Feasibility Studies vs. Business Plans: Which One Do Investors Expect?
Introduction
Feasibility study vs business plan Qatar—what do investors actually want?
If you’re pitching to Qatar Development Bank (QDB) or private equity firms, understanding the difference (and when to use each) can make or break your funding chances. At Rowwad Advisory & Business Solutions, we guide entrepreneurs in preparing investor-grade documents tailored for both public and private funders.
The Core Difference: Feasibility Study vs Business Plan
| Feature | Feasibility Study | Business Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Evaluate if the idea is viable | Explain how the business will be operated & grown |
| Audience | Internal + Early-stage investors | Banks, QDB, VCs, stakeholders |
| Focus | Market demand, technical viability, risk, ROI | Strategy, operations, marketing, financial forecasts |
| When Used | Before investing serious money | After confirming feasibility |
| Depth | Analytical and evidence-based | Strategic and structured |
What QDB & Investors in Qatar Expect
QDB (Qatar Development Bank)
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Early-stage funding (Istithmar): Requires a feasibility study with financial viability
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Later-stage expansion support: Requires a detailed business plan with full projections, marketing, and HR planning
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Preferred Format: Bilingual (Arabic-English), with financial tables based on Qatari market data
Private Equity or Angel Investors
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Expect both:
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A feasibility study to prove demand, costs, and risk analysis
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A business plan or pitch deck to present your execution plan and growth strategy
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Strong emphasis on your Unique Value Proposition and defensibility
“The feasibility study gets you in the door. The business plan shows them you know how to scale once you’re in.”
— Investment Advisory Lead, Rowwad
Key Components Investors Look For
In a Feasibility Study
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Market sizing (TAM, SAM, SOM)
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Competitor analysis
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Technical and legal feasibility
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Cost structure and break-even point
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Risk assessment and mitigation
In a Business Plan
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Company structure and management
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Business model canvas or Go-To-Market strategy
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Marketing and sales plan
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3–5 year financial projections
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Funding needs and use of proceeds
Real Example: Qatari Founder Secures Both Documents
Profile: Health-tech founder in Doha
Goal: Secure QDB startup grant + pitch to angel investor
Step 1: Rowwad developed a feasibility study to submit to QDB, highlighting technical viability and market demand in Qatar.
Step 2: A business plan + investor pitch deck were created for follow-up meetings with private investors.
Outcome:
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Approved for QDB funding
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Secured private investor commitment with a defined milestone-based investment structure
FAQ: Feasibility vs Business Plan
Q1: If I’m starting a small business, do I need both?
Yes—start with a feasibility study. Once it proves viable, develop a business plan to secure funding and operate.
Q2: Can I combine both in one document?
Some funders accept hybrid formats—but clarity and structure are key. It’s better to keep them separate unless instructed otherwise.
Q3: Do I need a consultant to prepare them?
Professional help ensures market data accuracy, investor-friendly language, and Qatari market alignment—especially when applying to QDB or serious investors.
Partner with Rowwad for Investor-Ready Documents
At Rowwad Advisory & Business Solutions, we help entrepreneurs across Qatar with:
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Feasibility studies tailored to QDB and local investors
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Business plans that position you for scalable growth
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Pitch decks with investor-aligned messaging
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Financial models and funding strategies
Book a no-cost consultation to evaluate which document you need now—and how to prepare it for maximum investor impact.