Portugal Ventures has launched a new funding call aimed at helping innovative companies in the Leiria region recover from the impact of recent storms in central Portugal.
The initiative, called Call Leiria Recuperar, offers a single venture capital investment ticket of €250,000 per company. Applications are open until March 23, 2026.
The announcement was made by Portugal Ventures as part of efforts to support companies whose projects were disrupted by the severe weather events that recently affected the central region, particularly the territory covered by the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region.
The call targets companies based in, or with a significant presence and operations in, the Leiria region that can demonstrate a significant, measurable impact from the storms on their ability to develop innovative projects.
Eligible companies must be developing solutions with high growth and value potential, particularly in sectors considered strategic for the region.
Portugal Ventures clarified that the initiative is not designed to finance infrastructure repairs or replace damaged assets. Instead, the investment aims to strengthen companies’ financial liquidity and help them resume their growth trajectories.
Part of Leiria Region Growth Fund
The call is linked to the Leiria Region Growth Fund, created in 2024 through a partnership between Portugal Ventures, the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Leiria, the Business Association of the Region of Leiria/Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nerlei CCI), Startup Leiria, the Polytechnic of Leiria, and private investors.
The fund was established to expand access to venture capital financing for innovative projects focused on exports, strengthening value chains, and accelerating digital and green transitions.
Eligibility and investment focus
The program is open to companies at different development stages, including seed, start-up, and later-stage venture rounds such as Series A, B, and C.
To qualify, projects must already show some level of product and market validation, such as a minimum viable product, and demonstrate economic viability and global growth potential.
Companies that have already received investment from other venture capital operators are not eligible.
Portugal Ventures said the evaluation process will consider several factors, including the severity of the storms’ impact on the company, the recovery plan, the strength of the management team, the degree of innovation in the solution, and evidence of market traction.
The call focuses on companies operating in areas such as the green economy and energy efficiency, ICT and smart mobility, life sciences and biotechnology, and other impact-driven sectors.
Applications must be submitted through the Portugal Ventures website.
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Portugal Ventures (Background edited by Portugal Startup News)
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