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Startups & Fundraising Events in Lisboa

Fundraising and startup-building events in Portugal — pitch nights, demo days, investor sessions, and accelerator programs from Founder Institute Portugal, Startup Grind Lisbon, and beyond. Adamastor's co-founders Carlos Resende and Afonso Gonçalves run those programs locally; the calendar surfaces the wider scene.

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October 2026
Days with events (click to filter)

RedBridge Lisbon - #SFTechWeek

01:30Lisboa

RedBridge Demo & Connect: The Gateway to Portugal's Innovation Ecosystem Portugal's startup ecosystem is emerging as one of Europe's most exciting innovation stories. Home to globally recognized startups, multiple unicorns, a thriving founder community, and one of Europe's fastest-growing technology hubs, Portugal is increasingly attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and companies looking to build globally. An evening bringing together founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders from Portugal and Silicon Valley. The event is part of Portugal at SF Tech Week, a curated Silicon Valley access program organized by RedBridge Lisbon, in collaboration with Unicorn Factory Lisbon and Startup Portugal, supported by the Consulate General of Portugal in San Francisco and AICEP San Francisco, with ecosystem partner THV. It also marks an important milestone in the broader Lisbon–San Francisco Innovation Bridge, an initiative designed to strengthen long-term collaboration between two leading innovation ecosystems. Throughout the week, a carefully selected cohort of Portuguese startups is participating in a curated program across Silicon Valley, meeting leading venture capital firms, accelerators, founders, and operators.  RedBridge Demo & Connect is the moment when the SF Tech Week community can meet these founders, discover their companies, and connect with the organizations shaping Portugal's innovation ecosystem. The evening will feature opening remarks and insights from Filipe Ramalheira, Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco, the participation of Pedro Macedo Leão, Head of AICEP San Francisco, and a fireside chat with leaders from Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisbon, discussing why Portugal has become one of Europe's most dynamic destinations for innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you're looking for investment opportunities, international partnerships, exceptional founders, or simply want to understand why Portugal is increasingly on the radar of global technology companies and investors, this is an evening designed to spark meaningful conversations and lasting connections. Come discover what's happening in Portugal—and meet the founders building what's next. 5:30 PM — Doors Open & Welcome Reception Guests arrive for networking, drinks, and informal introductions with founders, investors, operators, and members of the Bay Area innovation community. 6:00 PM — Opening Remarks Welcome by RedBridge. Opening remarks by: Filipe Ramalheira, Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco 6:10 PM — Fireside Chat Portugal's Breakout Moment Speakers Miguel Aguiar, Executive Director, Startup Portugal Gil Azevedo, Executive Director, Unicorn Factory Lisboa Moderator Neil Cohen, Head of Marketing Portal 26, RedBridge Board Member A 15-minute conversation exploring Portugal's rise as one of Europe's most dynamic innovation ecosystems, its momentum in entrepreneurship, venture investment, and technology, and the opportunities for founders, investors, and companies building across both sides of the Atlantic. 6:25 PM — Startup Showcase Ten Portuguese startups selected for Portugal at SF Tech Week will each deliver a 3-minute pitch, showcasing innovative solutions across multiple sectors and sharing their vision for global growth. Meet some of Portugal's most promising founders and discover the next generation of globally ambitious startups emerging from the Portuguese ecosystem. 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Networking Reception Continue the conversation over drinks with founders, investors, operators, corporates, and members of the Bay Area innovation community. Explore investment opportunities, discuss partnerships, and build new connections between Silicon Valley and Portugal This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.

NOVA Matchmaking Event

16:00Lisboa

What if your next co-founder is studying at a different NOVA school? The NOVA Matchmaking Event is back. Organized by NOVA Impact and NOVA FCSH, this event brings together students and researchers from across NOVA’s 10 schools who are interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and new ideas. Whether you have a project and are looking for people to join you, want to find a co-founder or teammate, are interested in joining an existing project, or simply want to meet people outside your usual circle, this event is for you. You do not need a startup, a business plan, or even a fully formed idea. Just bring your curiosity. What to expect A selection of short startup and project pitches Structured matchmaking activity Time to talk, mingle, and follow up with people you meet Drinks and nibbles If you have a project, you can indicate in the registration form that you would like to pitch. We will review pitch requests and contact selected participants by email before the event. Who can join? All NOVA Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, as well as researchers, staff, and faculty from any of NOVA’s 10 schools. NOVA alumni who graduated in 2024 or later are also welcome to join. Find more info at our website. Your next co-founder might be closer than you think. Register by 13th of October 11.59am!

STEM Women Conference | Lisboa 2026

09:00Lisboa

O STEM WOMEN CONGRESS (SWC) é uma iniciativa com mais de 8 anos de história, dedicada a reduzir a desigualdade de género nos setores STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). O nosso projeto tem como objetivo quantificar a dimensão e o impacto das iniciativas STEM que trabalham para diminuir esta desigualdade. Apenas ao medir conseguimos analisar, agir e corrigir para concretizar uma mudança real. Contribuímos para dar visibilidade às iniciativas STEM, posicionando-nos como facilitadores e criadores de oportunidades, envolvendo instituições, escolas, universidades e organizações dos setores público e privado.

Expats in Tech Lunch | Fall Edition

12:30Lisboa

🌎 For expats and international entrepreneurs living in Lisbon or recently arrived, curious about the city’s startup and innovation scene, this special gathering is for you! Join us for this Fall Expats in Tech Lunch Edition, bringing together Lisbon’s international tech community to share an informal lunch at Beato Innovation District. 📍 Agenda 12:30 – 13:00 | Beato Innovation District Tour (optional) 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch (venue to be announced) Whether you're new to Lisbon, building something in tech, or simply curious about the local startup ecosystem, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow expats, exchange experiences, discover innovative startups, and enjoy the energy of Lisbon’s thriving tech community during the summer season. ☀️ Price: €30 per person, including lunch. Lunch venue and menu details will be announced soon.

🚀 Road to START Summit X Startup World Cup | Startup Pitch Competition & Networking

17:00Lisboa

When? October 22, 2026 | 5:00 PM Where? The Jerónimo Martins Grand Auditorium, Nova SBE Campus, Lisbon (Carcavelos) 🔥 START Lisbon’s biggest pitch night is back and this year, there’s more at stake than ever. Get ready for an evening bringing together early-stage startups, investors, founders, students, industry leaders, and the wider startup community for a high-energy startup pitch competition and networking experience. 10 ambitious startups will take the stage to pitch their ventures to a jury of investors, industry experts, and thought leaders competing for two incredible opportunities on the international stage. 🏆 Why You Can’t Miss It This year, the winning startup gets two tickets to the global stage: 🎤 START Summit - St. Gallen, Switzerland The winner earns the opportunity to pitch at START Summit on March 18-19, 2027, one of Europe’s leading student-led entrepreneurship conferences, bringing together thousands of founders, investors, companies, and innovators. 🌎 Startup World Cup Grand Finale - San Francisco The winner will also earn the opportunity to compete at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco on November 6, for the chance to win a $1 million investment prize. ✨ What to Expect AGENDA 🎤 Welcome & Opening Remarks 🚀 Pitch Competition - Part I5 innovative startups take the stage. 💡 Keynote SpeechFeaturing a special guest speaker (To be announced). 🥂 Networking BreakFood & drinks will be served. 🚀 Pitch Competition - Part II5 more startups take the stage. 💡 Keynote SpeechFeaturing a special guest speaker (To be announced). ⚖️ Jury Deliberation & Audience VotingCast your vote for the best pitch! 🏆 Winner Announcement & Closing Ceremony 🥂 Drinks & Community Time 💙 About What is START Lisbon? START Lisbon is a chapter of START Global, a leading student-run initiative connecting entrepreneurial students, startups, investors, and industry leaders across Europe. Our mission is to foster entrepreneurship, create meaningful connections, and empower the next generation of founders. What is Road to START Summit? Road to START Summit (RtSS) is START Lisbon’s official startup pitch competition for START Summit in St. Gallen. It gives early-stage startups the opportunity to pitch their ventures in front of an expert jury and the Lisbon startup community with a chance to take their journey to the international stage. What is Startup World Cup? Startup World Cup is a global startup competition connecting entrepreneurs with investors and startup ecosystems around the world. The Lisbon winner will have the opportunity to compete at the Grand Finale in San Francisco on November 6 for a chance to win a $1 million investment prize. One night. 10 startups. Two global opportunities. One winner. Ready to see who makes it to the next stage? 🚀

An evening with Nir Eyal — Belief as competitive edge

18:00Lisboa

What we believe affects what we notice, the decisions we make, and what we think is possible. Join us in Lisbon for a special evening with Nir Eyal, behavioral design expert and author of the New York Times bestseller Beyond Belief, as well as the international bestsellers Indistractable and Hooked. In Hooked, Nir explored how products create habits. In Indistractable, he showed how we can take control of our attention. His latest book, Beyond Belief, looks at something even deeper: how hidden assumptions influence our behavior, performance, and potential. During his keynote, Nir will share how we can identify the beliefs holding us back, question the stories we tell ourselves, and develop beliefs that help us move forward. What you will learn How beliefs influence our actions and decisions Why limiting beliefs can feel like objective facts How to challenge assumptions that hold us back How attention, habits, and beliefs work together Practical ways to improve performance without relying only on motivation Agenda 6:00 PM | Doors open & informal networking Arrive, grab a drink, and connect with fellow founders, leaders, product people, and professionals from different industries. 6:20 PM | Official welcome A short introduction to the evening and what to expect. 6:30 PM | Keynote with Nir Eyal A 45-minute keynote exploring how our beliefs influence our focus, decisions, performance, and what we believe is possible. 7:15 PM | Fireside chat & audience Q&A Around 40 minutes of conversation with Nir, followed by questions from the audience. 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Networking, drinks & conversations Continue the evening with informal conversations, new connections, and time to meet Nir and other guests. Who is this for? This event is for: Founders and entrepreneurs Business and team leaders Product, innovation, and technology professionals Creators and independent professionals People interested in behavioral science and personal development Anyone who wants to improve their focus, confidence, and performance

Launch in Lisbon: October 2026 Edition

10:00Lisboa

🌍Welcome to our new edition of Launch in Lisbon! 👉🏼 Launch in Lisbon is your unique gateway to Lisbon’s vibrant innovation ecosystem Whether you are launching a new venture or planning to establish or expand your business in Portugal or Europe, Launch in Lisbon's flagship program from Unicorn Factory Lisboa, is your passport to make it happen. What to expect? A fully immersive, 3-day program made of workshops and sessions with experts in key areas such as legislation, talent hiring and investment, visits to innovation hubs in Lisbon and various networking opportunities with founders and leaders from our ecosystem. What's in it for you? ✅Lay the foundations to successfully launch and grow your business in Portugal (and Europe). ✅Understand the market through practical insights into legislation, hiring, funding, and business setup. ✅Navigate the ecosystem with exclusive access to Lisbon's leading innovation hubs and startup community. ✅Build meaningful connections with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders who can support your journey. 📅 Dates: October 28–30, 2026 To make the most of the experience, you have two options: 🔥 Join us in person to unlock the full experience and immerse yourself in the heart of Lisbon's innovation scene, or ✨ Join remotely to catch selected parts of the program from anywhere in the world! AGENDA Day 1 | 28 Oct Morning - Onboarding @remote Afternoon - Welcome to Launch in Lisbon Program @Lisbon Rooftop Day 2 | 29 Oct @ Beato Innovation District [full day // in person & remote] Master the essentials of launching and growing your business in Portugal through expert sessions on company setup, hiring, legislation, and the local startup ecosystem. Day 3 | 30 Oct @ Hub Day [morning // only in-person] Step inside Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s Health Hub Community to exchange ideas with industry experts, and expand your network. +Access to: Entrepreneurship Awards | 27 Oct The Unicorn Factory Lisboa Entrepreneurship Awards 2026 - Lisbon’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurship - will bring together founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders for an afternoon of visionary keynotes, bold startup pitches, and unforgettable stories of resilience and growth. Expats in Tech Lunch | 30 Oct A chance to connect with the international tech community living in Lisbon, meet fellow founders and professionals, and explore new opportunities. Also Included Book optional 1:1 meetings with partners (remote) Note: Agenda subject to updates. Partners This program is designed with the strategic support of our ecosystem & softlanding partners. Limited slots! Register Now! Don't miss your chance to launch something great - right here in Lisbon. 🚀 📩 For more info: [email protected] About Unicorn Factory Lisboa 🦄 Envisioned by the Lisbon City Council to expand Lisbon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Unicorn Factory Lisboa is the platform of programs and hubs, inspired by international best practices that supports scaleups in achieving sustained accelerated growth from Lisbon to the world.

Expats in Tech Lunch | Fall Edition

12:30Lisboa

🌎 For expats and international entrepreneurs living in Lisbon or recently arrived, curious about the city’s startup and innovation scene, this special gathering is for you! Join us at the Health Hub, one of the newest hubs in the Unicorn Factory Lisboa ecosystem for this Fall Expats in Tech Lunch Edition, bringing together Lisbon’s international tech community to share an informal lunch. 📍 Agenda 12:30 – 13:00 | Welcoming at Health Hub & Introduction to Unicorn Factory Lisboa 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch (venue to be announced) Whether you're new to Lisbon, building something in tech, or simply curious about the local startup ecosystem, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow expats, exchange experiences, discover innovative startups, and enjoy the energy of Lisbon’s thriving tech community during the fall season. Price: €35 per person, including lunch. Lunch venue and menu details will be announced soon.

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