Portugal's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 10th 2024

Portugal's most promising startups to watch in 2025.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Portugal's startup scene in 2025 is thriving with over 4,719 startups, a 16% growth from 2024, generating €2.6 billion. Key sectors include fintech, tourism, renewable energy, and agri-tech. Companies like AlmaScience and Rauva, among the top 10, are pioneering green electronics and fintech solutions. The ecosystem, backed by government support, employs 25,000 people with €2,000 average wages, promising continuous growth. High-profile events like Web Summit fuel international interest, cementing Portugal as a burgeoning tech hub.

Portugal's startup scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! According to recent data, the ecosystem has expanded to 4,719 startups, showing a massive 16% growth from last year.

These companies are generating a combined revenue of €2.6 billion, making waves across Europe's tech landscape. The startup workforce has grown to 25,000 employees, with average monthly wages hitting €2,000 - that's a 17% jump! What makes this even cooler is that Lisbon ranks 6th among European startup cities, with powerhouse sectors in fintech, tourism, renewable energy, and agri-tech leading the charge.

The ecosystem's strength comes from its mix of government support, entrepreneurial talent, and a vibrant tech community. Plus, with events like Web Summit locked in until 2028, Portugal's startup scene is set to keep growing.

Major players like OutSystems, Talkdesk, and Farfetch have already shown what's possible, paving the way for the next generation of tech innovators.

Table of Contents

  • Methodology: How We Chose the Top 10
  • AlmaScience: Pioneering Green Electronics
  • Rauva: Revolutionizing Fintech Solutions
  • Neuraspace: Managing the Space Traffic of Tomorrow
  • Bhout: Leading the Fit-Tech Movement
  • MyCareforce: Transforming Healthcare Connectivity
  • Oscar: The Service Marketplace Leader
  • Glooma: Innovating in Health Diagnostics
  • Sheerme: The Go-To Health & Beauty Platform
  • Sqill: Enhancing Social Media Content Creation
  • Ubbu: Cultivating the Next Generation of Coders
  • Conclusion: The Future of Portuguese Startups
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Check out next:

Methodology: How We Chose the Top 10

(Up)

Creating this list of Portugal's most promising startups meant diving deep into what makes tech companies tick in 2025. We started by checking out companies that met Portugal's official startup criteria, which includes being less than 10 years old and having fewer than 250 employees.

Our research focused on companies crushing it in AI, medtech, fintech, and environmental tech. The selection process went beyond just looking at numbers - we wanted to find startups that are actually changing the game.

Through Startup Portugal's database, we tracked companies that have raised serious funding (the top players collectively pulled in €37 million) and are making waves internationally.

Each startup had to prove they're not just another tech company, but one with real innovation and growth potential. A major factor in our ranking was how these companies performed at events like Web Summit, where Portugal's tech scene keeps turning heads.

We also looked at their participation in incubator programs and their ability to attract international talent.

The data showed us which startups are genuinely disrupting their industries versus those just riding the tech wave. What's super interesting is how many of these companies are solving real-world problems while building sustainable business models.

We tracked their growth rates, checked their tech stacks, and looked at how they're expanding globally. By focusing on companies that met these strict criteria, we've put together a list that shows just how much Portugal's startup scene is leveling up.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

AlmaScience: Pioneering Green Electronics

(Up)

AlmaScience is crushing it as the #1 tech company in Portugal right now, according to StartUs Insights' rankings.

What makes them stand out is their work in sustainable tech and green electronics - they're literally turning paper into smart technology! Their breakthrough product, PaperWeight AI, is a smart shelving solution that uses paper-based sensors powered by artificial intelligence.

AlmaScience's research lab isn't just about creating products; they're revolutionizing how we think about electronics by making them eco-friendly and recyclable.

With over 30 PhDs on their team, they're experts in everything from chemistry to paper tech, and they've got the backing to prove it - we're talking millions in EU funding for projects like "From Fossil to Forest" that aim to replace plastic with cellulose-based materials.

As the European Commission recently recognized, they're not just building tech; they're creating solutions for smart packaging, retail, and IoT that could change how we interact with electronics every day.

Their focus on sustainable innovation and green electronics isn't just good for the planet - it's proving to be great for business too. With major projects in development and real-world applications already hitting the market, AlmaScience is showing that the future of tech doesn't have to cost the Earth.

Rauva: Revolutionizing Fintech Solutions

(Up)

Rauva is totally changing the game for entrepreneurs in 2025! Founded in 2022, this Portuguese super-app for small businesses has exploded onto the scene, making it super easy for SMEs to handle their finances.

What started as a simple idea has turned into something huge - they just won the 2024 Mastercard For Fintechs competition and are absolutely crushing it. The company recently made waves with their €30 million acquisition of Banco Empresas Montepio, which is going to let them offer even more services to their growing user base.

Their platform combines everything from payments and debit cards to invoice tracking and expense management - literally everything a business needs in one place.

The coolest part? They've already helped over 4,000 clients since launching in April 2023, and they're not slowing down.

Led by CEO David Martin, who's got this incredible background in AI and fintech across 20+ countries, Rauva is targeting the massive market of 1.6 million SMEs and freelancers in Portugal alone.

They're making it ridiculously simple for anyone to start and run a business, which is exactly what today's entrepreneurs need. With nearly 30 employees and growing fast, they're proving that Portugal isn't just a tech hub - it's a launching pad for game-changers in the financial world.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Neuraspace: Managing the Space Traffic of Tomorrow

(Up)

Based in Portugal, Neuraspace is changing the game in space traffic management at a time when satellite congestion is becoming a serious concern.

Their AI-powered platform has caught the attention of major players, including the European Space Agency (ESA), which recently signed up to use their collision avoidance system.

What makes Neuraspace stand out is their ability to predict potential satellite collisions up to five days in advance, giving operators crucial extra time to make decisions.

Through their partnership with EISCAT, they've integrated radar and optical data to create an even more accurate tracking system.

The company's latest move includes launching a free version of their space traffic management solution to make the technology more accessible to smaller operators.

Their growth has been impressive since their 2020 launch, securing €27.5 million in funding to expand their global sensor network.

What's really interesting is how they're making space safety more democratic - instead of requiring huge teams to monitor satellites 24/7, their AI can evaluate high-risk encounters in minutes.

Working with ESA's Space Debris Office, they're now helping assess close approaches of satellites from the European Space Operations Centre daily.

The company is definitely one to watch as they continue to roll out innovative solutions for the growing challenge of keeping satellites safe in increasingly crowded orbits.

Bhout: Leading the Fit-Tech Movement

(Up)

About Bhout - they're seriously changing the game with their AI-powered boxing bag, which is literally the first of its kind with a brain.

What makes it super cool is how it measures everything about your punches - speed, power, and technique - in less than 250 milliseconds! The bag's design is pretty genius too, with layers that feel like hitting an actual opponent, plus it's made from sustainable materials including a water-filled core that helps prevent injuries while training.

Their success is no joke - Bhout just got named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2023, and they're absolutely crushing it with their expansion across the Iberian Peninsula.

They've got locations popping up everywhere from Madrid to Porto, and they're not just selling equipment - they're creating this whole community vibe where people can compete virtually and earn rewards through their app.

The coolest part? You can actually earn something called JAB$ while you work out!

What's really impressive is how they're riding this wave of cross-border cooperation between Portugal and Spain.

As these countries strengthen their partnership through various initiatives, Bhout is positioning itself perfectly in both markets.

They're not just another fitness company - they're leading this whole movement where tech meets fitness, and they've got the awards to prove it. From being named the Most Promising Fittech Startup in the World to becoming the #1 Early-stage Startup in Europe, they're clearly doing something right.

The future of fitness is here, and it's got Bhout written all over it!

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

MyCareforce: Transforming Healthcare Connectivity

(Up)

MyCareforce is transforming healthcare staffing through its innovative digital platform that connects nurses with hospitals and clinics across Portugal and Brazil.

The platform has grown rapidly since its 2021 launch, securing €2 million in investments and expanding its user base to over 15,000 nurses. What makes this startup stand out is how it tackles the real-world problem of complex scheduling in healthcare.

Through its intelligent shift management system, nurses can easily book shifts that fit their schedules, whether morning, evening, or night, while hospitals can quickly fill staffing gaps.

The platform's success is impressive - it's now partnered with more than 70 healthcare facilities and has expanded to Brazil under the Clicknurse brand. Technical upgrades have been crucial to handle the growing demand, with the platform now managing over 10,000 daily users.

What's really cool is how MyCareforce's recent tech overhaul improved everything from data structure to user experience, leading to a 30% increase in their Portuguese user base alone.

The platform now processes payments directly after shifts, making it super convenient for healthcare professionals. This kind of innovation is exactly what the healthcare sector needs right now - simple, efficient solutions that make life easier for both healthcare workers and facilities.

Oscar: The Service Marketplace Leader

(Up)

In 2025, Oscar Health is making waves in the healthcare scene with its expansion into 504 markets across 18 states, showing serious growth since its start in 2012.

The company's fresh approach to health insurance is changing the game - they're all about making healthcare actually make sense for regular people. Their tech-driven approach and focus on personalization have helped them build a massive community of 1.6 million members.

Their new Buena Salud program, connects Hispanic and Latino members with healthcare providers who understand their culture and language - a smart move considering this group makes up nearly a third of their members.

They're also crushing it financially, with revenue growth of 45.16% in the last year alone.

Oscar's not just another insurance company - they're revolutionizing how we think about healthcare access, making it more affordable and way easier to understand.

Their success shows that when you focus on what people actually need and make things simple, you can build something pretty amazing.

Glooma: Innovating in Health Diagnostics

(Up)

Glooma is making waves in healthcare tech with their SenseGlove device, a portable tool that's changing how we approach breast self-exams.

What's really cool about this device is that it's designed to be used at home, making regular health monitoring super accessible. The device pairs with a mobile app that guides users through a quick 3-minute exam process, helping people feel more confident about performing self-checks.

Advanced sensor technology in the glove measures variations in tissue texture, while the app keeps track of previous exams and sends helpful monthly reminders.

Right now, SenseGlove is in its final prototyping phase and is set to launch pilot programs in early 2025.

What makes this extra interesting is that it's not trying to replace regular medical check-ups - instead, it's meant to complement them. The company has put a lot of thought into privacy too - users need to be over 16 and agree to their privacy policy before using the device.

Recent testing and feedback from healthcare professionals shows that this kind of technology could seriously improve how people engage with their health monitoring routines.

Looking ahead, Glooma's planning to make the SenseGlove available through healthcare providers and directly to consumers.

They're building a strong community around their product, offering monthly reminders and support through their membership program. The company's focus on making medical technology more accessible while maintaining professional standards is seriously impressive, and it's exactly what the healthcare tech sector needs right now.

Sheerme: The Go-To Health & Beauty Platform

(Up)

Sheerme is revolutionizing the health and beauty game with a platform that's seriously changing how we book and pay for wellness services. Their innovative cashback system is pretty sweet - you get money back on every booking, plus there's a €10 welcome bonus just for signing up.

The platform has grown fast, connecting over 7,000 merchants with more than 250,000 users across Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. What makes Sheerme stand out is their all-in-one app solution that lets you book everything from massages and spa treatments to personal training sessions and therapy appointments.

They've secured $5.12M in funding, showing that investors are totally backing their vision. The coolest part? Their merchant app helps business owners manage bookings, handle payments, and grow their client base all in one place.

Features include:

  • 24/7 instant booking: Book services anytime through Google, Facebook, or Instagram
  • Digital wallet system: Earn and spend cashback, plus get special deals from partners
  • Smart notifications: Automatic reminders to reduce no-shows
  • Community reviews: Real feedback and photos from actual users

The platform's partnership with L'Oréal for their SAL(ON) project shows they're serious about working with major brands.

Their focus on creating a complete ecosystem where both businesses and customers win has made them a major player in the wellness tech space. With recent updates like in-app chat and an "Invite & Earn" feature, Sheerme keeps adding value for everyone involved.

Looking ahead, their rapid growth and smart integration of tech with wellness services makes them one to watch in the health and beauty sector.

Sqill: Enhancing Social Media Content Creation

(Up)

Sqill stands at the forefront of social media innovation with their AI-powered video editor that's completely changing the game for content creators in 2025.

The platform combines cutting-edge features like automated scene detection, voice-over synthesis, and real-time collaboration tools that make video production super accessible.

What makes Sqill stand out is their advanced AI capabilities, which include text-to-video conversion, smart editing suggestions, and multi-platform optimization.

The numbers speak for themselves - creators are seeing a 40% drop in editing time and their engagement rates are shooting up by 50%. Plus, the platform's ability to automatically resize content for different social platforms is a total game-changer.

Barbara Smith and Robert Jackson's story is seriously inspiring.

These University of Lisbon computer science grads turned their passion project into what's now one of the most transformative tools in video creation.

Their platform has become essential for creators of all skill levels, offering features like automated transitions, AI-powered noise removal, and smart caption generation.

The impact is huge - 70% of marketers now say they rely on tools like Sqill to keep up with content demands.

Looking at the core features of Sqill:

  • Automatic Scene Selection: Uses AI to identify and highlight the best moments
  • Dynamic Voice-Over Integration: Creates natural-sounding narration instantly
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Lets multiple creators work together seamlessly

With social media evolving constantly, Sqill is definitely leading the charge in making video creation more accessible and effective for everyone.

Ubbu: Cultivating the Next Generation of Coders

(Up)

Ubbu is absolutely crushing it in Portugal's tech scene, transforming how kids learn to code through their innovative game-based educational platform.

What makes it super cool is how they've tied each lesson to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, making coding not just about tech but about changing the world.

The platform has reached more than 600 schools and 100,000 users across 20+ countries, which is pretty incredible for a startup. What really sets them apart is their focus on digital literacy and STEAM integration, making sure students get solid problem-solving skills while learning to code.

The platform is seriously smart about keeping things inclusive - 50% of their users are girls, which is huge for tech education.

They've made everything super user-friendly, so teachers don't need any previous coding experience to get started. One of the coolest features is that two kids can work together on the same device, making it perfect for collaborative learning and team projects.

Students have already completed over 30 million activities on the platform, showing just how engaging their approach is. Looking ahead to 2026, Ubbu is planning to expand their reach even further, focusing on making coding education accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or resources.

It's exactly what we need right now - tech education that's both fun and meaningful.

Conclusion: The Future of Portuguese Startups

(Up)

Portugal's startup scene is absolutely crushing it right now! Looking at the latest stats from 2024, there are 4,719 startups, showing a massive 16% jump that's got everyone talking.

The tech sector is especially hot, with companies like Unilend and Feedzai leading the fintech revolution in payments and fraud detection.

What's super exciting is that the startup workforce has grown by 1,000 people, hitting 26,000 employees total, and it's still climbing! I'm particularly impressed by companies like Checkfirst, which is doing amazing things with AI for inspection automation.

The ecosystem looks really promising for anyone wanting to break into tech, with tons of educational resources and opportunities popping up everywhere. With Python becoming crucial for developers and AI technologies advancing rapidly, Portugal is seriously positioning itself as Europe's next big tech hub.

The government's support through startup-friendly policies and investment opportunities keeps attracting international talent and funding, making it clear that Portugal's tech scene isn't just growing - it's thriving in ways that even the most optimistic predictions didn't see coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Up)

What is the current state of Portugal's startup ecosystem in 2025?

Portugal's startup ecosystem has expanded to 4,719 startups, showing a 16% growth from last year and generating a combined revenue of €2.6 billion. The workforce has grown to 25,000 employees with average monthly wages reaching €2,000.

What sectors are driving growth in Portugal's startup scene?

The major sectors driving growth in Portugal's startup scene include fintech, tourism, renewable energy, and agri-tech.

How were the top 10 startups in Portugal selected?

The top 10 startups were selected based on criteria of being less than 10 years old with fewer than 250 employees, performance in sectors like AI, medtech, fintech, and environmental tech, funding success, international impact, and innovation.

What makes AlmaScience a standout startup in Portugal?

AlmaScience stands out due to its work in sustainable technology and green electronics, including its product PaperWeight AI, a smart shelving solution using paper-based sensors powered by AI. They focus on creating eco-friendly solutions with significant EU funding support.

How is Rauva revolutionizing fintech solutions?

Rauva is revolutionizing fintech solutions by simplifying financial management for SMEs with features like payments, debit cards, invoice tracking, and expense management. They've won accolades like the 2024 Mastercard For Fintechs competition and are rapidly expanding their user base.

You may be interested in the following topics as well:

N

Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.