For the first time ever, Portugal will host the world’s largest startup competition. On September 10 and 11, 2025, the Startup World Cup Portugal will take place at Unicorn Factory Lisboa, bringing together some of the most promising startups, investors, and innovation leaders in the world.
Organized globally by Pegasus Tech Ventures and held in over 70 countries, the Startup World Cup is a prestigious international platform offering a life-changing opportunity: the winner of the global finals in Silicon Valley will receive a $1 million investment prize. In Portugal, the competition is officially hosted and managed by Fasttrack Ventures, which is responsible for the national event and the full application process, in collaboration with local partners.
Bringing the Startup World Cup to Lisbon marks a significant milestone for Portugal’s tech and innovation ecosystem. In recent years, Portugal has evolved from a quiet player on the European periphery to a dynamic and increasingly influential startup hub. With a vibrant talent pool, strong institutional support, and growing international visibility, the country is now seen as a serious contender in the global innovation arena.
The Startup World Cup Portugal 2025 is more than a competition; it is a launchpad. Startups selected to participate will have access to mentorship from experienced investors, valuable exposure to top-tier venture capital firms, and the chance to build strategic connections with other founders, corporate leaders, and global stakeholders. For many, this event is not just about winning the grand prize in Silicon Valley; it is about unlocking new networks, refining their vision, and gaining the confidence and visibility to scale globally.
Hosting the event at Unicorn Factory Lisboa, the city’s flagship startup and innovation hub, reinforces the mission. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this space was created to accelerate tech-driven growth and is the ideal stage for Portugal to highlight its startup potential to the world. The venue symbolizes a new era for Lisbon, one focused not only on nurturing local innovation but also on connecting it to global opportunities.
Applications for the national competition will open soon and will be available through the official Fasttrack Ventures website. Startups from all sectors and stages are encouraged to apply if they bring ambition, innovation, and a global mindset.
Portugal is no longer on the sidelines of global innovation. By hosting the Startup World Cup Portugal 2025, the country is stepping confidently into the international spotlight, not just as a destination for talent and investment, but as a serious player helping shape the future of entrepreneurship.
This is more than an event. It is a statement. Portugal is ready to compete, to lead, and to inspire the next generation of global startups, and the journey begins in Lisbon this September.
Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon – CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.
Paulo Lopes