Entrepreneurial DNA

What makes someone a true entrepreneur? Is it resilience, creativity, risk tolerance or a bit of everything, deeply wired into who they are?

This week marks the final stretch of the Founder Institute batch. It’s always a fascinating moment. Before the program begins, many founders aren’t sure if they “have what it takes”. And then, somewhere between the pressure, the feedback, the pivots and the uncomfortable honesty, they start to see it or at least get a first glimpse of their entrepreneurial DNA.

That’s why I want to explore the idea of “Entrepreneurial DNA” not as a buzzword, but as a serious question every founder should ask themselves. One tool I really appreciate is the Entrepreneur DNA Assessment from the Founder Institute, designed to evaluate core personality traits statistically linked to startup success. It focuses on things like fluid intelligence, openness, bravery, and even emotional stability.

Why does this matter? Because being a founder isn’t just about having a great idea. It’s about handling uncertainty, persisting through failure, and leading with clarity when the path is anything but clear. These traits aren’t always visible on a CV but they often determine who thrives and who burns out.

So this week, I challenge you to reflect:

• Do you know your strengths and blind spots as a founder?

• Have you ever taken a personality-based startup assessment?

• Are you building a team that complements your DNA?

Whether you’re just getting started or deep in the grind, understanding the psychology of entrepreneurship is a huge unlock.

Looking forward to hearing what you discover.

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

See you at the next event.

Quote of the week

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk.”

Mark Zuckerberg

Highlights of the week

• Canopy Community launches “Startup Summer“. A flexible six-week programme helping first-time founders turn ideas into reality. A global programme designed for aspiring entrepreneurs balancing work, family and everyday life. Program commences July 20. Applications are open.

• Call for Founders! STUDIOS.PT - Portuguese Venture Studio Association is launching the program “Build With…” It’s a matchmaking initiative between founders and venture studios to actually building together. Applications open until July 24.

• Applied AI Hackathon: Law firm C-suite execs are flying in from the US specifically for this event to judge the demos, alongside Portuguese startup founders and AI influencers. ​The perks: ​$2,000 prize pool; ​Free drinks + food at the Ritz-Carlton venue; ​Transportation from Lisbon to Sintra covered; ​Stand-out performers get fast-tracked interviews at Swans (typically a <0.5% funnel); ​A portfolio project you pitch live to US execs (for your CV). Applications open until July 17.

• Applications for Portugal at SF Tech Week 2026 close July 15. If you’re a Portuguese founder past validation and thinking seriously about the US market — this is the most structured, connected path to get there. 5 to 10 spots. Fully funded (travel and transportation extra). A selection committee of investors and operators with direct Silicon Valley experience reviewing every application.

• ETH Global Come build our decentralized future in Lisbon. Apply to attend next July 24.

• Applications for the 2026 Prémios PME Pitch are now open. If you have an innovative solution and the ambition to scale it, this is your moment to put it in front of the right people. Finalists get to present at the 2026 PME Magazine - Portugal.Mundo.Empresas Forum, alongside entrepreneurs, investors, partners and business leaders. 5.000eur + visibility are worth it, apply here.

• WebSummit 26 announced the first speakers Among are names like Michele Catasta, President & Head of AI, Replit; Marcus Segal, Partner, Andreessen Horowitz; and Jen Wong, COO, Reddit

• Scaling Up is Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s flagship program for post-seed scaleups ready to grow, raise Series A/B, or expand internationally. Applications open until July 31

Congrats

• ESNA officially launched OpportunityHub.eu.

• OWL Places won the Católica Santander Award.

• Xarp winner of the Fashion Innovation Call Pitch Competition by Portugal Fashion, with a project developing AI-powered extended reality solutions for retail.

• TEKEVER acquired cloudsweep.ai.

• Eng8, DeepNeurotic, Future Voltaics, and ZeroPact awarded at Prio Jump Start.

• PhycoFerm (Food, Health/Medical) with funding from NXW - Nutrition from Water.

Something to read, listen and watch

📚Empreender cansa: o custo emocional de construir uma startup by Carlos Resende

📚The code was the cheap part. Taste was the expensive one. by Rui Barroca

📚The Interlude Aisle: One Board, Evolved by Ary Prieto and Simão Manuel (Attach)

📚AI will assist the humanities. STEM will assist AI.

📚EU Inc: Can’t Touch This - Red Lines

🎧What’s Mext: How do ecosystems accelerate innovation and create real impact? with Gil Azevedo

🎧Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller recap the year’s defining themes on Leadership Next - from CEO wellness and “leaders as athletes”

🎬Captar investimento e lidar com investidores com Virgilio Bento (Sword) e Rodrigo Fernandes (Augusta Labs)

🎬Founder Tales com Vicente Garção (Lampsy)

🎬Productized: O Fim da Velocidade: Estratégia de Produto Quando a Rapidez é uma Commodity with Krasi Bozhinkova

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.