top of page
Search

Lisbon's Unicorn Factory: Catalyzing Portugal's Startup Investment Surge

Writer: Suf Zen (Asaf Eyzenkot)Suf Zen (Asaf Eyzenkot)
6 days ago2 min read
In the heart of Lisbon, a transformation is underway. The once-quiet Beato district now buzzes with entrepreneurial energy, thanks to the inception of Unicorn Factory Lisboa in 2022. This initiative, launched by the Lisbon Municipal Council, has rapidly become a cornerstone of Portugal's startup ecosystem.

By 2024, Portugal's startups collectively secured €400 million in investments. Remarkably, 27 startups nurtured within Unicorn Factory Lisboa accounted for €117 million of this sum. Executive Director Gil Azevedo highlighted this achievement, noting that these startups represented over half of the nation's seed-stage investments, a significant leap from less than 10% just two years prior.


Innovation in Lisbon, Not only only trams in Portugal's capital
Innovation in Lisbon, Not only only trams in Portugal's capital

Several startups have flourished under the Factory's guidance:

  • Rauva: Founded by Dutch entrepreneur Jon Fath, Rauva simplifies business registration and management. Since its launch, it has attracted over 3,000 users and facilitated the creation of more than a thousand new companies.

  • Neuraspace: Led by CEO Chiara Manfletti, this company addresses the growing concern of space debris by developing AI-powered solutions to prevent satellite collisions.

  • Bhout: A fit-tech startup that has developed an AI-powered smart boxing bag, integrating sensors and machine learning to offer an interactive workout experience.


Challenges and Opportunities

While the growth is commendable, it's essential to recognize the challenges. The surge in investments from €243 million in 2023 to €400 million in 2024 is impressive, yet it remains below the €783.5 million peak of 2022. This fluctuation underscores the volatile nature of startup funding.


The ripple effects of Unicorn Factory Lisboa's success are evident across various sectors:

  • Technology: A surge in demand for IT professionals and innovative solutions.

  • Real Estate: Increased occupancy in commercial spaces, especially in districts like Beato.

  • Education: Collaborations with universities to foster entrepreneurial curricula.


The trajectory suggests a promising future. With plans to expand into new innovation districts focusing on areas like gaming, AI, and sustainability, Lisbon aims to solidify its position as a leading European startup hub.


Our recommendations for expatriate entrepreneurs considering Portugal:

  • Engage with Local Hubs: Unicorn Factory Lisboa offers a supportive environment for startups.

  • Stay Informed: Monitor investment trends to capitalize on funding opportunities.

  • Network Actively: Building relationships within the local ecosystem can open doors to collaborations and resources.


For tailored support in navigating Portugal's business landscape, consider connecting with our partners who specialize in assisting expat entrepreneurs with financial options for new ventures.

 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
Asaf-Consulting.jpg

The first step in your business journey in Portugal

Personalized consultation call
Understanding the vision and turning the dream into reality - let us refine your dreams, ask the right questions, connect them to the ground of Portugal and move forward with a practical and focused plan.
Direct conversation with Assaf Eisenkot, founder of 'Bortokla' and 'Realization'

© 2024 Burtucala .

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

The transactions will be carried out in a manner that allows maximum flexibility on the part of the client to realize the profit according to his vision and understanding.
The final method of realization will be decided solely by the investor.
The expected income scenarios described are based on familiarity with local market data as of the date the transaction is proposed.
Despite the above, this data does not constitute a concrete guarantee of the final income level.
The above publications are for general information only. We reserve the right to change the publications and data presented from time to time at our sole discretion.
Customers who choose to contact a company or partner to invest in a project will choose within the framework of individual negotiations that

will be conducted in the order in which they contact.
The investment will be made through a limited number of investors as permitted under the Securities Law, 5728-1968 ("Securities Law") and the Joint Investments in

Trust Law, 5754-1994 ("Joint Investments in Trust Law").
In light of the above, the investment with our assistance is not regulated under the Securities Law and/or under the provisions of the Joint Investments in Trust Law, and any advertising material about it has not been approved by the Israel Securities Authority as part of a prospectus.

The full details of the investment and its terms will be disclosed only as part of the negotiation process, in which a limited number of potential investors will be exposed to all information regarding the investment and its terms in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Law.
Only the investors we select during the negotiation process will be able to take part in the investment.

The company and its employees are not licensed under the Law Regulating the Practice of Investment Consulting, Investment Marketing and Investment Portfolio Management, 1995.

Any advertising information provided, as well as any information provided regarding an investment option as part of a future offer, will not constitute investment advice or investment marketing as defined by law.

Investing in projects entails opportunities, as well as risks in connection with the investment funds, including the risk of losing all of the investment funds.

When making an investment decision as part of the negotiation process, investors must rely on their own examination of the investment and its terms, including the benefits and risks involved in the investment.

If necessary, the investor should obtain advice from appropriate advisors regarding legal, accounting, financial and tax issues involved in making the investment.

 

Under the terms and for the purposes of the provisions of Law No. 67/98, of October 26, on the Protection of Personal Data, in the context of the entry into force of the new legislation on data protection (EU Regulation 2016/ 679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of April 27, 2016 - General Data Protection Regulation)

 

For more information view our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

bottom of page