The program aims to build a new generation of Qatari entrepreneurs by providing support and equity capital to Qatari entrepreneurs to help them start their business. By doing so, QDB promotes economic diversification in Qatar enabling robust private sector business opportunities for Qataris.

QDB will finance up to 90% of the project (10% financed by the entrepreneur) with a maximum investment limit of 900k qar per startup.

Ithmar is a Shari'a-compliant equity product that is structured through a convertible Musharaka agreement, and which works as follows:

• QDB and the client will merge their capital with the aim of making profit, whereby the funding will be done through a convertible Musharaka contract that can later be converted into shares.
  
• The convertible Musharaka contract is automatically renewed on an annual basis.
  
• After conversion into shares, QDB​’s existing SME equity program criteria will apply.
  

• Qatari individuals, or teams with active Qatari members, who are above 18 years old, with a focus on innovative sustainable and scalable businesses.
  
• ​The program includes all sectors (except trade, real estate and contracting).
  

A company that is eligible for investments either through convertible investments or direct equity, must have the following attributes:

• The stage of the company can be early stage (revenues just starting), venture capital (revenue-generating but may not be profitable yet), or growth capital (profitable companies looking for funding to expand geographically or into new business lines)
• The sector of activity should be technology-related, or scalable internationally, or strategic to Qatar’s development
• The company must be owned and managed by Qatari entrepreneurs
• The company must be either based in Qatar or abroad, in which case it should have some Qatar presence and/or Qatar economic impact
• The company must present an attractive business case for growth and value creation

In addition to the above, QDB also invests in venture capital funds internationally provided that the investments:

• Are showing a good return potential
• Are contributing to the development of the Qatar innovation ecosystem.