Startups & Investment Matching | About
The SIM Conference is an event designed to connect entrepreneurs, startups, and investors, both nationally and internationally. Focused on creating networking opportunities through carefully curated content, SIM offers a unique experience for founders and investors to establish meaningful connections.
For more information: simconf@startupportugal.com
Porto is home to one of the most vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems in Europe:
- A thriving community that, together with the northern region of Portugal, hosts over 1,200 startups;
- Key sectors include software development, healthcare, and marketing;
- The Porto Metropolitan Area is also home to 10 unicorn offices.
A leading hub for talent creation and research & development (R&D):
- More than 80 higher education institutions and R&D centers with over 12,500 researchers;
- Portugal’s number one region for patents and private investment in R&D;
- The University of Porto ranked 1st in the 2023 Portuguese Entrepreneurial University Ranking.
The region attracts significant investment:
- Startups in northern Portugal are valued at approximately €8.9 billion (27% of the total Portuguese ecosystem);
- Since 2020, they have raised over €2 billion, accounting for 40% of the total funding secured by the Portuguese ecosystem;
- More than 90 national and international investors are actively engaged in the region.
Portugal holds prominent positions in several international rankings, such as:
- 6th most attractive country for foreign investment, according to the EY Survey ’24
- 7th most peaceful country in the world among 163 nations, according to the Global Peace Index
- 7th in Quality of Life, according to Expat Insider 2024
The country:
- Has 4,719 startups, 16% more than in 2023
- The startup ecosystem generates a combined turnover of €2.602 billion
More than 100 incubators certified by Startup Portugal across the country.
To get to Alfândega do Porto, you can choose between public transport or taxi/ride-hailing services.
- From Porto Airport, the most affordable option is the metro (Line E) to Trindade, transferring to Line D to São Bento, followed by bus 500 to Alfândega (around 35 minutes in total). Alternatively, a taxi/ride-hailing service takes approximately 25 minutes. Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on Economy and Business tickets with TAP. See all conditions here.
- For those arriving by train, from Campanhã, you can take the metro to São Bento and then bus 500 (about 15 minutes), or a taxi in 12 minutes. If arriving at São Bento, simply take bus 500 (5 minutes).
- For those driving, the easiest option is to follow this link using GPS.
Porto offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique stays and more budget-friendly choices. Whether you prefer to stay in the historic center, by the river, or in the surrounding areas, there’s something for everyone.
Startup Portugal is a non-profit organization with the mission to develop activities of public interest to promote entrepreneurship, in close collaboration with public and private entities within the national ecosystem.
