Henrique Pereira is a key figure propelling the startup industry forward both in Portugal and internationally. With his extensive experience and insights, he has become a pivotal force in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
We had the opportunity to speak with him about the recent changes in startup culture and industry trends.
Henrique, could you please present yourself shortly?
— I’m Portuguese with the experience of studying and working abroad and now settled in Lisbon. Currently, I work alongside the American and International VC, accelerator and media company established by renowned investor Tim Draper, known for backing companies like Skype and Tesla. As operations coordinator at Meet the Drapers, DraperTV and Draper Startups House Portugal, my focus is on supporting early-stage startups. Our mission encompasses a range of initiatives, including worldwide pitch competitions, mentoring sessions, acceleration programs, fundraising support, and more. Our services are provided to startups at no cost, and we also offer scholarships for ventures to attend Draper’s University in the US.
You’ve been in touch with a lot of startups, what were the most interesting ones that you remember?
— Absolutely. Since the start of ‘Draper’s Startup House’ in Portugal in 2020, we’ve crossed paths with approximately 300 startups, offering diverse and compelling ideas. Among them, Neroes stands out for its innovative approach to brain study and development and it was actually a company we invested in, while Blanched, a more recent local favorite, has revolutionized hiring in the restaurant sector. The passion and drive of the founders behind these ventures are inspiring.
Could you name one funny story about a startup founder
— Absolutely! One awesome tale that comes to mind is 8000kicks, a shoe cannabis company. It was founded by an unlikely duo: a grandmother with a talent for sewing and her grandson, who was well-versed in entrepreneurship and sustainability technologies. The fusion of old family traditions with a startup mindset was truly amazing to see.
Why people are creating startups?
— At the heart of startup creation are problem solvers in my opinion. They are driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to make an impact. While financial independence may be a motivating factor for some, it often takes a back seat to the goal of finding solutions that address real-world problems.
What do you think is changing in a startup culture today?
— Today, precision and strategic planning are paramount, with startups and investors alike taking more measured approaches. However, it’s not all about constraints, startups are now benefiting from a window of opportunities that were scarce a decade ago. From increased resources and funding options to a huge number of contests and mentoring programs, the ecosystem is built for innovation. Moreover, age diversity is becoming increasingly prevalent, with both young innovators and seasoned professionals entering entrepreneurship game. It’s an exciting evolution!
What changed for investor’s, in your opinion ?
— As I said before, Investors today are more accurate in their moves, they are not giving money to the left and right, they are move focused on technological startups. In Portugal, we are seing nowadays a lot of more tech-driven startups such as Healthtech, AI, Web3 and other secotr innovations. The early stage VC landscape is also changing, with investors offering more value than just capital, for example, mentorship and networking.
If I am a Portuguese startup and want to reach out to Meet the Drapers and Draper’s startup house, how do I proceed?
— Please drop me a line on henrique@meetthedrapers.com, and I will propose a 15-min call shortly.