Porto is emerging as a leading center for startups and innovation in Portugal. With nearly 620 startups, the city is a key player in the national and European startup ecosystem. Porto is home to top-growing startups such as Sword Health and Anchorage Digital and has attracted global tech companies like Revolut and TeamViewer.
Join our Porto City Squad to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and scale your startup.
I’m a Product Marketer who’s crafting revenue through product features, retention & user loyalty for gaming and heavy-tech startups. With 12 years of experience as CMO and Marketing Product owner, two $10M+ startup exits, four successful ICOs, and my own playbook for orchestrating product launches.
For the last 11 years, I’ve worked in Telecommunications, Consulting, Fraud Detection, Software development, AI/ML, and Cybersecurity. I’ve worked in companies with dozens of thousands of employees to ones with only a few hundred. Some were over a century old, and others several years young.
Expert in implementing scalable Growth Methodologies across organisations. Currently mentoring startups of all stages in emerging markets in finding Product/Market Fit, Fundraising, Growth Frameworks, and generally brainstorming about growing a tech startup.
I’m a UX Designer passionate about Digital Design & the Human Experience. I’m fascinated with how we shape technology and how technology shapes us in return, especially under Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. I focus on UX strategy, AI Interaction Design, Anticipatory & Automated Design.
Porto’s startup ecosystem is strong in tech, healthtech, and cleantech. The city also has growing sectors in fintech, tourism, and foodtech, supported by its innovative culture and strategic location.
Porto hosts several key accelerators, including UPTEC (Science and Technology Park of University of Porto), Founders Founders, and Startup Braga. These accelerators provide mentorship, funding, and resources to help startups grow and succeed.
Startups in Porto can access various funding opportunities, including venture capital firms like Portugal Ventures and Faber Ventures. Additionally, there are angel investor networks such as Porto Business Angels and public funding programs through organizations like ANI (National Innovation Agency) and Portugal 2020.
Porto offers several tax incentives to support startups, including the R&D Tax Incentive System (SIFIDE) and various grants for innovation and technology development provided by the Portuguese government.
Porto has a moderate cost of living compared to other European cities. Office space in Porto is relatively affordable, with many co-working spaces and business hubs available. The cost to start a small business in Porto can vary, but typical startup costs range from $5,000 to $15,000, including expenses such as business registration, initial marketing, equipment, and rent.
Porto has a skilled and diverse talent pool, supported by institutions like the University of Porto and Porto Business School. The city attracts talent from across Portugal and internationally, providing startups with access to a well-educated and varied workforce.
Porto’s infrastructure is conducive to startup growth, offering excellent transportation links, including Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, a comprehensive public transportation system, and well-maintained road networks. Additionally, Porto has a strong digital infrastructure with widespread high-speed internet access.
Porto hosts several major networking events for startups, such as the Porto Startup Week, ScaleUp Porto, and Web Summit side events. These events provide valuable opportunities for startups to connect with investors, mentors, and industry peers.
Porto provides a supportive regulatory environment for startups, with initiatives aimed at simplifying business registration and compliance. The Portuguese government has implemented various policies to reduce administrative burdens and encourage entrepreneurship, making it easier for startups to navigate regulatory requirements and focus on growth.
