By Rui Sales Rodrigues – Executive Director, Startup World Cup Portugal
Portuguese startups now have a unique opportunity to compete on a global stage – and potentially win a $1 million investment from Silicon Valley’s Pegasus Tech Ventures.
Portugal has officially joined the global circuit of Startup World Cup, and with that, a new chapter begins for our startup ecosystem. On September 10 and 11, 50 selected startups will take part in a two-day experience that could redefine their trajectory – and the winner will represent Portugal in Silicon Valley this October.
But this moment is not just about the prize or the pitch. It’s about creating access. Access to global investors. Access to peer founders tackling similar challenges in other regions. Access to visibility, feedback, and connections that can accelerate not only companies – but also ecosystems.
Hosting Startup World Cup is a recognition that Portugal matters in the global innovation landscape. But more importantly, it’s a statement of intent: we want our startups to grow beyond borders.
Portugal’s position as a rising tech powerhouse is further validated by the emergence of seven unicorns with Portuguese DNA, including OutSystems, Feedzai, Remote, Talkdesk, Sword Health, Anchorage Digital, and most recently, Tekever, a leader in autonomous drone technology. These success stories reflect the growing maturity of the national ecosystem in building globally competitive, innovation-driven companies.
This momentum is reinforced by flagship events like Web Summit, which positions Lisbon as a global stage for tech and entrepreneurship, and by strategic national initiatives such as Startup Portugal, which supports founders through policy, funding instruments, and capacity-building programs. Platforms like Unicorn Factory Lisboa also contribute to this vision, with programs aimed at accelerating both early-stage ventures and high-potential scale-ups.
Portugal’s culture of innovation is rooted in a long-standing tradition of bold, world-shaping ideas – from the Via Verde, the world’s first electronic toll collection system, to the invention of the prepaid mobile phone model, now a global standard.
More recently, MB Way has revolutionized digital payments, becoming a benchmark in mobile fintech adoption. In healthcare, the country has made significant progress in digitizing patient records, telemedicine services, and AI-driven diagnostics, further reinforcing its commitment to accessible and technology-enabled public services.
This blend of heritage and forward-looking execution continues to position Portugal as fertile ground for startups to thrive, scale, and lead internationally.
Why this platform matters
Many of the conditions that define successful ecosystems – talent, infrastructure, quality of life – are already present in Portugal. But to truly thrive at a global level, startups here need something more: structured international exposure, especially at early growth stages. Startup World Cup provides exactly that.
It’s not a demo day. It’s a platform that connects startups with global venture capital, top-tier mentors, corporate leaders, and media – in more than 70 countries. And it brings Portugal into that network.
It also sends a message: that we believe in our entrepreneurs, and we’re willing to give them the tools, access, and spotlight they need to grow.
What we’re looking for
We’re not just scouting for polished presentations. We’re looking for teams solving real problems with scalable, validated solutions. The jury will assess innovation, market traction, team strength, scalability, sustainability, and investment readiness.
Whether you’re a pre-seed startup or scaling internationally, if you have a clear vision and strong fundamentals, this stage is for you.
A broader vision for the ecosystem
More than just elevating individual companies, this initiative is designed to act as a catalyst for the ecosystem itself. When Portuguese startups connect with global capital and knowledge, they don’t just grow faster – they also attract new talent, inspire future founders, and raise the bar for what’s possible locally.
We’ve seen this happen before. Winners of past Startup World Cup editions – like EarthGrid or Aillis – didn’t just walk away with funding. They went on to become internationally recognized companies redefining their sectors.
Portugal has similar potential. From digital health to cleantech, from software to ocean innovation, our startups are building world-class solutions. Now, they have a world-class stage.
Our message to founders
If you’re building something that matters, now is the time to step forward.
Apply. Show your work. Be part of a network that spans continents – and share what makes your startup, and your country, unique.Applications close on August 2 at www.startupworldcup.pt.
We’re ready to help your startup go further. We hope you’ll join us.
Featured image: Rui Sales Rodrigues, Executive Director, Startup World Cup Portugal (Photo courtesy of Startup World Cup Portugal)
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