8 Inspiring Startups in Lisbon to Watch in 2025
Lisbon has quickly become a magnet for global investors and tech talent, standing out as one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation hubs. The city’s vibrant mix of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in recent Dealroom.co data, which highlights the remarkable surge of startups in lisbon over the past few years.
If you’re an investor, founder, or tech enthusiast eager to spot the next big thing, this guide is your essential resource. In the following sections, we’ll spotlight eight inspiring startups shaking up their industries with bold ideas, impressive growth, and true global ambition.
Lisbon’s Startup Ecosystem: Why the World is Watching
Lisbon’s journey from a charming coastal city to a European tech powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. In recent years, the Portuguese capital has grabbed headlines for its vibrant innovation scene and record-breaking investment rounds. According to Lisbon's Startup Ecosystem Growth, startups in lisbon have seen a surge in funding, scaling rapidly and drawing attention from global investors.
What’s fueling this momentum? A potent mix of government support, forward-thinking accelerator programs, and international events like Web Summit have helped put the city on the map. The government’s startup-friendly policies, such as tax incentives and streamlined visa processes, make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow startups in lisbon. Meanwhile, local accelerators and incubators offer mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, nurturing early-stage ideas into scale-ready companies.
Lisbon’s ecosystem isn’t just about quantity—it’s about diversity and depth. Key sectors leading the charge include artificial intelligence, clean energy, SaaS, smart mobility, and digital health. This sectoral diversity ensures that startups in lisbon can tap into multiple growth avenues. Notably, the city has seen a steady rise in late-stage venture capital rounds, with international investors increasingly backing local founders. This influx of capital is helping startups in lisbon scale beyond domestic borders and compete on the global stage.
The city’s appeal doesn’t stop with funding and innovation. Lisbon’s laid-back lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and welcoming community are powerful magnets for global talent. Founders, developers, and creatives from around the world are relocating to join startups in lisbon, drawn by the promise of professional growth and a high quality of life. The city’s multicultural vibe fosters creativity, collaboration, and new perspectives, making it a true melting pot for ideas.
Robust infrastructure and ecosystem support are vital pieces of the puzzle. Organizations like Startup Lisboa and Made of Lisboa play a key role, providing resources, coworking spaces, and connections to investors. The presence of top-tier UX and web design agencies further strengthens the support network for startups in lisbon. Recent years have also seen high-profile exits and successful scale-ups, proving that Lisbon’s startups can deliver results and attract lucrative acquisition deals.
Looking ahead to 2025, Lisbon’s vision is clear: to be a leading hub for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. The city is doubling down on green tech, digital transformation, and inclusive entrepreneurship. As more founders and investors turn their gaze toward Portugal’s capital, the next wave of groundbreaking startups in lisbon is poised to make an even bigger mark on the global stage.
8 Inspiring Startups in Lisbon to Watch in 2025
Lisbon’s tech scene is buzzing with energy, and nowhere is this more evident than in the wave of startups in lisbon reshaping industries for 2025. These eight companies represent the city’s boldest ventures, each harnessing innovation, growth, and impact. From AI-driven retail to blockchain creativity, this list showcases how startups in lisbon are setting new standards for global entrepreneurship.
Sensei
Sensei is revolutionizing the retail sector with its AI-powered solution for frictionless, cashierless shopping. As one of the most talked-about startups in lisbon, Sensei enables supermarkets and convenience stores to operate autonomously using deep tech, IoT, and machine learning.
Key features include real-time analytics, autonomous sensors, and seamless integration for retailers. The benefits are clear: increased operational efficiency, reduced shrinkage, and a smoother customer journey.
Sensei’s rapid 512% web traffic growth (Dealroom.co) and €15M Series A funding highlight its momentum among startups in lisbon. The tech is highly scalable, though initial implementation costs can pose challenges for small retailers.
A typical use case? Large supermarkets deploying Sensei to cut checkout lines and reduce labor costs. The platform’s unique selling point is its end-to-end autonomous store system, already proven across Europe.
For founders inspired by this innovation, exploring lean product development for startups offers valuable insights into scaling efficiently in fast-moving ecosystems like Lisbon.
ScorePlay
ScorePlay is an AI-powered digital asset manager tailored for sports organizations. As one of the top startups in lisbon, it automates tagging, manages media rights, and delivers real-time content to fans and partners.
The platform streamlines workflows, maximizes media value, and drives fan engagement. Its core audience includes sports clubs, leagues, agencies, and broadcasters seeking smarter media operations.
ScorePlay stands out with 375% web traffic growth (Dealroom.co) and fresh Series A funding, signaling strong adoption in the sports sector. However, its niche focus may limit expansion beyond sports.
A standout use case is football clubs instantly distributing highlight reels to fans. ScorePlay’s unique value lies in being the first platform specifically designed for sports media teams, cementing its place among leading startups in lisbon.
OSCAR
OSCAR is making home services as seamless as booking a ride. As one of the most convenient startups in lisbon, OSCAR offers a fixed-price platform for instant bookings of repairs and improvements.
Users benefit from transparent pricing, reliability, and a user-friendly mobile app. The SaaS model appeals to urban residents, property managers, and real estate agents who need fast, trustworthy solutions.
The company boasts 79% growth (Dealroom.co) and €6M in seed funding, a testament to the demand for such startups in lisbon. The main challenge is fierce competition from local and global platforms.
Landlords can schedule vetted professionals for repairs through a single dashboard. OSCAR’s unique selling point is its seamless, instant booking system covering a wide range of home services.
Indie Campers
Indie Campers is redefining the travel experience as one of the most adventurous startups in lisbon. The platform aggregates over 6,000 campervans across Europe, North America, and Oceania, making road trips accessible to all.
Key features include online booking, vehicle search, travel planning, and flexible rentals. The benefits? Competitive pricing, a wide selection, and democratized travel for adventure seekers.
With €27.5M Series B funding and 44% web traffic growth (Dealroom.co), Indie Campers is a standout among startups in lisbon. The scale is impressive, though operational complexity and seasonality are hurdles.
Travelers use Indie Campers to plan extended trips with customizable itineraries. The unique selling point is its one-stop-shop model for campervan rentals and travel experiences worldwide.
Bloq.it
Bloq.it brings smart storage to urban spaces, standing out among startups in lisbon for its IoT-enabled locker systems. The platform provides secure, shared-economy storage for public spaces, events, and transport hubs.
Features include real-time tracking, mobile integration, and AI-driven analytics for operators. Bloq.it benefits city governments, event organizers, and shopping centers seeking secure, scalable storage.
With 178% growth (Dealroom.co) and $37.4M in funding, Bloq.it exemplifies the innovation found in startups in lisbon. The need for physical infrastructure is a barrier, but the B2B SaaS model is highly scalable.
A practical use case is travelers storing luggage at train stations. The unique selling point? Fully connected, intelligent lockers that provide valuable data insights for operators.
Splink
Splink merges sports fandom and augmented reality, making it a creative powerhouse among startups in lisbon. The platform offers official sports team collectibles with AR integration, driving new fan engagement.
Core features include AR collectibles, a mobile marketplace, and AI-powered experiences. Sports fans, teams, and event organizers can all benefit from Splink’s offerings.
With €7.6M in VC funding and an innovative use of AR, Splink is gaining ground among startups in lisbon. The major challenge is dependence on sports licensing agreements.
Fans collect and trade digital memorabilia at live events, enhancing their experience. Splink’s unique selling point is its combination of AR and official sports IP for immersive, interactive collectibles.
Mintbase
Mintbase is pushing the boundaries of blockchain as one of the most versatile startups in lisbon. The platform empowers creators to mint and sell NFTs for art, tickets, and music, using a decentralized marketplace.
Features include NFT minting, smart contracts, and transparent royalty distribution. Mintbase appeals to artists, musicians, event organizers, and collectors looking for global reach.
With $13.5M in funding and $1.3M annual revenue, Mintbase is a shining example among startups in lisbon. Crypto volatility and regulations are risks, but grant-backed innovation fuels its growth.
Musicians can launch exclusive albums and event tickets as NFTs. Mintbase’s unique selling point is its versatility, supporting various digital asset types and creative industries.
Doinn
Doinn is automating hospitality operations, standing out in the crowded field of startups in lisbon. The SaaS platform connects property managers with housekeeping and laundry providers, streamlining turnover for short-term rentals.
Key features include scheduling, a provider marketplace, and PMS integration. Vacation rental managers, hotels, and Airbnb hosts benefit from improved efficiency and quality assurance.
Recognized by Skift as a global leader, Doinn has established strong partnerships with major OTAs, reinforcing its status among top startups in lisbon. Service quality depends on provider networks, but the platform’s reach is growing.
Property managers use Doinn to automate cleaning and guest turnover, ensuring seamless guest experiences. The unique selling point is its all-in-one approach to property operations automation.
Key Trends Among Lisbon Startups to Watch in 2025
Lisbon’s innovation scene is evolving rapidly, and several key trends are shaping the future of startups in lisbon. The city’s startups are not just keeping pace with global tech, they’re setting benchmarks across AI, digital transformation, sustainability, and more.
The Rise of AI and Automation
AI-driven startups in lisbon are at the forefront of applied technology. Companies like Sensei are transforming retail with cashierless, autonomous shopping. ScorePlay is revolutionizing sports media with automated asset management. Their use of machine learning and IoT is streamlining operations, cutting costs, and delivering real-time insights. These advances are positioning Lisbon as a hub for practical AI innovation.
Digital Transformation Sweeping Traditional Sectors
A second trend among startups in lisbon is the digital overhaul of legacy industries. Real estate, travel, and hospitality are embracing SaaS and platform models, making processes more efficient and customer-centric. For a deeper dive into how digital transformation is driving this shift, check out Digital transformation in B2B startups. This wave of change is unlocking new revenue streams and modernizing sectors once seen as slow to adapt.
Sustainability and the Circular Economy
Sustainability is embedded in the DNA of many startups in lisbon. From clean energy to smart mobility and shared-economy solutions, Lisbon’s founders are building products that minimize waste and maximize resources. Startups like Bloq.it and Indie Campers are great examples, offering solutions that blend green tech with scalable business models.
Global Scalability and Product-Market Fit
A defining trait of top startups in lisbon is their ambition to scale globally. Many operate in multiple countries, a testament to strong product-market fit and international vision. Founders are leveraging Lisbon’s strategic location and multicultural talent pool to expand quickly and efficiently. For those interested in how these companies measure and achieve success, Product-market fit benchmarks provides valuable insights.
Late-Stage Funding and Investor Confidence
Funding rounds are growing larger, with several startups in lisbon securing €10M+ in late-stage investments. This surge in capital reflects international investor confidence and signals that Lisbon’s ecosystem is entering a mature growth phase. Increased funding is enabling further innovation, product development, and market expansion.
Talent, Diversity, and Inclusive Culture
The city’s appeal draws founders and tech talent from around the world. Startups in lisbon are known for multinational teams, a strong emphasis on gender diversity, and inclusive hiring policies. This diversity is fueling creativity and giving Lisbon an edge in the global startup race.
Ecosystem Support: Accelerators, Government, and Community
Finally, the robust support system for startups in lisbon cannot be overlooked. Accelerators, government initiatives, and active community networks are providing mentorship, funding, and international exposure. This collaborative environment is essential for fostering new ideas and helping startups scale beyond Portugal.
Lisbon’s unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and global ambition ensures that startups in lisbon will remain a focal point for investors, founders, and tech enthusiasts in 2025 and beyond.
How to Identify the Next Breakout Startup in Lisbon
Spotting the next big success among startups in lisbon is both an art and a science. With the city's ecosystem growing at a record pace, investors and founders need clear strategies to separate true disruptors from the crowd.
1. Track Growth Signals
Start with hard data. Dealroom Signal, web traffic spikes, and news of fresh funding rounds are all strong indicators. Consistent team expansion or a jump in active users can also suggest that certain startups in lisbon are gaining momentum. For an in-depth look at recent funding and sector trends, check out Portugal's Startup Ecosystem in 2025.
- Look for Series A or later funding
- Analyze monthly web visits and app downloads
- Monitor hiring activity on social platforms
2. Evaluate Product-Market Fit and Scalability
A startup's traction depends on its fit with user needs. High adoption rates, glowing customer testimonials, and repeat business all signal strong product-market fit. For startups in lisbon, also assess their technology stack and how easily their platform can scale internationally.
- Review user retention and satisfaction metrics
- Examine internationalization plans and current global footprint
- Check for robust, cloud-based infrastructure
3. Assess Founder Pedigree and Unique Selling Points
Founders with proven records or deep industry expertise often lead the most promising startups in lisbon. Investigate their backgrounds, networks, and prior exits. Then, evaluate what sets the company apart, whether it's proprietary tech, a disruptive business model, or a new approach to an established market.
- Research founder LinkedIn profiles and past ventures
- Identify patents, exclusive partnerships, or unique IP
- Compare value propositions with direct competitors
4. Monitor Recognition and Leverage Local Insights
Press coverage, awards, and features at international events like Web Summit can validate a startup’s potential. Plug into the local scene: attend meetups, talk to Lisbon’s community leaders, and follow ecosystem news. For more context on the factors driving local innovation, see Lisbon's Tech Ecosystem Overview.
- Watch for media buzz and industry accolades
- Join local accelerators or demo days
- Engage with investors and mentors in Lisbon
By combining data-driven analysis with on-the-ground insights, you’ll be well positioned to identify the next breakout among startups in lisbon. The city’s vibrant tech hub is full of opportunity—stay curious, connected, and ready to spot the next wave.
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