Doha-based fintech platform Madad Financial Technologies has launched the Madad Masterclass, a new series designed to strengthen the financing readiness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. The inaugural session, held on October 1st at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha, brought together over 60 business owners to address one of the most significant hurdles to their growth: access to capital.
Addressing a Critical Financing Gap
SMEs are a cornerstone of Qatar’s economic diversification strategy, contributing an estimated 15–17% to the country’s non-oil GDP. Despite their importance, securing institutional financing remains a persistent challenge. A recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for Qatar revealed that 73.9% of established businesses still depend on personal savings for funding, while another 6.6% rely on family and relatives, highlighting a critical need for greater access to formal financial channels.
“Cash flow is a key challenge to growth for many businesses, and having the right and smart financing strategies must be in place to maximize the opportunities available in Qatar,” said Rashid Al-Derham, Co-Founder and CEO of Madad Financial Technologies. “We were delighted to hold the inaugural Madad Masterclass, which will serve as a platform to enhance awareness among SME owners in Qatar on financing.”
Insights From The Inaugural Session
The first masterclass featured a panel discussion with key industry figures, including Ravindra Joshi, Chief Credit Officer at Commercial Bank, and Madad’s CEO Rashid Al-Derham. The session emphasized that financial discipline is the bedrock of a credit-ready business. Panelists advised SMEs to maintain transparent and accurate financial records, engage qualified auditors, and maintain a clear separation between personal and business funds to signal credibility and stability to potential lenders.
Suresh Nambiar, Co-Founder of Madad, also spoke on the importance of digital readiness and access to markets, identifying financing as a key enabler for SMEs to unlock new opportunities within the country. The discussion underscored that lenders value not just strong financial performance but also transparency and open communication, which are crucial for building long-term trust.
About Madad Financial Technologies
Madad Financial Technologies is Qatar’s first multi-lender invoice financing fintech platform, operating under the Qatar Central Bank’s Sandbox Regulatory Program. The company provides technology-driven solutions to make SME financing faster and more accessible by connecting businesses with multiple lenders through a single digital marketplace. Its flagship product, invoice financing, allows SMEs to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices, thereby improving cash flow without incurring long-term debt.
Source: Zawya
