In an interview with POSTAL, CEO Miguel Fernandes and marketing director Jorge Cabaço, from Dengun, reveal how the program is impacting startups, attracting international talent and contributing to strengthening the region’s technological ecosystem.
The Dengun Founders Program, designed as a true “startup studio”, differentiates itself by offering more than acceleration: it provides a collaborative environment where programmers, designers and mentors work directly with startups to create scalable technological businesses. With a methodology that combines product development, investment capture and strategic connection to investors, the program is already positioning the Algarve as an attractive destination for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Q – What differentiates the Dengun Founders Program from other startup acceleration initiatives, and how was it designed to meet the specific needs of technology startups?
R – The Dengun Founders Program differentiates itself by being more than an acceleration program; It’s a startup studio. It works like a “3D printer for technology companies”, where programmers, designers and mentors collaborate directly with startups for three months. The program offers intensive and personalized support, focused not only on product development, but also on preparing to attract investment, giving startups better chances of success before investors. In addition, it carries out strategic matchmaking between startups and investors, increasing the probability of investment. The mentors, with extensive proven experience, bring a practical and replicable approach, while the rigorous curation process guarantees quality and confidence in the presentation of startups to a selected network of national and European investors.
Q – What were the main criteria used to select the 12 finalist startups among the approximately 400 applications received from all over the world?
R – The selection was based on criteria such as innovation, scalability, experience and diversity of the founding team, alignment with market trends and impact on the ecosystem. Original and disruptive solutions with great potential for global growth were prioritized, especially in the emerging areas of AgeTech, Travel Tech, Agritech, GenAI, Blockchain and SaaS products. The finalist startups stood out for their clear vision of execution and market validation, demonstrating their ability to contribute positively to the local and international economy.
Q – How does the event contribute to positioning the Algarve as a hub for technological innovation and attracting international investors?
R – The program was designed to prove that the Algarve can host world-class initiatives capable of attracting startups from around the world. With more than 400 applications and an average feedback of 9 (on a scale of 0 to 10) from participants, the success of the program is evident. Demo Day is a technological showcase that brings together entrepreneurs, investors and global stakeholders, demonstrating that the Algarve is not just a tourist destination, but also a place conducive to innovation. The initiative reinforces the region’s strategic positioning, promoting international collaborations, attracting talent and capital, and consolidating the idea that the Algarve can be the stage for high-impact global programs.
Q – In addition to funding of up to 300 thousand euros, what other opportunities can participants expect when interacting with the panel of investors and the program’s network of partners?
R – Participants have access to specialized mentoring in product development, marketing and fundraising, in addition to a wide network of strategic contacts. There are also opportunities for collaboration to accelerate go-to-market and validation in global markets. International visibility is another significant benefit, with participation in prominent events such as the Algarve Tech Hub Summit and the Web Summit, increasing exposure to investors and the media.
Q – What impact do you hope to achieve in the long term with this program, both in the development of participating startups and in strengthening the local and international technological ecosystem?
R – The objective is to enable startups to transform ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses, increasing their chances of success in the global market. At the same time, we seek to consolidate the Algarve as a hub for technological innovation, attracting new investments, talents and generating a multiplier effect of opportunities for the business community. In the long term, the program aims to transform the Algarve into a strategic point for startups and investors, promoting innovation with global impact.
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