Olá and Welcome back

This Friday marks the anniversary of the ‘carnation’ revolution. For those of you less familiar with Portuguese history, 25 April 1974 took place as the revolution that ended Portugal’s dictatorship. Named the ‘Carnation Revolution’ from the fact that almost no shots were fired, and carnations were offered to the soldiers when the population took to the streets to celebrate; other demonstrators followed suit and carnations were placed in the muzzles of guns and on the soldiers’ uniforms.

Beyond political affiliations, many of the principles celebrated as the 'values of April’ resonate deeply within Portugal’s startup community. These values, reminiscent of our entrepreneurial spirit, emphasize inclusivity as a foundational belief. In startups, everyone is not just welcome but essential, embodying a culture where diverse voices contribute to collective success. Leadership isn’t about issuing commands but about fostering collaboration and empowerment. Startups thrive on perseverance, where overcoming challenges is not just expected but embraced as part of the journey. In essence, the values that shaped April mirror those driving our innovative startups today.

• 🚨 SIM Conference (Startups & Investment Matching) powered by Startup Portugal will take place in Porto from May 8 & 9, and is set to match Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Investors! Don’t miss out! Whether you’re a founder or an investor. Tickets available here

• 🚨 After successful editions in Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Albufeira Techstars Startup Weekend is set to make one more exciting weekend in Évora (May 16, 17 & 18). Apply here

• 🚨 PWIT Leadership Program starts on May 15th, and the in-person sessions happen at ANJE Porto. Know more here

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

Week highlights go to:

• 🔷 Sunset Fado on a Secret Rooftop w/ Fiona French Fadista, next Monday. Check Agenda📅

• 🔷 Leiria Fusion connects startups and researchers with real-world challenges from companies in the Leiria region. Apply your knowledge where it matters most. Until April 30

• 🔷 Applications for the Community Council are now open. A 4-day retreat in a Normandy chateau for founders and execs building community-led businesses. Apply now

Congrats:

• 👏 RISE-Health distinguished as the largest research unit in Portugal

• 👏 Manie raises 1M in funding

• 👏 André Rangel de Sousa, Tryp.com Co-Founder, named “30 Under 30 Europe” by Forbes

• 👏 Julieta Rueff (FlamAid) has been recognised by Forbes Europe’s 30 Under 30 for her extraordinary contribution to social impact

Startup Funding in Portugal, featuring Plug and Play, Antler & PV (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. Learn how startup funding works, what you need to prepare before pitching, and where to find the right investors. Hear from successful entrepreneurs who have secured funding and investors who back innovative companies. Get insider tips, understand common pitfalls to avoid, and learn what investors are really looking for. By the end, you’ll have a clear grasp of how equity works and the confidence to take your next steps. Read more.

✍ Quote of the Day

The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become

Jim Rohn

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