Early Stage

Unicorn Factory Lisboa's Incubation Program

We offer comprehensive, tailored support for startup growth and development. Unlike traditional incubators, our programs are customized to address the unique needs of each startup phase.

With a founder-driven mindset, we support a selective group of industry-disrupting startups, ensuring they receive the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

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We have incubated +950 startups since 2012, and +250 actively incubated.

Access to +190 mentors from different backgrounds (ex-founders, VC, angel investors, etc).

A strong network of +150 VCs and investors, and +100 ecosystem partners for potential pilots and partnerships.

The Incubation Journey

The Incubation Program guides founders from Pre-Seed to Series A, combining mentoring, training, and connections with investors and partners to make the hardest parts of building a startup a little easier.

Built on a framework that maps each startup’s stage and key validation hypotheses, the program adapts to where founders are and focuses on the most important milestones to validate at each step of their journey.

Startup Criteria

Pre-Seed or Seed stage
Strong founding team
MVP or early prototype

Early traction and a clear growth potential
Innovative and scalable business model

What makes us special?

Mentorship

Diverse pool of 190+ experienced mentors and industry experts who provide guidance to help you navigate challenges, refine your strategy, and accelerate growth.

Fundraising Support

Tailored guidance to define your fundraising strategy, structure your investment round, and possibly engage with investors.

International

Top global opportunities, including international summits, partnerships, and networks, helping your startup expand and thrive beyond borders.

Founder Development

Tailored training journey for founders, combining practical workshops, hands-on sessions, and expert guidance.

Corporate Matching

Facilitating strategic connections and partnerships with corporates, helping startups run pilots, showcase solutions, and accelerate business opportunities.

Perks

Access exclusive perks from our partners, including office hours, discounts, and credits across legal, cloud, accounting, and project management support etc.

Community

Engage in a vibrant community through regular events, sessions, and gatherings designed to foster networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Physical Space

Access flexible coworking spaces and offices at our Incubation Hub in downtown Lisbon and other locations, designed to support your startup’s daily operations and growth.

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Program Structure

Rocket Sessions in the first 10 weeks (a session every week with experts in the key areas for a startup to thrive).

Tailor-made incubation plans every three months.

30 min-call at least once a quarter to evaluate the status and challenges.

We host year-round events and workshops to promote learning and networking.

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Our startups testimonial

“The caliber of experts and quality of content you get access to during the program is second-to-none. …. It’s no coincidence that we closed a funding round, achieved record growth and improved our company culture during the program.”

“The program was a valuable source of experiences, contacts and partnerships. Additionally we have access to a great pool of mentors who support each Startup across our journey. What is amazing for me is the continuous support and engagement of Unicorn Factory Lisboa team after the program, providing us an open door for the startup community and the innovation ecosystem."

“Thanks to the ongoing support, exceptional resources, and a network of experienced mentors, we were not only able to refine our business vision but also significantly expand our operations. The opportunity to work side-by-side with industry leaders and experts was invaluable and equipped us with the necessary tools to scale our presence in Europe."

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Applications

We have 4 cohorts each year:

Winter Batch

(apply by November,
starts around January)

Spring Batch

(apply by February,
starts around April)

Summer Batch

(apply by May,
starts around July)

Fall Batch

(apply by August,
starts around October)

Applications are ongoing and reviewed every 3 months to select a new cohort of startups.

Application Screening

UFL’s incubation team reviews all applications to assess the project’s potential and fit for the program.

Jury Day

Shortlisted founders are invited to pitch to our team and partners during Jury Day (3 min pitch + Q&A).

Contract & Fees

Selected startups join the program with a €120 one-time enrollment fee* and a €90 + VAT monthly fee (minimum 12 months).

*Covers admission and administrative costs.

Our current price model is:

Enrollment fee: 120€ (one-time)

Applications are open all year round