Startup chief dispels Gulf capital myths for Indian tech founders

Indian tech entrepreneurs eyeing expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations should avoid common misconceptions about easy capital access and instead focus on developing commercially viable products, according to Abdul Sakhib Mohammed, founder and managing director of CloudZigo. "The biggest misconception is that Qatar is a rich country, so if I come with an idea, someone will give me money," Mohammed told the Gulf Times.

He stressed that Qatar's market now demands ventures that deliver immediate operational value over unproven concepts. "Qatar is serious about what it supports. You need to build something that solves a real problem and has real value. If you do that, the opportunities can be very good," he added.

Mohammed, raised in Riyadh and returning to India after his father's sudden paralysis, emphasized the importance of establishing a business based on traction and profitability before seeking external funding. He urged entrepreneurs to concentrate on solving operational problems in emerging markets rather than simply seeking jobs or waiting for the "perfect" opportunity.

Encouraging founders in Hyderabad and across India, Mohammed highlighted the benefits of Qatar's ecosystem, including mentorship, networking, corporate collaborations, and government support.