Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal Partner to Boost Startup Expansion and Innovation

Doha, Qatar - Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and Startup Portugal, the Portuguese association dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, have formalized a partnership to enhance collaboration between the startup ecosystems of both nations. This agreement, signed during Web Summit Qatar 2025, aims to facilitate cross-border opportunities, knowledge exchange, and business growth for startups operating in Qatar and Portugal.

Facilitating Cross-Border Expansion

Under the terms of the partnership, Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal will assist startups interested in entering each other's markets by providing tailored support. This includes guidance on business setup, understanding regulatory frameworks, and managing operational logistics. The goal is to streamline international expansion efforts, enabling startups to establish a presence efficiently and effectively in the respective regions. 

Strengthening Economic and Bilateral Ties

Portugal has historically invested in Qatar across sectors such as renewable energy, food and beverages, and real estate, contributing to economic growth and sustainability. This partnership further solidifies these connections by promoting business development and innovation. As of November 2024, Portugal is home to approximately 5,000 startups, generating over 26,000 jobs. Concurrently, Qatar is developing a comprehensive startup support network with the objective of increasing its GDP by 2-4% by 2033, creating nearly 40,000 new jobs, diversifying the economy, and attracting foreign direct investment through global venture initiatives. 

Recent Initiatives and Investments

In a demonstration of its commitment to promoting innovation, Startup Qatar, an initiative by Invest Qatar, recently allocated $18 million in funding to 15 startups from various countries, including Italy, Oman, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Turkey. These startups benefit from financial support, mentorship, and market access, thriving within Qatar's innovation-driven ecosystem. 

This collaboration between Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal is set to create a dynamic environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurial growth, further strengthening the economic ties between Qatar and Portugal.