The Scaling Up Program, part of Portugal’s innovation drive, is now open to international scaleups for its eighth edition, with applications accepted through July 31, 2025.
The program is run by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, a flagship initiative from Lisbon aimed at positioning the city as a leading innovation center in Europe.
Since its launch in January 2023, the Scaling Up Program has become a cornerstone of Portugal’s startup ecosystem. It is the country’s first acceleration initiative designed specifically for growth-stage startups with ambitions to expand internationally.
The eight-month program offers a structured curriculum delivered by experienced mentors from unicorns, high-growth scaleups, major corporations, and venture capital firms. The program includes eight modules that address core challenges faced by scaling companies.
Highlights include a leadership and hiring module led by Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer; a Fundraising Bootcamp focused on Series A and beyond; and a Hyper Growth Sales module featuring insights from senior executives of unicorns and late-stage scaleups. Other modules cover international expansion, product development and generative AI, financial readiness, due diligence, and burnout prevention.
Who should apply
The program targets growth-stage startups that are beyond the seed stage and approaching or in the Series A funding phase. Eligible companies should have a strong founding and leadership team, proven product market fit, and be actively generating revenue. Applicants must also have a clear strategy for scaling operations and a plan to expand into international markets.
Track record and impact
To date, the program has supported 58 scaleups, resulting in €379 million raised and the creation of 1,870 jobs, with over 1,100 positions in Portugal. It has cultivated a strong community, including over 140 C-level mentors and more than 100 corporate and investment partners. A quarter of the participating startups have female founders, and nearly 80% have headquarters in Portugal.
Each cohort includes 10 companies and combines face-to-face and remote sessions, delivered in English. The participation fee is €4,500 per scaleup. Applicants must demonstrate a strong team, market traction, and readiness to scale.
How to apply
Applications are open globally and reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested startups must apply using this page for consideration in the upcoming cohort.
Featured image: Unicorn Factory Lisboa is a flagship initiative from Lisbon aimed at positioning the city as a leading innovation center in Europe. (Photo source: Unicorn Factory Lisboa)
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