Is Lisbon a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Lisbon has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Lisbon gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Lisbon

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Lisbon offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Lisbon's early-stage funding scene is active, attracting both local and international investors. Notable VC firms involved in early-stage tech include Indico Capital Partners, Faber Ventures, Shilling Capital Partners, and Bynd Venture Capital, which recently launched a new €40 million fund for Iberian early-stage tech. Angel networks like REDangels and COREangels Lisbon also support founders with capital and mentorship. Government initiatives like Startup Portugal and programs offering non-repayable grants, such as the Startup Voucher and those under the “Acelerar a Economia” program, provide crucial early support. Despite the growth, challenges remain. While early-stage investment has increased, there can still be a gap in later-stage (Series B and beyond) funding, sometimes requiring startups to look elsewhere. Additionally, while investment saw a surge in 2024, reaching €400 million, this was still below the €783.5 million peak in 2022, indicating some volatility in the market. Competition for talent is also a factor investors consider.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Lisbon has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Lisbon boasts a vibrant startup and innovation culture, recognized as a leading European hub. The city is home to numerous coworking spaces, catering to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups, fostering a collaborative environment. A strong entrepreneurial spirit is evident with a growing number of startups and a supportive ecosystem. Lisbon hosts a variety of tech events, from large conferences like Web Summit to smaller networking events and workshops, facilitating connections and knowledge sharing. The ecosystem actively supports early-stage founders through incubators and accelerators like Startup Lisboa and Beta-i, offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. While standardized programs exist, there is also a focus on tailored support and a welcoming environment for new startups to integrate into the community.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Lisbon can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Lisbon, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Lisbon is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Lisbon offers a strong talent pool for startups, fueled by reputable educational institutions like Instituto Superior Técnico and Nova University of Lisbon, which produce skilled graduates in technology and engineering fields. Portugal graduates over 4,000 students and professionals annually, many with expertise in software development, testing, UX design, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI. The local talent, known for being highly educated and English-fluent, supports entrepreneurial growth through a vibrant ecosystem, attracting both local and international professionals. Government initiatives and a growing startup community further enhance the availability of skilled individuals for new ventures.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Lisbon can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Lisbon boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Lisbon offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like Startup Lisboa and Beta-i, providing workspace, mentorship, and access to investment and strategic partners. These resources help startups validate ideas, develop products, and scale. The city also boasts a strong digital infrastructure and a growing network of coworking spaces. Government initiatives, notably the Startup Portugal program, play a key role by offering support through funding, tax incentives, streamlined bureaucracy, and internationalization efforts. Programs like the Startup Voucher and Startup Visa attract talent and provide financial backing. Major events like Web Summit further connect startups with investors and global opportunities. This comprehensive support system fosters a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Lisbon. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Lisbon Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Lisbon provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Lisbon's thriving startup scene means high competition for resources like funding and office space. While historically more affordable, the rising cost of living and housing can be a challenge for founders and attracting talent. Navigating regulatory issues and bureaucracy in Portugal can also be complex for startups, although the government has introduced initiatives to streamline processes and offer tax incentives.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Lisbon or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Lisbon offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash