The Lisbon Challenge
Need some answers? Check this frequently asked questions:
Lisbon Challenge is an international startup acceleration program, inspired by MassChallenge, which will run its second edition over the course of 3 months in Lisbon from May 2nd until July 25th, 2014.
The program will select 25 teams who will have access to more than 200 international mentors and investors to advance their projects and internationalize.
Lisbon Challenge is organized by Beta-i, a non-profit association based in Lisbon.
Beta-i is a non-profit association, founded in 2010 and dedicated to innovating entrepreneurship in Portugal.
The primary mission of Beta-i is to help startups with global ambitions grow strong and increase their chances for success.
There are three key aspects that render the Lisbon Challenge different from other acceleration programs:
No equity:
Lisbon Challenge does not take any equity from startups that participate in the program.
Multi-Location:
Trans-Atlantic program, with components in London, São Paulo, Lisbon and Boston.
Multi-Sector:
For startups from all ICT sectors: Digital Media, Social Media, SaaS, Information Technology, Games, Electronics & Robotics, Big Data and Energy Management.
We're still accepting applications to Lisbon Challenge. Apply now.
The acceleration program is specifically designed for startups in product, service or prototype phase wanting to internationalize.
Our target are technology-based startups: Social Media, SaaS, Information Technology, Games, Electronics & Robotics, Big Data, Energy Management and tourism.
Applications close on March 17th. You can still apply here
Lisbon Challenge is all about a solid team with the dream to create a successful product or service. So, if you have a team and you're still toying with an idea feel free to apply but if it is just you and an idea, this is not the program for you.
The criteria are as follows:
We are looking for hard working, committed and collaborative people, characteristics that should be consistent throughout the application.
The accelerator program will accept startups of any size, a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members can officially participate in Lisbon Challenge.
We are eager to have you in Lisbon, so as soon as we select the teams, we will let you know. Depending on your application date you might only be notified within 2 weeks of the program start date in Lisbon (May 2nd).
You will need to provide a company profile, a business summary, a short video presenting the opportunity and traction so far and a statement of your objectives for the Lisbon Challenge. The more information you provide about your startup, the better.
Check out what is needed by starting your application.
The best of Lisbon Challenge will be selected to pitch their product, service or prototype at Investor Days in Lisbon, London, Boston and São Paulo.
No, we will not take any equity.
There are no costs associated with applying for the Lisbon Challenge. If you are accepted, there will be a commitment fee of 150€ per team, reimbursed on arrival to Lisbon.
The program is based in Lisbon and requires the presence of at least two team members. We understand that you have to work on ongoing projects during your time here, so part of the day you will be able to dedicate to your own projects utilizing the office space we provide in Lisbon center.
While in Lisbon, activities will take place at our offices in Central Station, Beta-i's space in Cais do Sodré, where a new entrepreneurial community is being born.
All activities will be conducted in English.
Besides the mentoring, workshops and an exponential growth of your network, up to 10 startups will be selected by the Beta-i team to be invested and later incubated for 6 months.
Plus, all participating teams in the Lisbon Challenge will get plenty of perks from our sponsors and partners.
Yes, we will provide free office space and a gigabit internet link over wifi at our prime location in Central Station, in downtown Lisbon.
No. However, teams will have privileged access to low-cost living arrangements and discounted flights negotiated by Beta-i. A startups concierge will also be available to help you get started in Lisbon.
Yes. We offer help with visa procedures if needed.