Uzbekistan’s leading venture studio, Startup Garage, has announced its expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with a new office in Doha, Qatar. This move makes it the first venture studio from Central Asia to establish operations in the region, enhancing opportunities for startups in both markets.
Expansion into MENA
Startup Garage, founded by Muhammad Khalil, has built a strong presence across 14 regions in Uzbekistan within eight months. The venture studio provides mentorship, funding, and strategic support for early-stage startups, backed by Aloqa Ventures. By entering the MENA market, Startup Garage aims to facilitate cross-border expansion for Uzbek startups while offering MENA-based startups a pathway into Central Asia.
«The expansion is a significant step in strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and MENA. Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, supported by favourable policies and increasing investor interest. Our presence in MENA will create opportunities for market access, investment, and innovation across both regions,» said Muhammad Khalil, Founder of Startup Garage.
Supporting startup growth
Startup Garage operates under the initiative of Uzbekistan’s President and is supported by Aloqa Bank through the Aloqaventures fund. The venture studio has backed over 100 startups, with 10 currently in the process of securing external investment. Three startups have already secured nearly $1 mln in funding. Resident startups can receive up to $10,000 in investment to accelerate their growth.
Sukhrob Gaybulloev, Managing Partner at AloqaVentures, highlighted the impact of the expansion. «Startup Garage’s entry into MENA will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both regions. Strengthening collaboration between Uzbekistan and MENA has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth, and we are committed to supporting this initiative.»
Future plans
With its new presence in Doha, Startup Garage will focus on incubating high-potential startups, launching regional accelerator programmes, and establishing partnerships with investors, government agencies, and corporate entities across MENA. The venture studio aims to facilitate cross-border investment and technological collaboration between the regions.
About startup garage
Startup Garage is Uzbekistan’s first venture studio, dedicated to supporting early-stage startups through mentorship, strategic guidance, and funding opportunities. With a growing presence in Uzbekistan and its recent expansion into MENA, Startup Garage continues to drive entrepreneurship and innovation between Central Asia and the Middle East.
