Web Summit Qatar 2025 kicked off on Sunday, 23 February, with an evening of thought-provoking discussions, high-profile speakers, and groundbreaking insights into the future of technology and investment. The event featured opening remarks from Paddy Cosgrave, CEO and Founder of Web Summit, followed by an address from His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Qatar. The night then unfolded with two standout sessions: Alexis Ohanian’s discussion on women’s sports investments and Alexandr Wang’s deep dive into the global AI race.
Alexis Ohanian’s Big Bet on Women’s Sports
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and founder of venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, took the stage to share his ambitious vision for women's sports. His journey into this space began with a viral tweet storm, leading him to invest $1 million in Angel City FC. That bet has since paid off, with the club now valued at nearly $300 million.
Ohanian highlighted the stark undervaluation of women’s sports, using the recent $3 million sale of a women’s football team and the record-breaking $1 million transfer fee for Naomi Girma as key examples. He emphasised that these figures, while impressive in the current landscape, pale in comparison to the multi-billion-pound valuations seen in men’s sports. His belief? The market is still catching up, and those who invest early will reap significant rewards.
Beyond financial opportunities, Ohanian stressed the importance of advocacy and visibility for female athletes. He pointed to the success of the US Open Night Match event, which attracted over three million viewers, proving the demand for high-quality women’s sports. To further support this ecosystem, he introduced Inner Circle, a social media platform designed to provide a positive, toxicity-free space for female athletes to connect with their fans.
Looking ahead, Ohanian remains committed to building a future where women’s sports receive the recognition and investment they deserve. “It’s not charity—it’s just good business,” he concluded, urging more investors to recognise the billion-pound potential within the space.
The Global AI Race: Alexandr Wang’s Vision
The final talk of the night came from Alexandr Wang, Founder & CEO of Scale AI, who tackled one of the most pressing technological battles of our time: the global AI race. Wang’s discussion centred on a provocative ad published in The Washington Post, declaring, "Dear President Trump, America must win the AI war."
According to Wang, the race for AI dominance is heating up, with China rapidly closing the gap on the US. He provided historical context on Chinese AI development, citing research papers from the Chinese Communist Party and the military’s perspective on AI as a means to leapfrog Western powers. Despite the intense competition, he underscored that the US still leads in innovation, with technologies like GPT and T-0 showcasing American superiority in AI advancements.
Beyond national competition, Wang highlighted the ideological divide shaping AI development. While the US champions free speech and open models, China prioritises control and surveillance, leading to fundamentally different AI infrastructures. This divide raises crucial questions: Which AI model will become the global standard? And how will governments navigate the balance between security and innovation?
One major initiative discussed was Scale AI’s partnership with the Qatari government to digitally transform public services. The collaboration aims to develop 50 AI-driven use cases by 2029, improving efficiency and economic opportunities across various sectors. Additionally, Wang stressed the need for global AI safety standards, working alongside institutions in the US, UK, and South Korea to ensure responsible AI development.
As the session concluded, Wang expressed optimism about AI’s future, believing that with the right policies and ethical considerations, it can be a force for global progress. His final remarks reinforced the urgency for nations to actively shape the AI landscape before they risk falling behind.
Web Summit Qatar 2025’s opening night set the stage for a week of cutting-edge discussions and forward-thinking insights. Ohanian’s push for investment in women’s sports and Wang’s call to action on AI leadership underscored the evolving landscape of both sports and technology. As the summit progresses, attendees can expect even more groundbreaking conversations shaping the future of business, innovation, and society at large.
Stay tuned for more updates from Web Summit Qatar 2025.
