Semapa partners up with the international network Techstars

Semapa announced this Monday, in Lisbon, that it will launch a startup speed-up programme with the duration of at least three years through its project Semapa Next, for startups with the international network Techstars, aiming at investing up to one million euros for ideas with a global ambition.

The idea is to support startups in the industrial and environmental sector, communications, trips, and logistics, as well as trips and leisure. These are the three main areas the program will focus on.

“We want to continue growing”, said the CEO of Semapa to ECO. “And for that reason, we will start betting and developing strategies focused on startups. One of our strategies for growth was to invest in venture capital“, João Castelo Branco added.

With an added weight of managing assets valued around €2bn, the group will now manage for three years, three million euros destined to the startup program. Their aim is that they find something that becomes a great investment for the group — on the long term — if not in ten years, then in 20.

“We are very sure that this partnership will promote Lisbon’s leadership positioning as a dynamic startup hub. It will also give startups the chance to have an inspiring experience, as they will have easy access to global talent“, the CEO continues.

Starting this Monday, the applications for the program are open. It will start in March 2019 and last three years, and the company plans to invest a million a year, estimating to choose ten startups a year. Semapa and Techstars are raising awareness about the opportunity through a roadshow they have organized and that will be on for the next few months recruiting startups.

"We are very sure that this partnership will promote Lisbon’s leadership positioning as a dynamic startup hub worldwide. It will also give startups the chance to have an inspiring experience, as they will have easy access to global talent.”

Techstars has already carried 1600 entrepreneurial projects to success since 2006. The key of their success is velocity, besides their global reach. The secret ingredient of their business is giving access and promoting networking between former entrepreneurs and mentors.

Their 3-month boot camp is comparable to two years of intense work. Semapa will as well associate to Singularity University, in a partnership between Cascais and Beta-i. Semapa also announced this morning, that the company has around €30m to invest in Semapa Next, focusing on financing seed and early-stage startup projects.