Toronto and Doha — Saeed Zeinali, Founder and CEO of NextStars, is in Doha this week meeting with Qatari investors, accelerators, and innovation stakeholders to explore partnership opportunities between Canada and Qatar's growing startup ecosystems.
The visit comes days after the historic January 18, 2026 bilateral agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Qatari leadership, which established a new Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation with explicit priorities in AI, healthcare, biotechnology, and energy technologies.
“The timing couldn't be better,” said Zeinali. “Canada and Qatar have just committed to deepening innovation cooperation at the highest levels. I'm here to understand how NextStars can help turn that commitment into real partnerships that benefit entrepreneurs on both sides.”
A Natural Fit
Qatar's startup ecosystem has matured rapidly, with the Qatar Investment Authority launching a $1 billion Fund of Funds program and Qatar Development Bank deploying significant capital into early stage companies. The country's National Vision 2030 prioritizes economic diversification through technology, healthcare, and clean energy, areas where NextStars has deep expertise.
NextStars has supported over 200 startups through its venture studio model, with particular strength in cross border expansion and M&A advisory. The Toronto based firm already operates across the MENA region through partnerships in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman.
“Qatar has world class capital and infrastructure,” Zeinali noted. “What we bring is deal flow, cross border expertise, and a track record of helping startups scale internationally. There's a real opportunity to build something meaningful together.”
Looking Ahead
During his visit, Zeinali is meeting with representatives from Qatar's investment and innovation community to discuss potential collaboration models, including joint programming for startups seeking to bridge Canadian and Qatari markets.
NextStars plans to share further updates on Qatar partnerships in the coming months.
About NextStars
NextStars is a Toronto based global venture studio and accelerator that has supported over 200 startups through comprehensive programs combining capital, mentorship, and market access. Founded by Saeed Zeinali, who previously built and sold TranQool (acquired by HumanaCare), NextStars operates across Canada, the US, EU, and MENA markets. Zeinali serves as a Climate Technology Expert with the UN's CTCN Climate Network and is a certified International M&A Specialist.
Media Contact
NextStars Communications info@nextstars.io, www.nextstars.io
