices both regionally and globally. These institutions have become vital partners in shaping the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging accumulated expertise and directing investments toward the sectors of tomorrow. What we witnessed throughout the Forum reaffirms the importance of integrating family offices into the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Showcasing Regional Innovation
The event provided a critical platform for eight Qatari and regional startups to present their ventures to an audience of investors and industry leaders. The pitches showcased the diversity and strength of the local entrepreneurial landscape. An awards ceremony recognized two standout projects for their excellence, with ‘Wafir’ receiving the Excellence in Innovation Award and ‘AtriaGem’ being honored with the Excellence in Pitching Award, incentivizing founders to continue developing their innovative ideas.
Fostering A Collaborative Ecosystem
The success of the forum was amplified by the support of key partners including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Doha Tech Angels, and McKinsey & Company. Sponsors such as the Qatar Investment Authority, Commercial Bank, and Qatar Financial Centre were also instrumental. The collaboration underscores a unified commitment to building a dynamic investment environment.
Fahad Badar, EGM and Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer at Commercial Bank, noted, “The Investment Forum represents a real opportunity to explore the latest developments in the investment ecosystem both locally and globally. The Forum’s objectives also align with our vision to strengthen a comprehensive financial ecosystem that offers entrepreneurs and SMEs genuine opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
About Qatar Development Bank
Established in 1997, Qatar Development Bank is a government-affiliated development institution aimed at strengthening the national business landscape and driving the economic diversification of the private sector in Qatar. For over twenty-five years, QDB has been instrumental in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the growth of private enterprises.
Source: Zawya
