Hello! This is Sergei, editor and founder of Startupt.co. Today is the first day of SIM Conference in Porto that is organized by Startup Portugal. Hope you have a great time there. But not only this event is the most important and interesting news we have this Thursday. So — get in and start reading.

But before — we have some news as well. Starting next week we'll be publishing the series of exclusive interviews with people that represents Portuguese startups industry. I hope that will be very insightful. And also I incourage you to let us know if you have some news to share — you can send us your news here.

Applications for startup and scaleup certification in Portugal

Image credits: Startupt.co

The chart displays a significant rise in applications for startup and scaleup certification in Portugal, as the number of applications increased from 14 in February 2024 to 39 in March 2024 (data via Agência para a Modernização Administrativa). This substantial rise in applications might point to increased awareness of the benefits of certification or improved economic conditions that make Portugal an attractive place for startups and scaleups to establish themselves.

The certification process mandates that startups meet several conditions. They must have been operational for less than 10 years, have fewer than 250 employees, and generate an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million. They also must not be the result of a transformation or division of a large company and should not have a majority shareholding in a large company. Additionally, startups should have a registered office or significant representation in Portugal, or at least 25 employees in the country. Further, startups must have high growth potential and innovative business models, be recognized by the National Innovation Agency, or have completed venture capital financing through recognized entities.

For scale-up certification, companies that do not meet the startup criteria can still be certified if they meet the conditions necessary for Tech Visa certification. The surge in applications may indicate a growing interest in the Portuguese startup ecosystem due to favorable policies and incentives, which encourage more startups and scaleups to apply for certification.

Navigating the legal landscape and technological collaboration in Portugal's startup scene

Rauva guides entrepreneurs on legal business structures (via Rauva)

Rauva is helping business owners in Portugal navigate the complexities of legal structures for their ventures. They provide insights into different company structures, such as limited liability and unlimited liability companies. Limited liability companies protect owners by limiting their responsibility to the amount they have invested, while unlimited liability companies hold owners personally accountable for all debts and obligations. This guidance is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to choose the most suitable structure for their business.

LayerXlab and MultiversX announce collaboration (via LayerXlab)

LayerXlab announced its collaboration with MultiversX, a blockchain network designed for next-generation applications. This partnership aims to leverage blockchain technology to build innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike. By joining forces, LayerXlab and MultiversX hope to contribute significantly to the growing digital transformation in the industry.

POLT has officially launched on Android and iOS (via POLT)

It entres the testing phase with a strong call for users to help shape the future of informed decision-making. The platform invites participants to contribute to its development by providing feedback and engaging in polls on topics ranging from political trends to social issues. POLT aims to simplify complex matters and support educated public opinion, enabling users to see real-time poll results.

Framedrop.io is looking for marketing and executive assistant (remote) (via Framedrop.ai)

Framedrop is on the lookout for a dynamic team player to join its marketing and executive support team. The successful candidate will work closely with the co-founder, focusing on growth and administrative operations. Exceptional organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and strong multitasking abilities are essential for this role.

DareData Engineering and Inductiva.AI form strategic partnership (via The Next Big Idea 🇵🇹)

DareData Engineering, a Portuguese AI project development company, and Inductiva.AI, a Portuguese startup offering large-scale computational simulation platforms, have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration, formed within the Startup Lisboa community, will deliver a comprehensive Industrial Data Science package, combining DareData's AI and data science expertise with Inductiva's advanced simulation platform to empower businesses with innovative, scalable data solutions.

Portugal's fintech ecosystem thrives: Fintech House scholarships, Startup Lisboa's incubation, Technovation Girls Mentorship, and more

Accelerating Fintech Innovation in Portugal (via O Journal Economica 🇵🇹)

Fintech House in Lisbon is driving the fintech ecosystem forward by supporting startups through its scholarship program. Recently, it awarded grants to startups such as Condoroo, Healin, Jupiterapp, Moneydog, Rein, and Sever, providing them with coworking spaces, access to a network of top-tier mentors, and guidance on refining their business models. These startups are tackling issues ranging from financial literacy and tax complexity to healthcare costs and inefficiencies in cross-border transactions. This initiative aims to foster innovative solutions in financial services until mid-June.

Join Startup Lisboa's summer batch (via Startup Lisboa)

Startup Lisboa is more than just an incubation program; it's a founder-first community among Europe's top startup hubs. Last week, they welcomed a new batch of startups, promising to make these founders well-known figures in the startup scene. Opportunities abound for innovators looking to join this vibrant community and become part of the upcoming Summer Batch.

Empowering young minds (via Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics)

Rita Laranja Dargent Braz de Oliveira, the dedicated mentor for Technovation Girls 2024 and president of the BET - Bring Entrepreneurs Together club, shares her passion for empowering young girls through this initiative. In collaboration with BNP Paribas experts, she emphasizes the initiative's significant impact on participants’ growth, preparing them to become future leaders. This program highlights the importance of mentorship in fostering the next generation of business leaders.

Celebrating innovators at South Summit (via South Summit)

The South Summit recently announced its top 10 finalist startups in the Fintech & Insurtech track. Startups like Avenir, Crescenta, Deale, Embat, fiskaly, Monet, Qurable, REVER, Spendbase, Timeless Investments, and Vitaance are gearing up to present their innovative solutions for the future of finance and insurance. This platform provides them with an excellent opportunity to showcase their ideas to the world.

Pushing boundaries with the first Push Cohort (via Casa Do Impacto)

The first Push cohort, a new training program supported by the European Union, has concluded its ten-day bootcamp, announcing its winners in the areas of Environmental Impact and Climate Action. These entrepreneurs will gain exchange experiences, visits to significant locations in the impact ecosystem across Europe, and the opportunity to present their innovations at the Shaping The World event. This initiative highlights the importance of supporting ventures that aim to make a significant social and environmental impact.

Crédito Agrícola's call for innovation (via Startup Leiria)

The Crédito Agrícola Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award is now open, calling for innovative solutions in areas like Energy Transition, Carbon Neutrality, and the Valorization of Endogenous Resources. Winners in each category will receive €5,000 and have the opportunity for further recognition. This award aims to promote sustainable progress and support innovative projects that address crucial environmental and social challenges.

The 13th UNICORN WEEK: from May 13 to 19 (via Lisboa Unicorn Capital)

Lisbon will celebrate its innovation prowess during Lisboa Unicorn Week 2024, from May 13 to 19. The organizers are calling on the community to contribute events to the agenda, with the opening event scheduled for May 13 at 5 p.m. They encourage free, in-person, and collaborative events to amplify engagement. Event proposals will be accepted until May 6.

Build an MVP with your team in a fast-paced environment (via Future Innovators Program)

Attention young innovators! Two hackathons are set for students and those under 26 in Lisbon and Porto. Form a team of 3 to 5 and mark your calendars for Porto on May 11-12, and Lisbon on May 18-19. Join to showcase your skills and creativity and to get €4,000. Find more details through the link.

Portugal’s Fintech Startups Are in Good Hands (via Fintech Finance News)

The Pay it Forward podcast returns, shedding light on Portugal's fintech scene with insights from Mariana Gorjão Henriques of Portugal Fintech. She discusses Portugal’s fintech ecosystem, highlighting its attractiveness as a hub for fintech startups and emphasizing contactless payment trends. Founded in 2016, Portugal Fintech focuses on helping national startups attract international investors. Their 2023 Fintech Report details startup statistics, partnerships, and expert insights. Henriques also shares other initiatives like the Fintech House, a hub hosting over 100 startups, and Fintech Solutions, which fosters collaboration between startups and large institutions to develop digital products.

University of Coimbra and Polish startup will conduct research on a biosensor that allows measuring the concentration of cortisol in saliva (via The Next Big Thing 🇵🇹)

The University of Coimbra, in collaboration with the Polish startup IQ Biozoom and the National Institute of Metrology TUBITAK from Turkey, is undertaking research to develop a portable biosensor capable of measuring cortisol concentration in saliva. IQ Biozoom, known for its non-invasive home diagnostics technology, is working alongside Coimbra's Faculty of Medicine to advance this innovative tool that could significantly improve diagnostic processes.

Startup Capital Summit: boosting innovation in Portugal (via Publico 🇵🇹)

On May 10th, the Portuguese innovation ecosystem and investors will gather at the Startup Capital Summit. Hosted by the University of Coimbra, Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), and the Coimbra City Council, this event has become a premier meeting place for venture capital, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer since its inception in 2019. Innovators present to investors, enabling them to discover new projects in a dynamic ecosystem. The summit continues to drive the growth of entrepreneurship in Portugal.

Tech Tour Mental & Brain Health Event: Pedro Castel-Branco's Invitation (Armilar)

Pedro Castel-Branco invites you to the Tech Tour Mental & Brain Health event on May 2nd-3rd. The two-day event will feature engaging pitches and panel discussions on innovative technologies in mental health, focusing on enhancing wellness and resilience. Attendees will learn about emerging solutions to support those suffering from neurological disorders.

Brazil's M&A Market: Navigating New Challenges (via Ricardo Normand 🇵🇹)

Brazil’s M&A market, particularly in tech and startups, is experiencing a correction in valuations and transaction multiples. With global high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties, investors perceive higher risks, leading to stricter negotiations aimed at maximizing returns. Brazilian entrepreneurs should be aware of these challenges when considering selling their companies.

Productized Podcast with Cofidis Portugal’s Chief Product Officer Martta Oliveira (via Productized Podcast)

Martta shares insights on the Productized Podcast, diving into customer-centricity within financial services. As Chief Product Officer at Cofidis Portugal, she discusses the challenges of prioritizing customer needs and how the company has transformed its approach to enhance customer experience.

Angel Hacks - Inside the Pitch: Part 1 (via Cintia Mano)

A four-part series designed to offer practical tips for analyzing pitch slides. Whether you're viewing a startup pitch or exploring a data room, knowing what to focus on can make a big difference. I'll share insights on each typical slide—problem, solution, market, team, and more—based on my experience evaluating hundreds of pitches. Expect to learn what to observe, what to ignore, and what is often missing from many presentations.

⏩ What else? In brief

• NEST is accepting applications from tourism startups for the space that will revolutionize the future of the sector (NEST)
• The guest of Mystery Dinner by The Epic Talent Society will share how his journey through Silicon Valley startups and global corporations has shaped his unique perspective on leadership in an AI-driven world (The Epic Talent Society)
• Gideon Valkin, an investor and entrepreneur, is launching Andrena Ventures, a €11.1 million solo GP fund backed by some of tech’s leading founders and VC leaders. The fund aims to harness the 'spin-off' momentum seen across Europe (EU-Startups)
• Unlock your leadership potential with "Empowered Women: Discover How to Bring Out the Leader in You," a program by She is Mom! Tailored to empower you on your journey to leadership excellence, this program offers the guidance you need. Register now to take the first step towards achieving your leadership goals with "She is Mom" (She Is Mom)

🛠️ Useful Tools For Startups

• Plerdy: This all-in-one tool provides various features designed to help startups of all sizes track, analyze, and convert startup website visitors into buyers.
• Social Status: A top-rated tool for startups, as well as social media analytics and reporting.
• SEMrush: SEO, content marketing, competitor research, PPC and social media marketing from just one platform
• Todoist: One of the best task manager on the market.
• Claude: It is better than ChatGPT, especially in data analysis, pdf reading, code assistance.

Let us know what tools help you run your startup: hi@startupt.co.

That's all for today! See you next week. And don't forget to check your email on Monday — you'll find "7 questions for 1 startup".