Build Up Labs

Build Up Labs operates as both a venture studio and startup incubator based in Lisbon, Portugal, while maintaining a remote-friendly approach to entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 2014, the organization has established itself as a significant player in the Portuguese startup ecosystem, focusing on ideating, developing, and scaling innovative business concepts. Their impressive track record includes six successful exits alongside numerous ventures that didn't achieve desired outcomes—all contributing to a wealth of practical knowledge about startup development and growth challenges in European markets.

The incubator division, launched in 2020, represents Build Up Labs' commitment to sharing their accumulated expertise with emerging entrepreneurs. This branch provides comprehensive support to early-stage startups through strategic mentorship, investment facilitation, networking opportunities, and integration into their entrepreneurial community. Their hands-on approach draws from years of real-world experience navigating both successes and failures in the startup landscape, offering founders practical guidance rather than purely theoretical advice.

As an officially certified incubator for the Startup Visa program through partnerships with Startup Portugal and IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), Build Up Labs plays a crucial role in Portugal's strategy to attract international entrepreneurial talent. This certification enables the organization to support non-EU founders looking to establish their ventures in Portugal, contributing to the country's growing reputation as a European startup hub. Their position within this government-backed initiative demonstrates their credibility and standing within Portugal's innovation ecosystem.

Build Up Labs has cultivated a dynamic entrepreneurial environment where founders can access both practical resources and valuable social capital through their extensive network. Their dual approach as both creators of ventures and supporters of external startups gives them unique insight into the full lifecycle of startup development. This perspective informs their incubation methodology, which emphasizes sustainable growth strategies, resilience through challenges, and clear pathways to market validation. For entrepreneurs seeking to join this ecosystem, Build Up Labs offers not just services but integration into a community shaped by authentic entrepreneurial experience.