Qatar Development Bank invests in AI unicorn Multiverse Computing

Qatar Development Bank has announced an investment in Multiverse Computing, a Spanish artificial intelligence company specialising in efficient and sustainable AI models.

The investment forms part of Multiverse Computing’s €500 million Series C funding round, which values the company at €1.5 billion and places it among Europe’s newest technology unicorns.

As part of the partnership, Qatar Development Bank will support the company in establishing Doha as its regional headquarters. From Qatar, Multiverse Computing will serve customers and pursue commercial partnerships across the Middle East.

What does Multiverse Computing do?

Founded in Spain, Multiverse Computing develops technologies designed to make artificial intelligence models smaller, faster and more efficient.

Its work focuses on advanced AI model compression and architecture optimisation, allowing complex models to operate with lower energy consumption, reduced computing costs and faster response times.

The company develops its own AI models and can also compress models created by third parties.

This technology can allow AI systems to operate directly on standalone devices rather than depending entirely on large-scale cloud servers. That can give businesses and government entities greater control over their data, infrastructure and AI capabilities.

The company refers to this approach as efficient and sovereign AI.

Doha to become the company’s regional headquarters

Through its partnership with Qatar Development Bank, Multiverse Computing plans to establish its regional headquarters in Doha.

The Qatar base will support the company’s expansion across the region, providing access to potential customers, commercial partners and organisations seeking more efficient AI infrastructure.

The move is also expected to support knowledge transfer and contribute to the development of Qatar’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al-Sowaidi said the investment reflected the ambitions of the Startup Qatar Investment Program to attract high-growth technology companies capable of contributing to the local economy.

He said establishing the company’s regional headquarters in Doha would bring expertise in efficient and sovereign AI closer to the local market while creating opportunities for partnerships and regional commercial growth.

Multiverse Computing targets Middle East expansion

Multiverse Computing co-founder and CEO Enrique Lizaso said the future of artificial intelligence would depend on running powerful models more efficiently, securely and sustainably.

He said the partnership with Qatar Development Bank would accelerate the company’s expansion into the Middle East and support the growth of its CompactifAI platform across new markets.

Lizaso described Qatar’s interest in sovereign AI and its strategic location as important factors in selecting Doha as the company’s regional base.

Investment supports Startup Qatar programme

QDB’s investment was made through the Startup Qatar initiative, which brings together organisations from across Qatar’s business and investment ecosystem.

Qatar Development Bank leads the initiative’s investment track for international companies, supporting high-growth businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in the country.

Since Startup Qatar was launched in 2024, QDB has invested through the initiative in more than 40 startups from 15 countries.

The programme is designed to attract international technology companies while supporting Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and build a stronger knowledge- and innovation-based business environment.

Startup Qatar portfolio targeted to reach QAR 1 billion

During Web Summit Qatar 2026, Qatar Development Bank announced an expansion of the Startup Qatar Investment Program.

The programme’s target portfolio is expected to reach QAR 1 billion by 2030, reflecting Qatar’s long-term commitment to developing an internationally competitive startup ecosystem.

The Multiverse Computing investment also supports the objectives of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030, which identifies innovation, advanced technology and economic diversification as important drivers of future growth.

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