Validly and Smart Solutions Platform (SSP) have won the top prizes of the third edition of Startup Essentials, a free ignition program by Build Up Labs – a venture studio and startup incubator that helps founders transform ideas into globally scalable businesses.
The program, which began on September 17 and runs until October 21 at HOOD in Lisbon, included a Demo Day where participants presented their projects to investors and ecosystem leaders. Out of several promising teams, two stood out for their innovation and progress.
Validly, led by Abdul Rehman Khan and Ishak Soltani, is developing pitch optimization software.
Through Build Up Labs’ partnership with Web Summit Lisboa, they earned the Alpha Pack – which includes exhibition space, full-access tickets, and entry to networking events at Web Summit in the Portuguese capital from November 10 to 13 – and a three-month incubation at Build Up Labs.
SSP, founded by Manuel Mori and Gonçalo Monjardino, focuses on introducing automated document workflows in developing countries. The team earned three months of incubation at Build Up Labs to continue its business growth.
“From first ideas to real pivots, prototypes, market validation, and confident pitching – every team has shown remarkable progress and drive,” Build Up Labs wrote on LinkedIn following the Demo Day.
CEO Rui Gouveia added that the work does not end there, noting that startups will continue in the following week drafting clear roadmaps for their upcoming milestones.
Startup Essentials has become Build Up Labs’ flagship program, combining practical workshops, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities. Its curriculum covers key areas such as idea validation, MVP development, business model design, go-to-market strategy, sales, and fundraising.
The Lisbon-based venture studio and incubator, which has recorded five startup exits – including the 2023 acquisition of Tap My Back by a Texas-based company – aims to equip founders with the knowledge and experience to build sustainable, scalable businesses with local and global impact.
Featured image: Participants of Startup Essentials at HOOD in Lisbon, host of Build Up Labs’ one-month program supporting early-stage founders. (Photo courtesy of Build Up Labs)
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