Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, and Semapa Next, the venture capital business unit of the Semapa Group, are partnering to bring a new mentorship-driven accelerator program to Lisbon, Portugal: Techstars Lisbon Accelerator in partnership with Semapa Next. Semapa Next is the Venture Capital arm of Semapa, a leading diversified Portuguese group, listed in the Lisbon Stock Exchange with two of the most significant market caps. Hugo Augusto will be the managing director for the accelerator program.

Techstars has long had a presence in Lisbon through the Techstars Startup Weekend, dating back to 2011 and a sizeable number of Techstars accelerator alumni are Portuguese companies. These alumni are part of a growing but highly experienced mentor pool that has contributed to the recent rise of Portuguese unicorns (Farfetch and Outsystems) and billions of dollars raised from startups to scale-ups (Unbabel, Veniam, Feedzai, among others).

Semapa can mobilize a wide array of strategic partnerships with leading local and international corporations to provide access to piloting opportunities, distribution channels and additional mentoring. The mentorship-driven accelerator program will invest in startups that develop innovative products, technologies and business models resulting in a significant digital transformation in companies and people’s lives.

Techstars and Semapa Next will invest in startups that are bringing Digital Transformation to the following key areas:

Industrial & Environmental Tech startups that use deep technology such as AI or Machine Learning to transform the core processes of industrial businesses with strong supply chain operations, manufacturing plants, and extensive distribution networks.

Smart Transportation startups that use technology to create and deliver new mobility solutions to transform the logistic processes of businesses and the way people and vehicles move within and around cities.

Travel & Leisure Tech startups that use technology to radically transform current business processes in the Travel & Tourism industry and leverage technology to rethink the way tourists travel, explore tourist destinations and live new experiences.

Applications for the Techstars Lisbon Accelerator in partnership with Semapa Next open today and the program will start in March 2019. For entrepreneurs interested in applying, please check out the application toolkit.

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