Interview: Exploring Qatar's WebSummit Landscape with Caroline Matusso

In the ever-evolving realm of technology and innovation, participating in prominent global gatherings such as Web Summit holds immense significance. It offers invaluable opportunities for networking, exchanging novel concepts, and discerning the trajectories of the market. Last month, Web Summit took place in Qatar for the first time, marking a milestone for the MENA region. More than 15,000 people attended Web Summit Qatar, including startups, investors, media, government representatives, and others. A total of 1,043 startups from 81 countries participated in the summit.

We recently had the privilege of conversing with a representative of one of the startups that participated in Web Summit Qatar 2024 - Caroline Matusso, CEO & Co-Founder of Heart of Gold. In this interview, she will provide her recap of the recent event, share her experiences, and offer advice to other startups interested in participating in Web Summit Qatar next year.

So, let’s begin!

Could you please elaborate on the nature of this conference and HoG's involvement?

Regarding my personal insights, the Web Summit Qatar 2024 marked the inaugural Web Summit in the MENA region, characterized by exceptional organization and high-level participants, including top regional speakers and government representatives. The organizers significantly contributed to assembling top-tier projects, investors, and speakers, and we are proud to have been part of this event. The conference spanned four days, with three intensive days dedicated to the business aspects, challenging all attendees with a rigorous schedule.

The first day was predominantly spent at our exhibition stand, leaving us little time to participate in roundtables, masterclasses, or stage performances. Nevertheless, our stand attracted considerable interest.

We were able to share our vision of the future of NFTs intersecting with AI. Many participants showed interest in us as the first NFT lottery project.

The following two days were primarily allocated for personal meetings with investors and potential partners, filling my agenda from early morning until the end of each day. Despite the packed schedule, I managed to attend several roundtables and masterclasses focused on cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies.

At the conference, our primary objective was to present Heart of Gold to a broader audience of investors and capital managers. In the landscape of Web3 projects, our presence stood out significantly due to the relatively limited number of Web3 startups.

Which industry leaders did you have the opportunity to engage with during WebSummit Qatar, and what insights or feedback did they provide about Heart of Gold's project?

During WebSummit Qatar, we had the privilege of engaging with numerous representatives from both traditional and digital businesses, including a distinguished Portuguese delegation. It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious group, and we were delighted to receive support and recognition from Startup Portugal and Lisboa Unicorn Capital. I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to them for their invaluable support. Our interactions with industry leaders provided invaluable insights and feedback on the Heart of Gold project, contributing to our understanding of the evolving landscape.

Moreover, the visit from Bernardo Ivo Cruz, Secretary of State for International Trade and Foreign Investment, to our stand underscored the growing interest and support for Web3 and Portuguese innovation.

Being part of the Portuguese delegation allows us to make significant contributions to Portugal's burgeoning tech scene and reinforces Lisbon's status as Europe's leading city for innovation.

Can you share any highlights or memorable moments from your interactions with attendees at WebSummit Qatar who showed interest in the Heart of Gold project?

One of the standout moments was when we received an award of appreciation. This recognition was a complete surprise and a significant honor for our team, highlighting the impact and potential of our project in the tech community and beyond

There were several notable investors who were impressed by our project. We discussed potential collaboration opportunities with them and kindly exchanged contacts to continue our interaction in the future. This summit undoubtedly helped us forge valuable connections in the MENA region, offering the opportunity to expand our presence there.

How did you showcase your project at WebSummit Qatar, and what aspects of it did you emphasize during presentations or demonstrations?

At WebSummit Qatar, we showcased the Heart of Gold project primarily on our designated exhibition day, highlighting its innovative features and unique value propositions that address existing challenges in the NFT market. During presentations and demonstrations, we focused on how our project uniquely solves these issues, differentiating it from other offerings. On subsequent days, we held personal meetings with investors, where we could delve deeper into the specifics, potential impacts, and growth opportunities of Heart of Gold. The positive feedback we received at the summit underscored the strong execution and compelling vision of our project.

Were there any specific trends or emerging technologies discussed at WebSummit Qatar that you found particularly relevant or inspiring for the future development of the Heart of Gold project?

Absolutely, the thematic discussions on AI and its potential integration were incredibly insightful. The feedback we received in this regard will undoubtedly help us refine and enhance the ideas behind HoG.

Moreover, we noticed a growing interest among investors in infrastructural solutions and real-world applications of NFTs, which was particularly inspiring. This shift in investor focus underscores the importance of developing NFT products that have practical, real-world applications, leading us to adjust our roadmap. This new direction aims to meet market demands and investor interests, enhancing the Heart of Gold project's relevance in the evolving NFT and blockchain landscape.

Can you describe any networking opportunities or potential collaborations that arose as a result of your presence at WebSummit Qatar?

There were networking opportunities and potential collaborations that emerged during our presence at WebSummit Qatar. While we're unable to disclose all the details at this moment, rest assured that we will incorporate these opportunities into our roadmap moving forward.

Looking back at your experience at WebSummit Qatar, what advice will you give to other startups?

Reflecting on my experience at Web Summit Qatar, here are some pieces of advice I would offer to other startups:

• If you have the opportunity to participate, seize it! Even if participation seems challenging, find a way, as in my experience, it was the most rewarding business event I've ever attended, with immense growth potential.
• Stay updated on the organizer's social media channels to apply as soon as registrations open.
• Ensure your pitch deck is ready and up-to-date by December of this year, as applications typically open around this time.
• Clearly outline your goals for the event, identify your target audience, and craft key messages tailored to each audience segment.
• Reach out to potential investors and partners well in advance. This year, I began contacting them three weeks before the event, and my schedule was fully booked one week prior.
• Prepare to dedicate long hours—12 to 14 per day—during all four days of the conference.
• Follow up promptly with useful contacts within a week after the event while you're still fresh in their memory.
• Ensure your social media team is available 24/7 during the event days. You may not have time for content creation, but timely updates are crucial for maintaining engagement.