The 351 Portuguese Startup Association has partnered with Techstars, one of the world’s largest accelerators, which has invested in over 2,300 companies since its founding, to reactivate its ecosystem development programs in Portugal. The first initiative under this partnership is expected to take place later this year.
The first two programs to be implemented by the 351 Portuguese Startup Association in Portugal are the Techstars Startup Weekend, whose last edition in the country took place in 2019, and the Techstars Community Leader Academy, an exclusive program that has only been held in two countries so far (Brazil and South Korea), making Portugal the third country to host it.
Techstars Startup Weekend is the world’s largest intensive training and education program, with over 7,000 editions held in more than 150 countries, impacting around half a million people. In this initiative, participants are challenged to turn a business idea into a tech startup project that may even include a prototype and paying customers, all within just 52 hours, using the methodology developed by the American accelerator and supported by various specialized mentors.
It is expected that six editions will take place in various cities across Portugal between 2023 and 2024, with the support of several national partners, to be announced by 351 soon.
The Techstars Community Leader Academy has a different focus, aiming to train and connect “ecosystem leaders”—individuals who actively work to support startups, either through their paid work or by organizing volunteer initiatives, all with the goal of supporting the development of the local and national ecosystem. This project will select 40 to 60 ecosystem leaders from Portugal to participate. More information will be provided soon.
According to José Iglesias, Senior Director of Community at Techstars Global, “Portugal’s tech ecosystem is vibrant and has consistently produced globally successful startups. Our partnership with 351 aims to build on this momentum by promoting greater access to entrepreneurship and expanding our presence in this thriving innovation hub.”
Cintia Costa, one of the leaders of the 351 Portuguese Startup Association, adds: “We want to support the creation of startups in the country while also connecting founders to global networks to increase their success. Our partnership with Techstars allows us to bring globally recognized programs to Portugal, positively impacting the journey of future startup founders.”
The 351 Portuguese Startup Association will soon announce the activity calendar, as well as all the national partners involved in bringing these initiatives to Portugal. Those interested in supporting the initiatives and bringing the programs to their cities can contact the association at [email protected].
About 351 Portuguese Startup Association
Founded in 2019 as a volunteer initiative to support the ecosystem, the 351 Portuguese Startup Association is now a non-profit organization recognized as the largest and most active startup community in the country, with over 1,200 members and 10 active projects managed by more than 60 volunteers across the country.
