#WebsummitQatar Goes Quantum
From Angel City FC to AI-powered governments, Web Summit Qatar 2025 puts the future on fast-forward The second edition of Web Summit Qatar is officially underway, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of global tech leaders, investors, and policymakers. With over 25,000 attendees from 120+ countries , this year's summit has shattered expectations, transforming Doha into a global hub of innovation. Patty Cosgrave, the founder and CEO of Web Summit, opened the event by celebrating Qatar’s role as a gateway to the Middle East and beyond , highlighting the nation's rapid growth in startups, investment, and diplomacy. The summit is now at full capacity after just two years, with major tech players like Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, IBM, TikTok, and Snap in attendance. The event features 1,520 startups from 90 countries , making it the largest international startup gathering ever held in the Middle East. Qatar’s own startup scene is thriving, with 228 Qatari-founded startups exhibiting and a growing ecosystem attracting billions in investment. Since last year’s summit, 148 participating companies have collectively raised nearly $30 billion , proving the event's real-world impact. The conversation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 is focused on AI, investment, and the future of global collaboration , with high-profile speakers including Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), Alexander Wang (CEO of Scale AI), and key Qatari government officials . The Lowdown 25,000+ attendees from 120+ countries have gathered in Doha, exceeding initial projections. 1,520 startups from 90 countries are exhibiting, making it the largest startup event in the Middle East. Major tech giants like Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, IBM, and TikTok are participating. Qatar Investment Authority’s $1 billion fund is actively fueling regional innovation. AI is dominating the agenda , with Scale AI’s Alexander Wang leading discussions on the global AI race. Alexis Ohanian is betting big on women’s sports , investing in teams and media to drive equal opportunities. Qatar signs a major AI deal with Scale AI to implement AI-driven government services by 2029. "Qatar is Punching Above Its Weight" – The Prime Minister on the Nation’s Vision Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani , took the stage to outline the country’s startup-driven future . He compared Qatar to a startup itself— small but capable of global impact —thanks to strategic investment in technology and innovation. A $1 billion investment fund is driving tech growth, with major venture firms setting up in Doha. The Startup Qatar initiative has attracted applications from over 4,000 companies in 60 countries . Qatar has jumped 11 spots in the global startup ecosystem rankings , now the highest-ranked country in the MENA region. “We are creating an ecosystem where startups can thrive and emerge as global leaders .” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "Women’s Sports Will Be Worth $1B a Team" – Alexis Ohanian's Game-Changing Bet Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian is all-in on women’s sports , investing in Angel City FC and launching Athlos , a Super Bowl-style event for track and field. Bought Angel City FC for $1 million —now valued at nearly $300 million . Believes women’s pro teams will reach $1 billion valuations within the next decade. Created "The Offseason," a reality show about women’s soccer, airing directly on X (formerly Twitter). “None of this is charity—this is just good business .” – Alexis Ohanian He also launched Inner Circle , a social media platform for athletes, designed to combat harassment and toxicity , providing direct monetization tools . "America Must Win the AI War" – Alexander Wang’s Vision for the Future of AI At just 25 years old , Scale AI founder Alexander Wang is already a self-made billionaire, shaping how AI develops globally. He took out a full-page ad in the Washington Post , declaring: "America must win the AI war." In a bold conversation at Web Summit, Wang argued that AI is the new global superpower , with the US and China leading the race. Scale AI powers OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Microsoft’s AI models . Signed a major deal with Qatar’s government to deploy 50 AI-driven government services by 2029. Predicts AI will be a massive driver of job creation worldwide. “AI will redefine national security, the economy, and even warfare .” – Alexander Wang "The Future of Content is Direct-to-Consumer" – Social Media & Streaming Shake-Up Ohanian and Wang both touched on the changing landscape of media and entertainment , emphasizing direct-to-consumer platforms : Social media platforms will become the new TV networks , bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Algorithms will dictate what people see , raising concerns about AI-driven media bubbles . Athletes and influencers will have more control over their narratives , shifting power away from traditional sports networks. “10 years from now, AI will be so good at showing us exactly what we want, we’ll crave real human experiences more than ever .” – Alexis Ohanian
