Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s portfolio companies that participated in its Incubation and Scaling Up programs generated €263 million in turnover, created 2,695 jobs, and raised €140 million in the last 12 months, according to figures released in the organization’s year-end newsletter.
More than 1,100 companies have been supported so far by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Lisbon City Hall’s flagship initiative launched in 2022 to position Lisbon as a leading European innovation hub. Collectively, these companies have raised over €1 billion in investment.
In 2025, more than 350 startups and scaleups took part in the Incubation and Scaling Up programs. The organization reported a strong international dimension, with 49% of founders coming from outside Portugal.
In addition to these programs, Unicorn Factory Lisboa also supported projects through its acceleration initiatives, including the ongoing From-Start-To-Table program.
In 2025, founders participating in the programs were supported by an active network of more than 220 mentors, 160 venture capital investors and funds, and 100 ecosystem partners. According to the organization, this network contributed knowledge, strategic guidance, and connections intended to accelerate startup growth.
Unicorn Factory Lisboa described 2025 as another year of growth and consolidation for the Lisbon and Portugal startup ecosystem, highlighting its increasingly relevant role within it.
International visibility and Beato Innovation District
The year was also marked by what the organization called “strong international projection” and the continued affirmation of the Beato Innovation District as a meeting point for innovation, creativity, and global talent.
In 2025, the district hosted more than 75 international delegations from more than 31 countries. Unicorn Factory Lisboa also inaugurated the Unicorn Stage, a new stage dedicated to innovation and global thinking, and hosted large-scale events such as the Tribeca Film Festival, aimed at strengthening the connection between technology and culture.
During Web Summit, held from November 10 to 13 in Lisbon, the organization held the first International Pitch Night, bringing 20 startups from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to the Unicorn Stage.
Over the course of the year, Unicorn Factory Lisboa signed five memoranda of understanding with international partners and consolidated relationships with around 30 global innovation ecosystem partners.
Innovation hubs and sector focus
In parallel, Unicorn Factory Lisboa reinforced its strategic approach to innovation districts in Lisbon. By the end of 2025, this network consisted of six hubs focused on areas including gaming, artificial intelligence, health, engineering, sustainability, and Web3.
The year also saw the launch of healthhub in November and the announcement of engineershub scheduled to open in February 2026. According to Unicorn Factory Lisboa, this hub aims to strengthen the link between engineering, industry, and innovation.
“The expansion of innovation hubs in 2025 emphasizes the vision of building specialized innovation districts in various areas of the capital, providing a more competitive and larger-scale ecosystem, capable of developing innovation at an international level,” the organization explained.
Youth entrepreneurship and community activity
Unicorn Factory Lisboa also reported taking a central role in supporting youth entrepreneurship. Programs and visits aimed at younger audiences reached more than 5,000 students, 14% of whom were international. These initiatives led to the creation of 102 projects and involved collaboration with 105 educational institutions.
In addition, the organization promoted more than 100 training sessions and created more than 100 community experiences, intended to reinforce collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support.
“The impact is measured in numbers, but it is built with people. We now look to the future with the conviction that innovation in Lisbon and Portugal continues to grow by the founders who dare to build and with the collaboration of all,” Unicorn Factory Lisboa said in its year-end update.
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Unicorn Factory Lisboa
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