As we delve into the European startup and venture capital landscape (having explored countries including France, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, and many more) our focus shifts to the female entrepreneurs shaping Portugal's innovation ecosystem. Noteworthy is the fact that approximately 22% of startups in Portugal are founded by women, while the nation boasts a significant achievement with 51% of its scientific community comprised of women, positioning it among the leading European Union member countries in gender diversity within scientific fields. However, there has been a growing emphasis on fostering gender diversity and inclusion in recent years, including new government initiatives, several startup accelerators and incubator programs, and a growing recognition among investors of the untapped potential and value of diverse and female-led founding teams.
So, without further ado let’s meet the top female market players that play a pivotal role in the startup and VC ecosystem in Portugal.
Rita Vilas-Boas
LP Founder, Shilling VC
Rita Vilas-Boas, the LP Founder of Shilling VC, is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the growth of promising startups, contributing to the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and fostering entrepreneurial success across diverse industries. Furthermore, she serves as a business mentor and investor, backing several companies such as Intuitivo, Mellody, and CurveCatch.
Ana Paula Reis
Co-Founder, BridgeWhat
With a track record of co-founding, leading, and successfully exiting several companies such as SelPlus, Seldata, and BridgeWhat, Ana Paula Reis has also made significant contributions as an investor and mentor for numerous startups across diverse sectors, stages, and geographies.
Maria Semedo
Executive Director, Vega Ventures
Maria Semedo is an experienced entrepreneur with several years of expertise in supporting startup and VC ecosystem development. Currently, she holds an Executive Director position at Vega Ventures, an investment vehicle, supporting startups during their first years of growth by providing access to financing, mentoring, and networking.
Ana Lobo Xavier
Investment Manager, Portugal Ventures
Ana Lobo Xavier brings over 15 years of expertise in catalyzing the Private Equity and Venture Capital landscape in Portugal. Currently, she holds the role of Investment Manager at Portugal Ventures, a VC firm dedicated to nurturing startups in the pre-seed, seed, and series A stages. The firm focuses on fostering innovative solutions in the digital & technology, industry & technology, therapeutics & health tech, and tourism sectors for the global market.
Cintia Mano
CEO, COREangels
Cintia Mano boasts more than 10 years of experience in the startup arena, having co-founded a startup and mentored numerous individuals in both private and public programs. Due to her fervent interest in investing in and mentoring startups, she became a member of COREangels in 2020, where she aids seasoned angels in establishing their funds globally.
Cristina Fonseca
General Partner, Indico Capital Partners
Cristina Fonseca is a renowned Portuguese tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and engineer. She co-founded Talkdesk, a cloud-based help desk software, which became Portugal's third "unicorn" after raising over $100M in series B funding. Additionally, she is a General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, the first Portuguese private venture capital fund focusing on early-stage, tech-focused startups.
Lurdes Gramaxo
Partner, Bynd Venture Capital
Lurdes Gramaxo is a Partner at Bynd Venture Capital, with a focus on early-stage investments in the IT/digital and sustainability sectors across Portugal and Spain. With a background in management and a multinational family-owned group, she brings over 20 years of experience to her role, contributing significantly to the startup ecosystem.
Maria Costeira
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Kildare Innovation
Maria Costeira is the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Kildare Innovation Campus. With a strong background in technology and innovation, she leads strategic initiatives and drives innovation efforts, positioning Kildare as a hub for cutting-edge technological advancements.
Marta Palmeiro
Co-Founder & CFO, StudentFinance
Marta Palmeiro, the Co-Founder and CFO at StudentFinance, is dedicated to upskilling the global workforce and fostering career development. With a background in Fintech and a passion for financial innovation, she utilizes AI to match individuals with education programs and employers, contributing to the future of work.
Sofia Santos
Partner, Faber Ventures
Sofia Santos, a Partner at Faber Ventures, is an esteemed investor with a focus on early-stage investments in medical devices and AI. With a proven track record, she has been involved in notable investments, including iLoF and Nostos Genomics, contributing to the growth of innovative startups.
Marta Sousa Monteiro
Manager, AWS Startup Loft Accelerator
Marta Sousa Monteiro is an accomplished manager with a passion for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As the driving force behind the AWS Startup Loft Accelerator, she orchestrates programs to empower emerging businesses to leverage cloud technology. With a keen eye for talent and a dedication to nurturing the startup ecosystem, Marta continually shapes the landscape of tech entrepreneurship.
Liliana Castro
Co-Founder, of Portuguese Women in Tech
Liliana Castro serves as a Co-Founder of Portuguese Women in Tech, and has been instrumental in empowering and supporting women in the Portuguese tech industry, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community in Portugal.
Beatriz Oliviera
Founder & CEO, BindTuning
Beatriz Oliviera is an active female entrepreneur on the Portugal business scene. She is a Founder and the CEO of BindTuning, a provider of governance, provisioning, and intranet solutions tailored for Microsoft 365.
Inês Santos Silva
Co-Founder, Portuguese Women in Tech
Inês Santos Silva, a Co-Founder of Portuguese Women in Tech, has played a key role in fostering gender diversity and inclusion within the Portuguese tech community, advocating for equal opportunities and representation for women in technology.
Sofia Pessanha
Co-Founder, CareRev
Sofia Pessanha is a Co-Founder of CareRev has been dedicated to revolutionizing the healthcare industry by connecting healthcare professionals with flexible job opportunities, contributing to the advancement of healthcare staffing solutions.
Natalia Catarina
CEO, BEAM Wallet
Natalia Catarina has been assuming the CEO position at BEAM Wallet, a platform that provides a seamless digital payment experience, revolutionizing how consumers engage with merchants and manage their transactions effortlessly.
Joana Rafael
Co-Founder, Sensei
Joana Rafael, as a Co-Founder of Sensei, has been driving advancements in AI technology to enhance personalized learning experiences and educational outcomes, contributing to the evolution of educational technology and personalized learning solutions.
Teresa Fiuza
Executive Vice President, Portugal Ventures
Teresa Fiuza is an esteemed Executive Vice President at Portugal Ventures, renowned for her visionary leadership in driving investment strategies and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to supporting innovative ventures, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Portugal's startup landscape.
Helena Taveira
VC Investment Manager, Portugal Ventures
Helena Taveira, a VC Investment Manager at Portugal Ventures, has a diverse background in marketing, communication, and investment management, contributing to the growth of startups in Portugal.
Adelina Figuiredo
Investment Manager, Portugal Ventures
Adelina Figuiredo, an Investment Manager at Portugal Ventures, has been actively supporting and nurturing the growth of promising startups in Portugal.
Joanna Rocha
Investment Manager, Portugal Ventures
Joanna Rocha, an Investment Manager at Portugal Ventures, has been instrumental in identifying and investing in high-potential startups, contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portugal, and fostering innovation and growth.
Sílvia Silva
Investment Manager, Portugal Ventures
Silvia Silva is a seasoned investment manager at Portugal Ventures, dedicated to fueling the growth of promising startups in Portugal.
Andrea Hajdu Howe
Global Partner & Co-Head, Antler Capital
Andrea Hajdu Howe, serves as the Global Partner and Co-Head of Antler Capital, a global startup generator and early-stage venture capital firm, empowering entrepreneurs to build impactful businesses through mentorship, funding, and a supportive network. What is more, Andrea brings extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, driving the growth of innovative startups globally and fostering entrepreneurial success across diverse industries.
Sonia Fernandez
Partner, Kibo Ventures
Sonia Fernandez as a Partner at Kibo Ventures, plays a pivotal role in identifying and investing in high-potential startups, contributing to the growth of innovative ventures in the technology sector.
Covadonga García – Valdés
Investment Manager, Kibo Ventures
Covadonga García – Valdés serves as an Investment Manager at Kibo Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies with high growth potential, providing strategic support and resources to help them succeed.
Rita Sousa
Partner, Faber Ventures
Rita Sousa, a Partner at Faber, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on backing ambitious founders and disruptive technology startups, driving innovation and growth in the digital economy.
Elisangela Souza
CEO & Founder, IDE Social Hub
Elisangela Souza serves as the CEO and Founder of IDE Social Hub, a collaborative platform empowering social innovators to connect, share resources, and catalyze positive change in communities worldwide.
Nancy Brito
General Partner, GROUND CAPITAL
Nancy Brito, General Partner at GROUND CAPITAL, brings extensive expertise in venture capital and entrepreneurship to drive strategic investments in groundbreaking startups. GROUND CAPITAL is a venture capital firm dedicated to fueling innovation and growth in emerging technologies.
Elisa Tarzia
Co-Founder & Vice President, 351 Portuguese Startup Association
Elisa Tarzia is a Co-Founder and Vice President of the 351 Portuguese Startup Association, an essential hub for Portugal's entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing invaluable support, resources, and connections to drive startup success and economic growth.
Doreen Toutikian
Founder & CEO, omgyno
Doreen Toutikian, the Founder & CEO of omgyno, is committed to revolutionizing women's healthcare through innovative technologies, reshaping the landscape of women's wellness and empowerment.
Simone Franke
Co-Founder, SheSapiens
Simone Franke is a Co-Founder of SheSapiens, a platform dedicated to empowering and educating women through engaging content, community support, and resources for personal and professional development.
Hélène Guillaume Pabis
Founder & CEO, Wild.AI
Hélène Guillaume Pabis, the Founder & CEO of Wild.AI, is dedicated to leveraging technology to empower women in health and wellness, driving advancements in personalized health and fitness solutions, and contributing to the advancement of women's health and wellness through innovative technology.
Joana Morais
Founder & CEO, Xelidoni
Joana Morais is the visionary Founder and CEO of Xelidoni, a startup that develops AI software that assesses damages from home or car rentals, using deep learning to analyze images and estimate repair costs.
Fahima Farahi
Co-Founder & CEO, WiseWorld.ai
Fahima Farahi, Co-Founder and CEO of WiseWorld.ai, a company that supports employees in daily soft skill practice, while equipping managers with objective data to make informed decisions about their team's human skill development.
Maria Freitas
Co-Founder & CEO, uMore
Maria Freitas, Co-Founder and CEO of uMore, a tech company specializing in mental health and well-being, providing digital platforms and personalized tools to support individuals in managing and improving their mental wellness.
Mariana Lourenço
Co-Founder, Stories Collective
Mariana Lourenço, Co-Founder of Stories Collective, offering a captivating digital space where creatives converge to showcase their artistic narratives and inspire a global community.
Mafalda Ricca
Founder & CEO, X-Plora
Mafalda Ricca, Founder and CEO of X-Plora, drives innovation in technology, empowering young learners, tourists, and gamers to explore and discover the world around them through immersive experiences.
Marília Santos
Incubators & Accelerators, Startup Portugal
Marília Santos is responsible for incubators and accelerators programs at Startup Portugal, an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal, providing support, resources, and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and startups.
Filipa Neto
Co-Founder, Chick by Choice
Filipa Neto, Co-Founder of Chick by Choice, a dress-rental platform that revolutionizes high fashion through the sharing economy.
Lara Vidreiro
Managing Partner, Binomial Ventures
Lara Vidreiro, Managing Partner at Binomial Ventures, guides emerging startups to success through strategic investment and mentorship, fueling innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
Susana Sargento
Co-Founder, Veniam
Susana Sargento, Co-Founder of Veniam, creates intelligent networking solutions for connected vehicles and smart cities, enhancing mobility, safety, and efficiency through innovative technology.
Daniela Seixas
Founder & CEO, Tonic App
Daniela Seixas, Founder & CEO of Tonic App, is the go-to platform for medical professionals. It boosts clinical efficiency by enabling quick and secure patient case discussions, team collaboration, and providing essential tools for daily use.
Catarina Pessoa-Lopes
Co-Founder, UP Desenvolvimento
Catarina Pessoa-Lopes, Co-Founder of UP Desenvolvimento, spearheads initiatives to foster positive social impact and empower communities through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Liliana Rosário
Founder, Circular Closet
Liliana Rosário is the visionary founder of Circular Closet, a sustainable fashion platform dedicated to promoting circular economy principles through clothing rental and resale.
Mariama Injai
Ceo & Founder, Nô bai
Mariama Injai leads Nô bai as its CEO and Founder, a tech-driven startup empowering African artisans by connecting them directly with global markets, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
Joana Pinto
Co-founder and CEO, Clynx Health
Joana Pinto drives innovation as the Co-founder and CEO of Clynx Health, a healthcare technology company revolutionizing patient care coordination through advanced digital solutions.
Irina Leca
Co-Founder, NewTowner App
Irina Leca co-founded NewTowner App, a mobile app, designed specifically to facilitate connections for newcomers in town, simplifying the process of meeting others through social gatherings.
Assuncao Loureiro
Managing Director, SeaTheFuture
Assuncao Loureiro serves as the Managing Director of SeaTheFuture, a sustainability-focused organization leveraging technology and marine science to protect and preserve ocean ecosystems while promoting responsible oceanic development.
Jwana Godinho
Co-Founder, Access Lab
Jwana Godinho is the Co-Founder of Access Lab, a social enterprise committed to fostering digital inclusion and accessibility by providing technology education and resources to marginalized communities.
Beatriz Azevedo
Co-Founder, Ccrave
Beatriz Azevedo, Co-Founder of Ccrave, crafts sustainable fashion solutions, blending style with environmental consciousness to reshape the industry's landscape.
Ana Mikaela Silva
Founder & CEO, Pleasy Play
Ana Mikaela Silva, Founder and CEO of Pleasy Play, a startup focused on a digital wellness designed for couples.
Daniela Braga
Founder & CEO, Defined.ai
Daniela Braga, Founder and CEO of Defined.ai, a company developing a marketplace for ethical, high-quality AI training data.
*Undoubtedly, the startup and VC ecosystem in Portugal is powered by many inspiring and impactful women, which is why our list is definitely not closed, and we appreciate every involvement! So if you have any insights about the article, drop us a line.
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