A newsletter covering all things startup in Portugal

The quote I’ve selected for this week’s edition perfectly captures the spirit of the startup world. In a landscape where uncertainty is the only constant, failure is not just a possibility; it’s an inevitable part of the journey. Yet, Samuel Beckett’s quote reframes failure not as an endpoint but as a stepping stone toward improvement and eventual success.

In the startup ecosystem, trying and failing are essential to innovation. Entrepreneurs are constantly testing new ideas, products, and business models. Many of the world’s most successful companies were built on the lessons learned from early failures. What sets successful founders apart is not the absence of mistakes but the ability to learn, adapt, and “fail better” with each attempt.

Resilience is the foundation of any startup journey; each failure provides invaluable data whether it’s feedback from users, a pivot in the business model, or a realization about market fit.

The culture of iteration -aligns closely with Beckett’s words- no product is ever truly 'finished’. Startups constantly experiment, release MVPs, and refine their offerings based on real-world feedback. Each cycle of trying and failing allows them to “fail better,” inching closer to a product that fits the market’s needs.

This mindset also extends to fundraising and growth. Entrepreneurs often face multiple rejections before securing investment. Each “no” is an opportunity to improve the pitch, strengthen the business model, or clarify the vision. The best founders treat these setbacks not as final judgments but as opportunities to refine their ideas and try again with more insight and confidence.

That takes me back to the Spring Batch of the Unicorn Factory Incubation Program, where I had the opportunity to participate as a jury member. I witnessed fresh ideas, bold solutions, and highly motivated founders eager to make an impact—many of whom are either on their way to experiencing or have already experienced, the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.

Beckett’s words remind us that failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of the path to it. In the startup world, those who succeed aren’t the ones who never fail, but those who keep going, learning, and improving with every setback. As long as you continue to 'try again’ and 'fail better,' you stay on the path to building something truly meaningful and impactful.

• 📣 sign up & spread the word - use this link: https://read.letterhead.email/techstars-portugal

• 📍 After two successful editions in Porto and Lisbon, Techstars Startup Weekend is set to make an exciting return to Albufeira (Apr 04), and Évora (May 09). Apply here

• 📍 MONEYTALKS with the noble mission of improving financial and economic literacy in Portugal, this event will take place in Evora next March 29 & 30. We have a promo code for our readers. Apply he re with 10% discount (STARTUPDIGEST)

• 📍 Are you a Recognized Startup under the 🇵🇹 Startup Law? This is your moment to shine and connect at the SIM Conference in Porto on May 8-9, 2025. Apply to the Startup Showcase Area until March 30 FIND TICKETS HERE

• 📍 Cybertech Acceleration Program by Incubou the first cybersecurity acceleration program supported by the Government of Portugal is open for applications until Apr 7

Week highlights go to:

• 🔷 Founder Institute & Uptec Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition next March 27 Join for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups

• 🔷 Spring Vibes this Thursday @IDEASpaces rooftop

• 🔷 TecStorm is back for its 9ª edition and Kicks off this Friday

• 🔷 SpeedInvestment 3ª edição (CIS Porto) Apply until Mar 31

• 🚀 351 is hiring! 351 Portuguese Startup Association is looking for a Business Development & Operations Manager to help grow 351’s community and association, secure sponsorships, and keep things running smoothly. View the job description and apply here

Congrats:

• 👏 Cristina Fonseca is recognized as one of Europe’s most influential women in the startup and venture capital space

• 👏 Automaise has secured 5M to accelerate its growth

• 👏 Aircomlink and PluggableAI winners of MEO 5G API Sprint

• 👏 Simplifyer won the Best Pre-Seed Concept award at Burning Heroes Founders Association Lisbon

• 👏 One Stop Shop celebrates 5th anniversary

• 👏 Comoba To Go, a new creative space for founders and entrepreneurs is opening in the heart of Lisbon. Created by Comoba, in partnership with Musiversal

• 👏 Snippets AI named best pitch @Unicorn Factory Lisboa Winter Batch 2025 Demo Day

• 👏 At the CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Portugal was honored as an Innovation Champion by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

• 👏 Sonant accepted at Y Combinator

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition (In-Person Networking Event) - March 27

Portugal boasts a vibrant and rapidly growing startup ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, many individuals are unaware of the various resources available, their unique benefits, or how to choose the right ones for their specific needs. Join us for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups Read more.

✍ Quote of the Day

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better

Samuel Beckett (quote from Worstward Ho)

📚 🎧 🎥

• 📚 Tecnológicas procuram talento não-tech? c/ ambi.careers

• 📚 Por que precisamos de mais empreendedores dentro das grandes organizações? c/ João Cotter Salvado

• 📚 Silicon Valley é o que é porque teve muitos ciclos económicos. O país precisa de um ecossistema de scaleups c/ Euclides Major

• 📚 New frontiers in oncology: evolving innovation ecosystem. Case study: Ilof

• 📚 TOP 100: Europe’s most influential women in the startup and venture capital space

• 📚 How to attract and retain talent in startups? by Leo Capelossi

• 📚 The 4 day work week as a game-changer for modern workplaces

• 📚 Bioniq’s winning formula: Diogo Dalot joins Cristiano Ronaldo with over €1 million investment

• 📚 How AI Voice Agents Are Changing The Game For Startups

• 📚 Why hasn’t Europe produced its own Y Combinator?

• 📚 What will define the travel industry in 2025?

• 🎧 “Mulheres com ECO” debatem o papel da mulher no trabalho

• 🎥 O que é um Venture Studio de startups? c/ Ricardo Macedo (Laika Ventures) @Founder Tales

• 🎥 Fundadores: Sugestões para o próximo governo de Portugal @Oceano Azul Podcast

Plan your week 📅 Mar 25>>

Mar 25

COREangels Investing in the Next Big Thing – A European Startup’s Path to Unicorn Status

Join Marcelo Lebre, founder of the unicorn startup Remote, for a fireside chat where we dive deep into Investing in the Next Big Thing Read more.

🇵🇹 Shaping the Future: AI Innovation in Product Development | Product People x tb.lx by Daimler Truck · in-person and invite-only event. We’ll spend the morning networking and sharing knowledge with peers. Read more.

Sui Network: Move Bootcamp Lisbon. · Sui Move Bootcamp Are you ready to dive into the world of Move and the Sui Network? We’re launching an exclusive Onboarding Program in collaboration with the… Read more.

Local Hub Lisbon: Peer Coaching—Bring a challenge, leave with ideas! · at Wel Well Lisboa for our March meet up, hosted by Tzufit Herling! Get ready for a unique networking session focused on connecting people and… Read more.

#7 “Women Power” Business Speed Networking

SPECIAL networking event for business owners. 20+ contacts guaranteed. Build partnerships in 2 hours! Read more.

Mar 26

Hangout #38 | How to Pitch to Media | Mar 26

The monthly Hangout for the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem, where we gather all level players to talk about the community’s challenges Read more.

The FinAI Conf · Showcasing real use cases to implement in your financial journey Agenda Check-in & Startup Demos 0. Setting the Stage for AI’s Transformative Journey - João… Read more.

LISBON: How to Acquire The First Customers: The Bullseye Framework Customers: The Bullseye Framework** Why you should join? It’s a step-by-step process for identifying and pri Read more.

Market Research na Era da IA: Estratégias Inovadoras para Decisões Inteligentes · Se você quer aprender como usar a Inteligência Artificial para transformar a pesquisa de mercado e tomar decisões mais assertivas, esse evento é para… Read more.

Mar 27

Breaking Barriers: Psychedelic Innovation in the Quest for Longevity

Join us for a mind-expanding event where we explore new frontiers at the intersection of longevity and psychedelics Read more.

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Porto Edition (In-Person Networking Event) Join us for an exclusive in-person event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and startups, including João Afonso (UPTEC), Sara Gonçalves (Founder of Actif), and Alexandre Santos (Investor - Partner & Founder at Chamaeleon). They will share invaluable insights into local resources and provide practical tips for successfully launching and growing your startup in Portugal. Read more.

FoodHack Lisbon: Embracing the future of AI in the food industry · Mar 27 As we embark on the journey of AI for the food industry, we witness a sector transforming itself, ready to cater to a world that demands… Read more.

Meet Up LISPOLIS c/ João Carreira, CEO e Co-founder Critical Software a Lispolis está a organizar o sexto Meet Up para a sua comunidade! Read more.

First steps on how to formally start a company Workshop | Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to launch, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you start on the right foot. Read more.

Spring Vibes @ IDEA Spaces Say goodbye to winter at the best rooftop in town! join us at IDEA Spaces São Sebastião* to welcome spring with good vibes, great music & amazing vibes!🍹 Free Beer & Somersby!📅 March 27🕠 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM📍 IDEA Spaces São Sebastião – RooftopBring your friends & let’s cheers! 🍻*IDEA Members can register for free directly with their IDEA Team! Read more.

Inscrição no Workshop: Financiamento para Startups e PME, focadas em digitalização | Funding for Startups and SME focused in digitalization (EN | PT)

Read more.

(Porto) Soffice | Coworking Thursdays

At Soffice, you’ll find the perfect balance between quality workspace and home comfort. A desk just for you, a private room, a one-to-one meeting or a meeting with clients - you choose. We also have a space with a street window that you can rent to display your products. Come and meet us! Read more.

Mar 28

Operational Excellence Portugal Summit

É a oportunidade de se conectar com líderes e especialistas, explorando as suas estratégias e conhecimentos Read more.

TecSummit @ TecStorm’25 - IST

TecSummit, a FREE event, brings technology and entrepreneurship together with inspiring talks, product showcases, and networking! Read more.

Mar 31

EDP Energia Solidária 2025 - Formulário de Inscrição na sessão de esclarecimentos

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free. Read more.

What LPs want to know about investing in Space · Alexandra Vidyuk – What LPs Want to Know About Investing in Space Alexandra Vidyuk is on the cutting edge of space investment. As the founder and CEO of Beyond… Read more.

Apr 01

Global Innovation Summit 2025 - Apr 01

Read more.

***

Demo Day · Apr 02 We are joining investors and fintechs at The House! Dive into the forefront of financial innovation at our Fintech House Demo Day! Join us for an electrifying… Read more.

Growth hacking Workshop

Unlock powerful growth strategies in this hands-on workshop! Learn data-driven tactics to scale your business effectively. Read more.

The Networking Secret | Level Up Series, Fri, Apr 4 Are you looking to build meaningful professional relationships that drive real career opportunities? - Join us for an evening of **networking and practical learning Read more.

Techstars Startup Weekend Albufeira

Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours. Read more.

Bet24 - 2025 · Apr 05

We present BET24, the largest youth entrepreneurship event in Portugal, within your community of students. In previous editions, BET has gathered more than… Read more.

Meet the Startup Ecosystem Lisbon Edition (In-Person Networking Event) - Apr 10 Join us for an in-person event featuring key representatives from leading entrepreneurial organizations and successful startups, including Ana Teresa Maia and Joana Pinto, VC investors Carolina Amorim and Tomás Penaguião, and ecosystem expert João Nunes Rosado. They will share invaluable insights and practical tips on leveraging local resources to successfully launch and grow your startup. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your entrepreneurial journey—attend and discover the support you need to succeed! Read more

Crowdlending 101

Join us for an insightful workshop and networking lunch on Crowdlending with Manuel Nina, Co-Founder & CRO at Goparity. Read more.

Startup Funding in Portugal, featuring Plug and Play & Antler - Apr 29

Looking for funding for your startup? Join our interactive, online fundraising workshop to gain practical, step-by-step advice on how to raise capital successfully. Read more.

⏳ Local & International Applications

Deadlines coming up soon:

• 🔔 Canopy Community, the innovative startup ecosystem builder, kicked off its first 2025 Founder Program, on February 17, as a groundbreaking remote accelerator. This five-day intensive program is empowering early-stage entrepreneurs from diverse countries including Pakistan, Zambia, Spain, and Madagascar with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape. For those interested in joining this thriving global startup community, registration is open for upcoming cohorts. Visit https://www.canopy.community/2025-founder-programs to learn more and apply.

• 🔔 Lisboa Innovation takes startups to the global stage and aims to support and foster the city’s innovation ecosystem by ensuring the free participation of Lisboa’s startups in international programs, propelling the city’s startups onto the global stage. Participation on the following program includes free entries for the team, exhibitor presence, and networking opportunities at one or more of the events. Apply here

• 🔔 Media Open Call 3 AMCC Test Bed, integrada na rede nacional de test beds, é um consórcio formado pelo PCI- Creative Science Park Aveiro Region (PCI), NOS Comunicações e NOS Technology (NOS Group) em parceria com a Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Aveiro Media Competence Center (AMCC) e Google, que consiste num conjunto de infra-estruturas, equipamentos, serviços e conhecimento especializado disponível para as PME e start-ups do setor dos media, para o desenvolvimento e teste de novos produtos e serviços, possibilitando a aceleração do processo Go To Market. Candidaturas aqui

• 🔔 CESAR Europe is looking for innovative startups to join the Test Bed Program, in partnership with MC Sonae, the largest retail group in Portugal. Startups with solutions for retail and wellness now have an opportunity to develop and test their technologies, with the potential to roll-out through the Test Bed. By joining this pilot, companies gain access to expert support and experience for developing a Proof of Concept (PoC) and advancing their TRL. To participate, the company must have a Portuguese Tax ID (NIF) and SME Certificate.

Know someone who could benefit from this opportunity? Spread the word!

• 🔔 CEEI Bahía de Cádiz has launched NEXOMAR, an entrepreneurship program designed for startups from Algarve and Alentejo with innovative solutions in the logistics and maritime-port sectors. Co-funded by the European Union, NEXOMAR provides participants with access to industry-leading companies, specialized mentorship, and support resources to help implement their proposals. Applications here

• 🔔 EIT Urban Mobility Your guide to 2025 mobility funding opportunities is here! We’ve just released our Call Programme for 2025 – a key document outlining our strategic priorities and the roadmap for upcoming funding calls over the next year. ✅ Key dates for upcoming calls

• ✅ Essential information for applicants. Access the Call Programme here (Mar 26)

• 🔔 EIC Service Catalogue to Accelerate Deep-Tech Innovation Exciting opportunity for deeptech innovators! If you’re a deep-tech startup or SME, this is your chance to access up to €60,000 in funding to scale your innovation with specialised services from the EIC Service Catalogue.Take the chance to accelerate your growth and overcome scaling challenges. Apply today and make an impact

• 🔔 Ahead Start, a program by Grupo Brisa, in partnership with Plug and Play Europe, supports startups in the fields of road safety, efficiency, employee well-being and training, as well as security and travel experience for customers. Applications Open – until Mar 31

• 🔔 EIT Manufacturing lança Rocket Up 2025 para apoiar startups lideradas por mulheres. O programa Rocket Up 2025, promovido pela EIT Community Supernovas, apoia startups inovadoras lideradas por mulheres na expansão para novos mercados europeus. Esta iniciativa oferece formação especializada, mentoria estratégica e acesso a uma rede internacional, ajudando empreendedoras a escalarem os seus negócios com maior impact.

Candidaturas abertas até 31 Mar

and not so soon: 

• 📌   O Cybertech Acceleration Program by Incubou, o primeiro programa de aceleração para cibersegurança apoiado pelo Governo de Portugal, está com inscrições abertas até 7 de abril. ☑ Porquê participar? Conexão com o ecossistema europeu: Acesso a redes de inovação e cibersegurança ☑ Acesso a investidores e parceiros: Facilita a tua entrada no mercado europeu com networking em Portugal, Reino Unido, Luxemburgo, Brasil e outros países! ☑ Mentoria internacional: Especialistas para validar e escalar a tua solução no mercado-alvo. ☑ Workshops exclusivos: Expansão, captação de investimento e desenvolvimento de produto com fit cultural. ☑ Demoday no Web Summit Lisboa 2025: Apresenta o teu pitch no maior evento de tecnologia e empreendedorismo do mundo.

• 📌   até 11 de abril estão a decorrer as candidaturas à 5ª edição do Prémio Best Thesis Award! A Axians Portugal volta a patrocinar esta grande iniciativa! Queremos premiar a inovação dos estudantes do Ensino Superior. Se concluíste um mestrado no ano letivo de 2023/2024 numa das três áreas elegíveis - TIC, Telecomunicações e Media – e numa das escolas do CEE ou das Academias aderentes do Programa UPskill, é de ti que estamos à procura!

• 📌   NOS Open Innovation Program Estão abertas as candidaturas para a Tourism Open Call Com o intuito de apoiar empreendedores no desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras, o NOS Open Innovation Program pretende dar o suporte necessário às startups para escalarem o seu negócio. Este programa, integrado na Test Bed 5G & Digital Transformation, garante que as startups selecionadas têm suporte técnico e de negócios bem como acesso a uma rede de especialistas para desenvolverem soluções inovadoras. Candidaturas abertas até ao dia 21 de abril

• 📌   Building a Community and need help to grow? The Product Folks have your back with everything you need, with mentorship, funding, and everything else. Apply here

• 📌   Netmentora Lisboa by Réseau Entreprendre for women entrepreneurs. Take a look @Wom’Energy

• 📌   Baby VC Venture Capital has little to no transparency. It is difficult to know the skills required to do the job and it’s even harder to build a network, especially if you have a non-business background. Baby VC exists to bridge this gap. We want to help people from all backgrounds get the insights and connections that are typically hard to access when you are not an insider. unite young and ambitious talent from diverse backgrounds, offering them opportunities to connect and learn from leading investors and entrepreneurs in the two ecosystems. Apply here

• 📌   Sogrape, in partnership with Beta Capital, is investing in high-potential start-ups that present innovative solutions within the value chain of the wine and beverage sector. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups are invited to present their projects. Apply to Sogrape Ventures

• 📌   BioHackathon Europe is an annual event that brings together life scientists from around the world. It is organised by ELIXIR Europe, and offers an intense week of hacking, with over 160 participants working on diverse and exciting projects. The goal is to create code that addresses challenges in bioinformatics research. This year at Campus Belloch near Barcelona, with remote access available if you cannot attend in person. Apply here

• 🚩  INOVA Quality HUB, incubadora promovida pelo Instituto Português da Qualidade, I.P. (IPQ), tem por objectivo incentivar a criação de negócios inovadores e o desenvolvimento de startups, através da disseminação de uma cultura empresarial para a Gestão da Qualidade. enfoque nas áreas prioritárias da Saúde, Energia e Ambiente, promovidos por empreendedores individuais, estudantes (mestrandos ou doutorandos), startups e spinoffs de empresas. Apply here

• 🚩  Startup Wise Guys Web3 Accelerator Program: Elevate your Web3 startup to the next level, transform your business, and discover your potential. Apply here

• 🚩  Future Innovators Program is looking for university students who want to develop a problem-solving mindset to join this journey through a 3-stage Innovation Program that takes you from real-world challenges to developing your business idea. The 1st phase - the Online Academy - is available here

• 🚩  The Collider Venture Builder – Call for Technologies: Are you a researcher or part of a research team with promising results? Do you want to bring these results to the market so they can have a positive impact on society? The call for technologies is your chance to be considered for The Collider Venture Builder programme. Apply here

• 🚩  IH Sensor Tech Partnering with the Instituto Hidrográfico from the Portuguese Navy, this open innovation edition drives maritime innovation across five areas: augmented reality software, hydrographic data consolidation, GNSS-denied navigation, real-time data processing and decision-making. Apply here

• 🚩 consolid8 Deep & inclusive social innovation ecosystems