Author: Carlos Cortes

The Venture Builder Blog

The Case of the Web Summit as a Scaling Potential

In recent years, Portugal has emerged as a rising hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. One of the main catalysts for this growth has been the Web Summit, the largest entrepreneurship event on the continent, which attracts thousands of participants from around the world. This event not only puts Portugal on the startup map…
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Web Summit – Participation benefits for the Startup that is selected to enter the event 

Meet the speakers joining us online at Web Summit. They come from all industries.  Investor Meetings are a series of pre-scheduled meetings between investors from major funds and the most promising startups joining Web Summit. Over 90% of participating startups expect to meet investors at Web Summit, with that in mind we make Investor Meetings…
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“AI in SMEs” Program

This is the final call to take advantage of the most powerful incentive of the year: the “AI in SMEs” Program, which offers up to 75% non-refundable funding, with a maximum of €300,000 per company. If you’re not yet using Artificial Intelligence in your business, now is the time to start. Modernising your company, automating…
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The Energy Transition as a Driver of Economic Growth and Job Creation in Portugal

The energy transition has evolved from being merely a response to climate emergencies to becoming one of the main engines of economic growth and innovation in Portugal. Far from representing an unavoidable cost, this structural transformation of the energy model stands as an unprecedented strategic opportunity to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and generate qualified employment.…
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Inno-Wide: An Opportunity for European SMEs to Explore New Global Markets

In today’s fast-paced world of globalization and innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the dual challenge of driving technological innovation while successfully expanding into international markets. The Inno-Wide program, funded by the European Union under the European Innovative SMEs partnership and managed by the EUREKA network, was created precisely to address these needs. What…
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Web Summit 2025 Guide – Edition for Exhibitors

The Web Summit takes place from November 10th to 13th in Lisbon, bringing together over 70,000 participants from around the world to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and connect with the latest in tech innovation. If your company will have a stand at the Web Summit, this guide offers practical tips for startups and businesses that…
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Support C05-i14-i01: Business Innovation — Driving Innovation for Reindustrialization

Innovation is one of the key pillars for ensuring the competitiveness of Portuguese companies in a rapidly changing global market. The C05-i14-i01: Business Innovation support program, part of the country’s reindustrialization and recovery initiatives, emerges as a strategic instrument to finance innovative and sustainable business projects. What is the C05-i14-i01 Support Program? The C05-i14-i01, also…
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Energy Efficiency and Carbon Neutrality: The Future of Construction in Portugal

Energy efficiency in the construction sector is now a fundamental pillar of Europe’s climate transition.In Portugal, where much of the housing stock is old and energy inefficient, the shift towards sustainable buildings is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic and social priority. The new European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings…
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Funding and Support Opportunities for Companies in Portugal

Innovation, internationalization, and sustainability continue to be the main drivers of growth for Portuguese companies. But turning great ideas into concrete projects requires investment — and securing funding is not always easy. Fortunately, 2025 brings a wide range of national and European funding opportunities for startups, SMEs, and scaleups, with open calls in key areas…
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Webinar: How to Use AI as Your Personal Assistant through the PILAR Methodology, October 3, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the driving force of innovation and competitive advantage in today’s market. By integrating AI into your workflow, you not only accelerate processes and reduce costs but also make smarter decisions based on predictive data analysis. Mastering AI allows you to stay at the forefront of your profession, turning complex problems into…
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