In Times Like These, Builders Matter Even More

The world feels unstable again. Conflicts rise, tensions spread, and uncertainty has become part of our daily vocabulary. From Ukraine to the Middle East, from political shocks to economic volatility, it often seems like we are living in a permanent state of disruption.

And yet, throughout history, it is in moments like these that people step forward to build. Not because the world is calm, but precisely because it isn’t.

Entrepreneurs have always been part of that group. They look at problems the way others look at opportunities, not with naive optimism, but with a stubborn belief that something better can be created. It’s almost a reflex: when they see a challenge, they start imagining solutions. Yesterday, during a Founders Communication Workshop, I saw a clear example of this. Manon’s pitch reminded me exactly of what I’m writing here: the instinct to build, even when the world feels uncertain.

This is the part of entrepreneurship we sometimes forget. Behind the pitch decks, the metrics, the fundraising cycles, there is a simple truth: building a company is, at its core, an act of service. It is choosing to respond to the world’s problems with action instead of resignation.

Entrepreneurs will not solve everything alone. No one can. But without them, many of the solutions we need would never leave the paper, the lab, or the imagination.

And this is why communities like ours matter. Because behind every founder trying to make a difference, there must be a network that supports, challenges, and believes in them, especially in times like these.

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

• 💡 Data Makers Fest A international festival for all data practitioners and dedicated to practical data work; less theory, more execution, happening from 4 to 6 May in Porto. We have a discount code for our readers STARTUP-DIGEST-10

• 💡 Tech Hiring Conference 2026 May 07 by Landing.Jobs & Damia Group, tickets on sale

• 💡 May 14–15 | Alfândega do Porto Where it all connects: we’re heading to @simconference Two days to meet founders, investors, innovation teams, and ecosystem builders. Curated formats that make conversations more relevant and follow-ups easier. 30% off with SDG30

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

See you at the next event.

✍ Quote of the week

“Entrepreneurship is jumping off a cliff and assembling the plane on the way down.”

Reid Hoffman

Highlights of the week

• 🔷 The Pitch Competition, in collaboration with the Nova Startup Club is accepting applications until tomorrow

• 🔷 The Ventures Award identifies high-potential startups and connects them with a network of leaders from 119 VC funds and business angels, collectively managing over $11 billion in assets. Apply until Apr 16

• 🔷 The inNOVAetors Academy IS BACK and presents a 6-week intensive designed for action-takers that prioritize execution over discussion. No experience needed—just the drive to turn ideas into impact. Applications open until Apr 20

• 🔷 Digital Built Accelerator Built for the innovators of construction. Prioritizing Construtech, Contech and New Materials. Applications open until Apr 24

• 🔷 The Future Innovators Hackathon: A Road to START Hack. Build bold MVPs in 24 hours, in person with mentors and entrepreneurs from the Unicorn Factory ecosystem. Apply Apr 25

Congrats

• 👏 Porto Tech Hub Academy was launched

• 👏 UFL Spring Batch ‘26 is here with 46 new startups

• 👏 Porto Tech Hub Academy launched

• 👏 SEA4FEED, SEA2RegenAg, and BIOSEA+, are among the global finalists in the Innovation Awards Roullier

Something to read, listen and watch

• 📚 Lisbon’s Bondstone launches VC arm and unveils €50 million DeepTech fund

• 📚 10 keys to venture capital transactions in Portugal by Cuatrecasas

• 📚 Sycophantic AI decreases prosocial intentions and promotes dependence

• 🎧 Ferrari ship just 14,000 cars per year (Toyota sells that many every 10 hours), yet over a billion people know what a Ferrari is. It’s the highest ratio of brand awareness to actual customers of any company in history. Acquired studied one of the most paradoxical companies.

• 🎧 Luso Lab, o podcast que divulga o talento português além-fronteiras; convidado: Ricardo Marvão

• 🎥 O Papel dos Business Angels e das Incubadoras no Ecossistema Empreendedor com Ivanoel Rodrigues

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.