ScaleUp Porto

🚀 Porto is one of the fastest-rising tech ecosystems in the world.

According to Dealroom’s Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2026, Porto climbed 43 positions in the Rising Stars ranking, reaching #196 globally and joining the group of the 15 fastest-growing ecosystems in the index.

The report also highlights strong momentum across key indicators:

• +124.8% growth in total funding ( #102 globally)
• 1.9x growth in enterprise value
• Health & MedTech, AI, and Cybersecurity among the city’s leading sectors

These results reflect the continued growth of Porto’s startup ecosystem and the work of founders, investors, universities, corporates, and community builders helping drive it forward.

📊 Explore the full Global Tech Ecosystem Index

🧒 The 52nd Above & Beyond Community Hangout brought together a conversation on youth entrepreneurship and how young people can take their first steps into the startup world.

🎤 The discussion explored the importance of creating opportunities for young people to test ideas, build meaningful connections, ask questions, and learn through experience.

Because entrepreneurship starts with curiosity, access, and the confidence to turn ideas into reality.

📸 Miguel Ribeiro Fernandes & Ricardo Meireles / Startup Portugal.

Meet Think 8 Portugal 🌍

Now officially part of Portugal’s RNI network! Think8 empowers startups to scale globally, connects academia and industry, and brings international talent and investment to Portugal’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.

More than 4,000 participants gathered at for 2026.

Two days focused on conversations, connections and new ideas across the startup space.

Porto keeps moving forward. See you next year!

Photo credits: 📷 Hugo Barreleiro, Ricardo Castelo, Ricardo Meireles, Pedro Granadeiro and Miguel Ribeiro Fernandes /

Youth entrepreneurship is not just about starting early. It’s about building the mindset, skills and connections that can shape future founders and innovators.

On May 27, at Edifício Transparente in Porto, Hangout #52 | What About YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP? will explore the opportunities, challenges and real impact of getting young talent involved in the startup ecosystem from an early stage. From mentorship and hands-on learning to leadership, communication and resilience, expect practical insights and different perspectives from the community.

And before the event, jump on Meetball to explore the Startup Portugal community, share what you’re building and connect with people before arriving.

🔗 Register : Link in bio

Commission and subscription models lead startup revenue in Porto.

Together, they account for more than 90% of income streams.

This reflects a strong focus on scalable and predictable business models, aligned with the region’s B2B and product-driven ecosystem.

Source: ScaleUp Porto – Ecosystem Report

Last week marked the #51 Hangout, exploring how to make the most of , happening on May 14-15.

The session covered how to approach the event with clear goals: who to meet, which sessions to prioritise, and how to turn conversations into real opportunities.

Take a look at some of the highlights ⬇️

📷 Ricardo Meireles & Miguel Fernandes /

20% of startups in Porto have female founders.

A modest figure that reminds us there’s still work to be done and progress to keep building on.

📊 Source: ScaleUp Porto – Ecosystem Report