This one took a while to summarize, as I’m still trying to wrap my head around the opening night. I haven’t been this excited for a tech event since… CES, SXSW, and MWC. The fact that the Web Summit Qatar is a partnership that sees the MEA chapter held in Qatar is extra icing on the dessert.

I came early queued up in advance, and so did everyone else. Just seeing the numbers grow for the opening night event was enough to ramp up excitement. While I was waiting outside, Khan was already inside near the Center Stage area as they prepped for the event (will explain that later).

After about hours, they started letting us in around 5PM and Khan luckily squatted best seats with a view. Close enough to get a clear view.

Breakout Startups

A tradition at the opening night of Web Summit is a set of “Breakout Startups” that take the centre stage. Many of these come from different region, and the best way I can summarize some that caught my attention at the Web Summit Qatar stage are the following:

• Detecting cancer (any type) at the earliest stages using AI
• Medicus: Understanding your health using AI to make it more human
• Xare: Fintech that lets someone share their credit/debit cards across borders
• High Level: A Salesforce-like CRM focused towards SMBs (this one hails from within Qatar)
• Tacking B2B work in Africa in addressing supply-chain logistics

Surprises galore

If that wasn’t enough, the biggest surprise came from the PM of Qatar – a $1Bn regional and international venture fund setup by QIA. Funny thing is that I think I know who’s going to be partially managing this.

Probably the most major highlight was Trevor Noah speaking at the Opening Night, recounting his days of fiddling with technology and even just casually learning to DJ. Turns out he’s also invested in tech startups as well.

With the brief talks done, it was time to officially inaugurate Web Summit Qatar. As a customary way to show the impact of tech, Katherine even called up many of the startups onstage for the the honour.

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Onward to the days filled with talks, masterclasses, and roundtables.