Doha: Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and Startup Portugal, the Portuguese association for the promotion of entrepreneurship, have announced their partnership to foster collaboration and create new opportunities within the startup ecosystems of both countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the partnership was signed during Web Summit Qatar 2025 and aims to enhance cross-border opportunities, knowledge exchange, and business growth for startups in Qatar and Portugal. As part of the agreement, both organizations will facilitate mutual referrals of startup companies interested in expanding into each other’s markets, offering tailored support for startups establishing a presence in the respective markets.
The collaboration is designed to streamline the process for startups seeking international expansion, enabling them to pursue an efficient business journey within their respective regions. Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal will join efforts to provide comprehensive guidance on business setup, regulatory frameworks, and operational logistics, empowering startups to scale globally.
The agreement was signed by CEO of Invest Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, and Executive Director of Startup Portugal, Antonio Dias Martins. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani expressed satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting the shared vision of creating a dynamic startup environment that drives investment and business growth. Antonio Dias Martins emphasized the importance of the collaboration in strengthening ties between entrepreneurial ecosystems and creating new opportunities for startups to scale internationally.
Over the years, Portugal has made investments in Qatar across sectors like renewable energy, food and beverages, and real estate, contributing to economic growth and stronger bilateral ties. The partnership between Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal reinforces these ties by fostering business development and innovation. Portugal is home to approximately 5,000 startups, representing more than 26,000 jobs.
Similarly, Qatar is investing in a startup support network aimed at boosting GDP by 2-4 percent by 2033, creating nearly 40,000 new jobs and diversifying the economy. Startup Qatar, an initiative by Invest Qatar, recently awarded USD 18 million in funding to 15 startups from across the world, benefiting from funding, mentorship, and market access through the Startup Qatar Investment Program provided by Qatar Development Bank.