TECHSTARS COMMUNITY LEADER ACADEMY
May 3rd – 4th 2024 @ SIMCONF
Centro de Congressos – Alfândega do Porto
In this 2-day community-led program, 40 selected leaders will receive exclusive training supported by Techstars on building successful startup communities. The program aims to create a national network of community leaders and develop the national strategy for fostering the Portuguese ecosystem.
This initiative is developed by the 351 Portuguese Startup Association, with support from Techstars, Turismo de Portugal, and Startup Portugal.
Are you a Community Leader?
Join the Techstars Community Leader Academy!
A program to build successful startup communities supported by Techstars
We will have a full agenda with keynote speakers that will share their experiences as community leaders and encourage you to strategize your path to develop your own community.
Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship sessions, attendees can tap into insights and strategies that have propelled successful leaders in various sectors.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn the Techstars methodology for community building, through running Techstars Startup Weekend programs.
Join the National Community Leader Network
Upon enrollment, you’ll join the National Community Leader Network—an esteemed group comprising tech professionals from government, city councils, accelerators, universities, innovative corporations, and startups.
Over two days, immerse yourself in networking with passionate individuals actively shaping vibrant communities. Gain insights into best practices, share examples of successes and failures, and collaborate on defining ecosystem strategies, all while developing actionable plans for the future.
Help to create the national strategy for the Portuguese Ecosystem
Be a pioneer in the community by creating the right environment for success.
Through collective efforts, participants help identify resources, bridge gaps, and cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth.
Join us in mapping the ecosystem players and initiatives that are already taking place, and in developing and co-creating new exciting projects to drive positive change and impact in several communities, helping them thrive!
This program is for you!
Ecosystem Leaders
Promote collaboration, connect with key stakeholders, share best practices, and collectively address challenges facing their communities. Strengthen your network, amplify your impact, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by playing a crucial role in fostering collaboration and driving growth within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Universities and Academy
Enrich your educational offerings and extend your reach into the community. Access practical experiences, networking opportunities, and real-world insights from industry leaders. Enhance your institution's reputation as a hub for innovation and community engagement, attracting prospective students and foster stronger ties with local businesses and organizations.
Local and Regional government
Foster economic development and nurture entrepreneurial talent within your jurisdictions. Create an enabling environment for startups and small businesses to thrive. Stay informed about emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and facilitate more informed policymaking and resource allocation.
Incubators and Accelerators
Expand your network, attract potential clients or partners, and gain valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of the local entrepreneurial community. Showcase your programs and services, position yourself as a trusted ally in the journey of aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the overall growth and success of the ecosystem.
AGENDA (WIP)
Welcome Session
Get your acreditation and join a few ice breaking activities!
Key Panel: How Ecosystems can support founders?
Based on the general idea that ecosystems exist because of founders, we'll hear from an international key speaker how to develop better tools for ecosystem mapping and building.
Exploring the Ecosystem: Startup Community Building 1o1 - The White Paper & The Boulder Thesis
In this session, we'll share main concepts about the Up Global White Paper "Fostering a Startup and Innovation Ecosystem", its main points and the relevancy for the global ecosystem, as well as the Boulder Thesis by Brad Feld
Showcase: Fundão Case Study (TBC)
In this case study presentation, we will explore how Fundão, an interior region, went from 0 to 1200 developers and created a tech community.
Group Session: Mapping and Developing the Portuguese National Ecosystem
In this workshop, we will have an icebreaker and introduction, followed by Brainstorming & Mapping the Ecosystem Issues, challenges and potential solutions. By the end of the day, we will design the Ideal Ecosystem & Community, while simultaneously structuring a National Plan.
Welcome Session
Join us for an introduction on Day 2 activities.
Keynote Talk: Curious, Feeders & Leaders - The importance and role of each one in community building
351 Portuguese Startup Association will present its views on how to empower leadership, capacitate new ecosystem leaders and support several initiatives throughout the country.
Showcase: São Paulo Case Study
In this case study presentation, we'll show participants how the Techstars programs helped to build an ecosystem in São Paulo, Brasil.
Panel: Creating an Inclusive & Diverse Community
In this panel discussion, we'll focus on how to create the conditions for welcoming everyone and will showcase the importance of diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ending Session: Debriefing, Next Steps & Photoshoot
The final experience of the two-day event will be a session focusing on sharing experiences and giving the next step towards creating the Portuguese Community Leaders Network. After that, there will be a photoshoot and we will end the program with a few takeaways.
Relevant information
This program will happen within the SIM (Startups & Investment Matching) Conference on May 3rd and 4th at Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto.
This is a free of charge program, designed by Techstars, and only key community leaders will be selected. The program is not responsible for travel or accommodation expenses.
Proudly brought to you by:
351 PORTUGUESE STARTUP ASSOCIATION
Born in 2019 as a grassroots movement to bring together founders and ecosystem players, 351 Portuguese Startup Association has built the first truly open space, where startups and ecosystem actors could easily have access to each other.
Today, the Association has become the biggest and most active startup community in the country, with over 1600 members. It is now developing over 10 projects.
TURISMO DE PORTUGAL
Integrated with the Ministry of Economy and the Sea, Turismo de Portugal is the National Tourist Authority, responsible for the promotion, valorization, and sustainability of tourist activit in Portugal, managing from supply to demand.
With a privileged relationship with other public entities and economic agents in the country and abroad, Turismo de Portugal is committed to strengthening tourism as one of the main drivers of growth in the Portuguese economy.
STARTUP PORTUGAL
Startup Portugal is a non-profit organization, holding the Statute of Public Utility, created to develop activities of public interest for the promotion of entrepreneurship, in close connection with public and private entities in the national entrepreneurship ecosystem.
It aims to support the Government in the design and implementation of the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and monitor the development and application of public policies to support entrepreneurship.
PORTO CITY COUNCIL
Are you looking forward to launching your own startup or are you looking for investors to scale-up your business? Are you an investor looking to enhance your dealflow or a company looking for business partners? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have found the right people to help you.
You can start by checking out our website to learn more about our activities and how to register for them. Also, there you will find useful tools and resources on what you need to know if you are starting your own startup,
Supported by:
TECHSTARS
Founded in 2006, Techstars had the goal to help entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, foster collaboration to drive innovation, and support great ideas coming from anywhere.
Techstars is now a Worldwide Network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, by connecting them to other entrepreneurs, mentors, corporate partners, and investors who will help their company succeed, enabling every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs.
