Build Together

The Founder Institute Portugal’s first cohort wrapped last week, and once again it proved something we often forget: ecosystems don’t grow by accident. They grow because people invest time, energy, and belief into helping new founders take their first real steps.

FI is one of the few programs that consistently turns raw ambition into structured progress. It demands clarity, discipline, and accountability, three things every founder thinks they have until they’re truly tested. And that’s exactly why programs like this matter. They shorten the learning curve, reduce avoidable mistakes, and give founders a support network that doesn’t vanish after Demo Day.

If we want a stronger Portuguese startup ecosystem, we need more of this: more programs that challenge, more mentors who show up, more founders who dare to start. Cohorts like this one are proof that the pipeline is alive, diverse, and full of potential.

My colleagues Elisa, Fernando, and I took on this mission with a simple belief: that Portugal needs more places where early‑stage founders can grow with structure, ambition, and community. Over 50 mentors joined us, a powerful reminder of the generosity, quality, and openness that define our startup community. Their willingness to give back is one of our ecosystem’s greatest strengths.

Every time a cohort ends, the ecosystem gets a little stronger. Not because of the curriculum alone, but because of the people who choose to build together.

• 💡 Startup HR Pitch & Round Table | APG + 351 - Feb 11: People Management, Change, and Innovation is an after‑work session celebrating the chaotic and brilliant side of leading people in Startups vs. Corporate. With Nuno Duarte, APG, and 351 Startups guiding an evening of rapid‑fire pitches and open conversation about the future of work

• 💡 Founder Institute Portugal - Portugal Spring 2026 Program is accepting applications

• 💡 Money Talks the biggest financial literacy event in the country, takes place on April 11 & 12. Tickets are now on sale

• 💡 Pitch Competition – WOMAN SUMMIT 2026 is looking for startups founded or co‑founded by women

• 📝 JEEFEUC (Junior Enterprise from Coimbra University) are diving deep into market validation for Silveiratech - Re_generation Village (a regeneration-focused project based in Lousã)! They’ve launched a survey to validate Silveira Tech’s model and wait your input!

Keep following Adamastor to stay up to date with our ecosystem.

See you at the next event.

✍ Quote of the week

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”

Steve Jobs

Highlights of the week

• 🔷 João Afonso (Uptec) has launched a new platform to help entrepreneurs find co-founders with complementary skills by combining online matching tools with in-person pitch and networking events. Join Matching Founders if you haven’t, yet and/or help spread the word

• 🔷 LisboaUX job board includes job positions for designers who live outside of Lisbon. For now, Porto and Braga. You can check some of the job opportunities here

• 🔷 Porto Tech Hub has a new face, take a look

• 🔷 Community Council is a 4 day retreat in a Normandy chateau for founders and execs building community-led businesses. Apply until Feb 15 (The croissants await!)

Congrats

• 👏 Dealroom.co raises 7M

• 👏 Sword Health aquires Kaia Health

• 👏 Bleap raises 5M

Something to read, listen and watch

📚 Inovação no ‘Velho Continente’ por Joaquim Nascimento

📚 Uma Semana na Vida de um Innovation Specialist por João Fernandes

📚 “Prototype success” is the trap by Francisco Tenente

📚 New Impact Funds in Europe in 2025 by Yonca Braeckman

📚 Why Most Startups Fail Before They Ever Get a Chance—and What MIT Gets Right About Entrepreneurship by Michelle Fernandes

📚 The First Designer Is No Longer “Early” They’re Foundational by Rui Barroca

📚 A.I. and Our Economic Future by Charles I. Jones

• 🎧 Founders by David Senra: Excellent advice for living w/ Kevin Kelly

• 🎥 Inside the Mind of Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan CEO: Lessons from a Top CEO

• 🎥 Founder Tales: De Founder a VC com Carolina Amorim (Bloq.it)

Looking for your next spark of inspiration or connection? Discover what’s happening in the ecosystem—check out the Adamastor Events Calendar and find the perfect event that fits your goals, your vibe, and your stage. From founder meetups to investor talks, there’s something for everyone.