Lisbon Unicorn Factory launches 2026 Scaling Up Programme
The ninth edition of Scaling Up, Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s acceleration programme aimed at companies in the growth and internationalisation phase, kicked off this week. Over the previous eight editions, the program attracted 68 scale-ups in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Adtech, Fintech, and Healthtech, raising €468 million in investment and employing over 2,000 people.
The ninth edition begins with 10 scale-ups, 70% of which are international, having already raised a total of approximately €27 million in investment and employing over 500 people. The participating companies are Shakers, Manie, ZenHire, OnGres, Rapidoc, Starweaver, Air Apps, C-More, Just Travel, and Galaxies.
“The Scaling Up programme is unique in Portugal and one of the best globally, bringing together the best international experts in expansion into other markets. With this edition, the programme has already reached 78 companies in the growth phase and is already considered an international benchmark. It is an opportunity for many innovative companies to receive specialised support to become globally scalable companies, which in turn contribute to national competitiveness, attracting investment, creating highly qualified jobs, and retaining young people in the country,” says Gil Azevedo, executive director of Unicorn Factory Lisbon.
At a time when the global capital market demands greater rigor and sustainable business models, the launch of this ninth edition demonstrates that Lisbon continues to be a safe haven for innovation. The focus is no longer just on ‘growing at any cost’, but rather on the strategic internationalization that this program provides, in a year when operational efficiency is key to attracting the most competitive investment rounds of 2026.
The eight-month initiative combines practical training, specialized mentoring, and investor connections. Structured in several modules focused on key growth challenges such as leadership, investment raising, internationalization, and product development, the program is supported by leading organizations in Portugal, such as BPI, Cuatrecasas, CUF, Delta, Fidelidade, Galp, Google, Grupo Brisa, MEO, and PwC.
Several scale-ups that have participated in the program have already received awards, including LoopOS, winner of the Startup World Cup Portugal; BRAINR, #17 in the Sifted Future 50 in 2025; Paynest, finalist in the Mastercard For Fintechs 2025 Grand Finale; and Hase & Igel, winner of the Stevie Awards. and Growappy, distinguished with the Lisbon Innovation for All award, organized by Unicorn Factory Lisbon in partnership with the Lisbon City Council, as well as companies recognised by Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Portugal, such as Bridge In, Sensei, Lyzer, knok, Daredata, Nutrium and Musiversal.
The scale-ups
Shakers – Shakers is a platform that connects companies and flexible workers quickly and securely. Specializing in technology for high-impact projects, it focuses on senior talent.
Manie – A Portuguese technology platform that simplifies the management of electricity contracts for consumers and small businesses.
ZenHire – An AI-based recruitment platform that helps companies identify, evaluate, and hire talent faster, more efficiently, and based on data.
OnGres – A technology company specializing in PostgreSQL that develops solutions, open-source tools, and consulting services to optimize enterprise data infrastructures and databases.
Rapidoc – A platform that allows the creation of interactive, customizable, and visually appealing API documentation from OpenAPI specifications.
Starweaver – A global edtech company that combines expert-led educational content and AI-powered platforms to transform professional learning.
Air Apps – A technology company that develops and publishes over 30 mobile applications focused on productivity, well-being, creativity, and learning, designed to simplify use.
C-More – A technology company that offers a SaaS platform focused on ESG to help organizations assess, monitor, manage, improve, and report on their sustainability performance and regulatory compliance.
Just Travel – An e-commerce platform and white-label technology solutions for online travel agencies, enabling the sale of tourism products with API integration and digital marketing tools to scale online sales.
Galaxies – A technology company that offers a predictive intelligence platform with AI-powered synthetic personas to help brands validate ideas, understand consumers, and make faster and more effective strategic decisions based on simulated data.
Source and Credits: Unicorn Factory Lisboa.
