- Should I do the IRP if I want to apply to for QSTP investment?
- Will the program introduce me to investors?
- Can QSTP introduce me to investors without going through the program?
- How do I know my business plan will be kept confidential?
- I am not intending to start a business at QSTP. Can I still go through the program?
- Which stream of the program should I apply to?
- Do I need to be in Qatar to receive the coaching?
- Can the IRP cover cost of accountants and lawyers?
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FAQ: Investor Readiness Program
Should I do the Investor Readiness Program if I want to apply for QSTP investment?
If you have not previously had professional guidance on preparing an investment proposal, it is recommended (but not mandatory) that you go through the Investment Readiness Program before applying to one of QSTP's investment funds. Note that the program is conducted in Doha.
Will the program introduce me to investors?
Yes. After you have successfully completed the program QSTP can introduce you to appropriate investors, including both the managers of its own funds and external investors.
Can QSTP introduce me to investors without going through the program?
In appropriate cases QSTP is able to introduce entrepreneurs to its network of investors without the entrepreneur having gone through the Investor Readiness Program. QSTP can also provide background information on its own and other venture funds in the region.
How do I know my business plan will be kept confidential?
A confidentially agreement forms part of the contract that governs the work performed by coaches under the Investor Readiness Program. In general, entrepreneurs often produce two versions of their business plan: with and without confidential content. The non-confidential version is used for initial discussions with potential investors, customers and staff. If they choose to move ahead, a confidentially agreement is typically then signed and the full business plan disclosed.
I am not intending to start a business at QSTP. Can I still go through the program?
Anyone can attend the workshops and seminars run in Doha under the program, covering a range of subjects on preparing a business plan and securing investment. However only those intending to start a technology business at QSTP are eligible for the Structured and Informal Investor Readiness Support streams.
Which stream of the program should I apply to?
If you aim to raise finance for a technology business at QSTP within 12 months, and you have a rough business plan, apply to theInformal Investor Readiness Support stream. An expert will be assigned by QSTP and provide up to five days of coaching.
If you aim to raise finance to start a technology business at QSTP within three months, and you have a draft business plan that requires perfection, apply to the Structured Investor Readiness Supportstream. An expert will be assigned by QSTP and provide up to 30 days of coaching.
Entrepreneurs and individuals in Doha that are not yet at these stages are invited to attend investor readiness workshops and seminars.
Do I need to be in Qatar to receive the coaching?
The Investor Readiness Program's coaching and workshops are delivered in Doha, Qatar, so you will need to be based in the city or be able to travel there frequently enough to participate.
Can QSTP pay other costs of becoming investor ready, like hiring an accountant?
The coach appointed to you under the Investor Readiness Program can be selected based on their specific skills, including accountancy. However the coach's role is to develop your business plan and its presentation, not to replace professional service providers such as lawyers, accountants, and marketers.