FAQ
On this page you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Unicorn Factory Lisboa universe.
Select the topic from the menu below:
AIEL
AIEL, short for Associação para a Inovação e Empreendedorismo de Lisboa, was founded in 2011 and started operations in 2012. It was established by the Municipality of Lisbon, Montepio Bank, and IAPMEI (Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation).
AIEL was initiated through citizen participation. It was one of the most voted-on ideas in the Lisbon City Council's 2009/2010 Participatory Budget.
AIEL is a private non-profit association.
Since its start, AIEL has operated primarily as a business incubator under Startup Lisboa. It focuses on supporting the creation of companies and aiding entrepreneurs during their initial years of activity.
Unicorn Factory Lisboa (UFL)
Launched in 2022, Unicorn Factory Lisboa is a flagship initiative to position Lisbon as a leading European innovation center. It is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing essential resources, including comprehensive incubation programs and one of Europe's few specialized scale-up programs.
Yes, Unicorn Factory Lisboa is the umbrella brand of AIEL.
Incubation Program
About the Program
The Incubation Program is Portugal’s leading program for early-stage startups, supporting founders from Pre-Seed to Series A through mentoring, training, and access to investors, corporates, and partners. It continues the mission of Startup Lisboa and, since 2022, has been fully integrated under Unicorn Factory Lisboa.
- Mentorship: 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.
- 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, project management support etc.
- Community: Engage in a vibrant community through regular events, sessions, and gatherings designed to foster networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
- International: Top global opportunities, including international summits, partnerships, and networks, helping your startup expand and thrive beyond borders.
- 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.
A startup is a new or embryonic company focused on developing a promising and innovative business idea. These companies are typically tech-based, characterized by scalable business models and the potential for rapid growth.
The main distinction lies in their duration and focus. Accelerators are short-term, intensive programs designed to help startups achieve specific goals such as fundraising or scaling (e.g. the Scaling Up Program). Incubators provide longer-term support to early-stage startups, helping them build strong foundations.
At Unicorn Factory Lisboa, the Incubation Program supports startups between Pre-Seed and Series A through a flexible model where founders choose what and when to activate each service.
Yes, Startup Lisboa is now part of Unicorn Factory Lisboa, and continues as the Incubation Program within the organization.
We look for early-stage startups between Pre-Seed and Series A with:
- An innovative product or service with clear market potential
- A scalable and globally oriented business model
- A validated or tested concept with a feasible plan for execution
- A committed and capable founding team
- Strong growth potential and ambition to scale
No, it does not invest directly or take equity. We facilitate connections with potential investors.
Applicants must submit an online form, which is available year-round.
About the Application Process
Applications are reviewed every 90 days, followed by a pitch to a jury to assess the project's viability and potential. Reviews typically take place around December, March, June, and September.
Applicants typically receive a response within three months, depending on the volume of applications. The decision is communicated by email.
The applications are evaluated by a jury of the Unicorn Factory Lisboa incubation team, mentors, investors, and partners.
Yes. We accept projects at various stages of development, from Pre-Seed to Series A. Founders can apply even before officially setting up their company, as long as they already have a validated startup project or early traction.
Yes, although you may only have a business idea when applying, it is considered if part of the product has already been developed or a market test has been carried out.
Projects that do not align with the startup model of scalability and innovation may not be accepted.
The startup model of scalability and innovation refers to developing a business that can grow rapidly and efficiently, often using technology to create innovative solutions that can be easily expanded to meet increasing demand.
Yes, Unicorn Factory Lisboa accepts applications from individuals of all nationalities.
Yes. Our services have a fixed price. Since we are a non-profit association, our fees are below market rates and intended to cover basic operational costs.
- Incubation Fee: €90/month (VAT not included), minimum period of 12 months
- Incubation + Coworking Fee: €90/month + €100/month per seat (VAT not included)
- Incubation + Private Office Fee: €90/month + starting at €260/month (VAT not included)
Yes. Applications are assessed based on the startup’s quality and potential, not on the need for physical space. Founders can join the program fully remotely if they prefer.
Yes, applicants can reapply multiple times.
The maximum incubation period is five years, with up to three years of physical incubation available.
- When the maximum incubation period of 5 years ends
- Breach of any clause in the service contract
- Failure to pay the incubator or any mandatory provision to the State
- Significant change to the initial objectives (that originated the application to the incubator)
- Insolvency of the incubated company
- Temporary cessation of the company’s activity
- Duly justified request from the company
- The incubator can no longer meet the growing space requirements
Regarding the StartUP Visa process, you must contact the entity responsible for it IAPMEI (an institute that promotes business growth and internationalization) or check our soft landing program for further details.
Yes. While we don’t handle the legal registration process directly, we support founders by connecting them with trusted partners and experts who can help with company setup, accounting, and legal guidance. We’re here to make the process smoother so founders can focus on building their startup.
Startups that advance beyond the early stage can consider programs like our Scaling Up Program.
Scaling Up Program
The Scaling Up Program is the first Portuguese acceleration program designed specifically for growth-stage startups. It is shaped by international best practices and supported by strategic partnerships.
- Scaleups must be post-seed startups
- With a strong team,
- Product-market fit,
- Revenue generation,
- A clear growth trajectory
- International expansion goal.
The program includes immersive upskilling structured into 12 modules:
Leadership, fundraising, international strategy, due diligence, growth, Product development, Marketing & Communication, responsible business, Mental Health, Customer Experience, Finance Debt and the S Curve.
- Tailor-made Mentorship Board: Scaleups receive ongoing guidance from a dedicated advisory board comprising over 140 C-level mentors from diverse industries and backgrounds.
- Corporate Piloting: Participants benefit from introductions to exclusive events with key stakeholders, allowing them to pilot their products with significant corporations and gain valuable industry insights.
- International Growth Support: The program facilitates access to key international summits, such as Slush in Helsinki Collision in Toronto and Web Summit in Lisbon. This global exposure helps scale-ups expand their networks and gain insights into international markets.
The program boasts over 140 C-level mentors from unicorns, scaleups, universities, and corporates and maintains partnerships with over 170 corporate and investment partners.
The program is operated by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, which acts as an ecosystem builder.
No, Unicorn Factory Lisboa does not take equity or invest directly in startups.
The applications are evaluated by a jury of the Unicorn Factory Lisboa leadership team, mentors, investors, experienced entrepreneurs, and alumni.
A new cohort is admitted every four months.
Up to 8 scaleups are admitted in each cohort.
The program lasts for eight months.
Yes, Unicorn Factory Lisboa accepts applications from individuals of all nationalities.
1st: Screening, after which applicants receive feedback within two weeks after the closure day of application submission.
2nd: Interviews were conducted by a jury, with subsequent feedback provided three weeks after the interviews.
3rd: Selection and Scaleup program on board.
Selected scaleups must pay a fee of €4,500 for the 8-month program.
Soft Landing Program
Soft Landing is a tailored program providing tools, information, and resources to simplify moving or expanding operations to Lisbon.
The program is operated by Unicorn Factory Lisboa in collaboration with key partners.
Applications are accepted continuously.
Open to tech startups, scaleups, foreign entrepreneurs, or investors who aim to establish operations or create a team in Lisbon.
The program is divided into 3 independent modules:
Specialized Support, Immersive Bootcamps and Tailor-made support.
No, they are independent. You can choose the one that better suits your needs.
Specialised support: support in key areas such as law, accounting, grant writing, and human resources, as well as access to temporary office spaces and housing.
Immersive Bootcamps: during three days, we’ll go through in detail about setting up life and business in Lisbon. See more information here. LINK
Initial screening, feedback, and a meeting call with the Soft Landing Team to better access your needs
Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Beato Innovation District
No, it has been renamed Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Beato Innovation District.
Yes, it is the first innovation district created in Lisbon by Unicorn Factory Lisboa.
Currently, there are no coworking spaces available.
Contact beato@unicornfactorylisboa.com with your requirements.
Yes, contact beato@unicornfactorylisboa.com form more information.
Yes, all dining spaces and standard outdoor areas are open to the general public.
Open every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
No, it is a car-free zone. Public transportation is encouraged.
Several Carris buses stop near the district, including routes 34B, 210, 718, 728, 781, and 782.
Four entrances: Av. Infante D. Henrique (two), Travessa do Grilo, and Rua da Manutenção.