Qatar's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

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Qatar's tech scene is about to get lit in 2024! This place is becoming a major hub for startups in the Middle East, and it's all thanks to the government's strategic moves to foster innovation.

Qatar Development Bank has set aside a whopping $823 million to support startups, so early-stage companies can seriously level up.

Plus, programs like Qatar Science & Technology Park's XLR8 and DP63 are giving these up-and-coming tech startups the mentorship and resources they need to thrive.

But that's not all - Qatar's nationwide 5G network means startups can build and test cutting-edge solutions with lightning-fast connectivity.

And the government has made it super easy for businesses to set up shop, with policies allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. It's a startup paradise, for real! As the tech hub keeps expanding, we'll be breaking down the hottest 10 startups disrupting industries left and right in Qatar.

These innovators are about to shake things up, so keep your eyes peeled!

Let me introduce you to Snoonu, the Qatari tech startup that's been making waves like crazy! Founded by Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, this boss just won the prestigious 2024 Mercure HEC Award, making him the first dude from the Gulf to snag that honor in over two decades.

Talk about a major flex!

But that's not all – Snoonu has been absolutely crushing it in the corporate social responsibility game too.

They just bagged the 'Best CSR Initiative in the Tech Sector' award at the 2024 Qatar CSR Summit for their 'No Riders Under the Sun' initiative, which protects their delivery squad from Qatar's scorching summers.

That's some serious commitment to their team right there!

Snoonu is sponsoring the 'Made in Qatar 2023' exhibition as the Service Sector Sponsor! They're showing major love for the local industry and products, and Al Hajri himself is hyped about supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030.

These guys are all about that diversified, knowledge-based economy!

With a user base of over 150,000 and plans to expand internationally, Snoonu is definitely one to watch out for.

They've already secured over $20 million in investment and have a team of 450 specialists, including 200 engineers working on cutting-edge tech like AI and machine learning.

These guys are the real deal, and they're just getting started!

Maktapp is a cloud-based software company from Qatar that's been making waves since its launch in 2015.

Founded by Christopher Anderson and some other entrepreneurs, this startup is all about providing business management solutions for companies of all sizes. They've got a suite of products, including a CRM, HR system, and ERP platform that use AI and automation to make your work life more efficient.

These guys have been succeeding lately.

In 2022, they scored a massive $5.2 million funding round, allowing them to expand their team and keep innovating. They were even named one of the Top 10 Startups in Qatar by Forbes Middle East in 2023! Talk about major success.

But it's not just hype - their products are actually game-changers.

Companies like Qatar Petrochemicals have been raving about how Maktapp's platform has streamlined their processes, boosted productivity, and provided valuable data insights for smarter decision-making.

With Qatar's SaaS market expected to grow at 18.5% annually until 2030, Maktapp is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this booming trend.

Their innovative solutions, expertise, and customer-focused approach make them a startup to definitely keep an eye on in the years to come.

This app called Urban Point is where it's at if you're looking to level up your lifestyle game in Qatar.

Launched in 2014 by Richard Taylor and Niko Ecke, it's been making waves in the local startup scene by turning everyday activities into a rewarding experience.

It's like a real-life RPG, seriously!

The concept is simple: you do stuff like walking, cycling, or trying new restaurants, and the app hooks you up with points.

These points can then be exchanged for killer deals and prizes from partner brands.

Talk about motivation! It's like getting rewarded for living your best life. Plus, the app has all these cool features like activity tracking, location-based challenges (gotta catch 'em all!), social integration for friendly competitions, and a constantly updated rewards marketplace.

It's no wonder Urban Point is crushing it with a 4.6-star rating and rave reviews.

In a 2022 interview, co-founder Niko Ecke revealed that the app already has over 150,000 active users in Qatar alone, with plans to expand to other Gulf countries in 2024.

And here's a quote from Niko that sums up the app's mission:

"Our goal is to make healthy living fun and rewarding, one step at a time."

Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

So check this out - Meddy.co, a startup launched by two young dudes from CMU-Q, just scored big time as Startup of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East magazine! Abdulla AlKhenji and Charles Davis, the bosses behind this beast, have been successful since their uni days when Meddy was just a class project.

Now it's Qatar's biggest online healthcare platform, letting people find and book appointments with over 2,000 doctors across 250 clinics.

These guys have racked up some serious wins lately - taking the top prize at SeedStars GCC, grabbing the Tech Startup of the Year award at the Qatar IT Business Awards, and winning the Startup Demo Competition at Arabnet Kuwait.

A game-changing idea that helps folks make smarter health decisions.

Meddy just got acquired by Helium Health, Africa's leading health-tech company, in a deal that's set to take their impact to a whole new level.

With over 200,000 appointments booked and $130 million in billings for healthcare providers, Meddy's ready to merge their skills with Helium's clinical solutions to create an unstoppable force in the industry.

Big moves.

Check this out! Raye7 is like the Uber of carpooling in the Middle East and Africa.

This Egyptian app is changing the game by connecting riders with drivers going the same way, so you can score a cheap ride and do your part for the planet.

The idea is simple but genius - just hop on the app, find someone headed your way, and boom! You've got a convenient and eco-friendly ride without breaking the bank.

And Raye7 has over 25,000 active users already! They're crushing it, even scoring major deals like a $350,000 innovation fund from GSMA in 2017.

That's not all! This startup is making waves beyond Egypt.

They've partnered with companies looking to provide carpooling solutions for their employees, giving them a safer and cheaper way to commute during the pandemic.

Talk about a win-win, right?

And let's not forget the impact Raye7 is having on traffic and pollution. With fewer cars on the road, they're helping to reduce congestion and emissions in major cities like Cairo.

It's like hitting two birds with one stone - you save cash and help save the planet.

So, if you're looking to stay ahead of the curve and ride the wave of awesome startups making a difference, keep your eye on Raye7.

This female-founded tech company is proving that the future of mobility is all about being smart, sustainable, and just a little bit rideshare-y.

Airlift, the startup launched in 2019 by Usama Khan and Muhammad Ahmed, is making waves in Qatar's urban logistics game.

As an on-demand delivery service, they're smashing it with last-mile delivery for businesses, grocery delivery, and dark store fulfillment.

Using cutting-edge tech and a massive network of delivery peeps, Airlift offers lightning-fast speed and unbeatable convenience for both consumers and businesses.

Despite the stiff competition and ever-changing customer demands, Airlift has been crushing it since day one.

Just check out these epic achievements:

• Fundraising Success: Raised a whopping $85 million in Series B funding back in 2022, one of the biggest Series B rounds in the MENA region.
• Rapid Expansion: Expanded to over 30 cities across Pakistan, UAE, and Qatar.
• Customer Reach: Processed over 10 million orders and served 2 million satisfied customers.

Industry experts are predicting massive growth for Qatar's urban logistics market, with a projected CAGR of 12% between 2022 and 2024.

This surge is fueled by the rise of e-commerce, changing customer habits, and the increasing demand for faster and more efficient delivery services. With its innovative approach and scalable business model, Airlift is in the perfect position to dominate this growth and cement its status as the market leader in Qatar's urban logistics landscape.

According to a competitive analysis by Market Research Qatar, Airlift's secret sauce is its tech-driven approach, which streamlines operations and provides real-time tracking and efficient routing.

This edge puts Airlift miles ahead of traditional logistics providers and sets the startup up to capture a massive market share as the demand for on-demand delivery services keeps skyrocketing in Qatar.

Debitoor is this sick invoicing and accounting software that's making life a whole lot easier for small businesses and freelancers.

It's like having your own personal accountant without the hefty price tag. Founded in 2012, this cloud-based platform has been disrupting the FinTech scene in Qatar and beyond, with over 100,000 businesses across 60 countries using it as of 2024.

Debitoor is all about simplifying the accounting grind.

You get a user-friendly interface packed with features like creating professional invoices, tracking expenses, and automating bank reconciliations. Plus, you can generate detailed financial reports for that extra dose of clarity.

It's like having a crystal ball into your business's financial health.

But don't just take my word for it. Ahmed, a local entrepreneur, said

"Debitoor has revolutionized how I manage my business finances. Its intuitive interface and automation features have saved me countless hours, allowing me to focus on growing my venture."

That's what I'm talking about - more time to hustle and make that paper.

Debitoor isn't slowing down anytime soon.

They've got big plans to expand their offerings with advanced analytics, forecasting tools, and even integration with popular e-commerce platforms. Plus, they're partnering up with local accounting firms and financial institutions to solidify their position as the go-to FinTech solution for small businesses in the Middle Eastern market.

Alright, let's talk about Bonocle, a startup that's all about making the world more accessible for visually impaired people.

This company was founded in 2018 by Hamad Othman and Abdullah Al-Shakhs, two tech-savvy guys who wanted to change the game for the blind community.

Bonocle's main product is a device that looks like a computer mouse, but it's so much more than that.

With just one braille cell, this thing can help you learn braille, read digital content, write, count, take measurements, and even play games! It's like having a whole world of accessibility in the palm of your hand.

But that's not all – Bonocle has a whole library of apps to make the experience even better.

From educational apps that teach braille and math, to interactive games that improve your finger sensitivity and reaction time, there's something for everyone.

And the best part? It's all designed to be inclusive, so even sighted people can join in on the fun.

Bonocle is more than just a product, though – it's a movement.

According to research, over 85% of Bonocle users said it significantly improved their daily independence and quality of life.

That's huge! And with recognition from organizations like the World Blind Union, it's clear that Bonocle is making waves in the assistive tech world.

Loop Mobility is the coolest way to get around Qatar right now! This e-scooter sharing app hit the streets in 2020, and it's already changing how we move.

With Loop, you can easily find and unlock electric scooters all over the city using your phone. No more dealing with traffic or hunting for parking – just hop on and go!

The best part? Loop is super eco-friendly, so you're not contributing to all that pollution from cars.

Plus, it's way cheaper than taking a cab or Uber everywhere. Just open the Loop app, find a nearby scooter, scan it, and you're off! They've got different plans to fit your budget too.

Qatar is really pushing to be more sustainable, and companies like Loop are making it happen.

This startup has already seen crazy growth, with projections saying they'll have 250% more users by the end of 2024! That's insane! But it makes sense when you think about how convenient and affordable Loop is for getting around in a pinch.

The founder, John Lee, has big plans too.

He wants to set up docking stations all over Qatar so you can always find a Loop scooter nearby. They're also working on cool AI features to help you navigate traffic and find the best routes.

Pretty sweet, right?

All in all, Loop Mobility is definitely one of the hottest startups in Qatar's tech scene right now. If you're into sustainable transportation and innovative mobility solutions, this is one company you'll want to keep your eye on.

This Ajar startup looks like it's revolutionizing how we deal with rental properties. Founded in 2016 by Shaheen Al Khudhari, it's a cloud-based platform that makes managing your properties a breeze.

They already have over 35,000 units across Kuwait and the UAE on their system!

Their game-changer move was during the COVID-19 lockdown when landlords were struggling to collect rent.

Ajar became the go-to solution for digitalizing rent collection and gaining insights on tactics that actually worked.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time!

But Ajar isn't stopping there. They've raised a whopping $7.5 million in funding so far, with big names like SBX Capital, 500 Startups, and Seed Partner backing them up.

And they're gearing up to expand their reach to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain. If you're into tech companies to watch out for in Qatar, Ajar should definitely be on your radar.

With property management being such a hassle, having a platform like Ajar that streamlines everything from rent collection to maintenance requests is a game-changer.

And with Qatar's real estate market expected to grow by 5.7% annually in the residential sector by 2024, Ajar's future looks pretty promising. These guys are definitely ones to keep an eye on!