Behind the headlines about new startups and global tech events lies a solid economic story — one driven by investment, research, and measurable progress.

The latest data from the Portuguese Development Bank (Banco Português de Fomento) highlights how far the country has come. Through a new €15 million fund dedicated to Deep Tech, Portugal is investing directly in the technologies that will shape the future — artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Only up to twenty startups will receive funding, but each could secure up to €750,000 in financing, matched by private co-investment. This ensures that every public euro attracts private capital and market validation, a formula designed to multiply impact rather than spend blindly.

At the same time, a national study by ISCTE and the Portuguese Venture Capital Association (APCRI) reveals how venture capital is transforming the economy from within. Companies supported by these funds generate 12 times more revenue and create 15 times more jobs than the national average. Almost half of their total income comes from exports, showing that Portuguese innovation is no longer confined within borders. It is global, ambitious, and competitive.

The same study found that venture-backed firms now account for €21.7 billion in annual turnover and employ 177,000 people. Each pays an average of €2.2 million in corporate tax per year, contributing directly to the nation’s growth. Their profitability also tells a powerful story: the average EBITDA of venture-backed companies is €1.5 million, compared to just €200,000 among other firms. For those supported by private equity, the figure rises to €5 million, an extraordinary 25 times higher than the national average.

These numbers paint a clear picture of a country in transition. Portugal is evolving from an economy once dependent on traditional sectors to one defined by knowledge, science, and technology. The combination of public funding, private investment, and international confidence is creating a virtuous cycle — one that fuels entrepreneurship, creates high-quality jobs, and builds companies that can compete globally.

Institutions such as ANI, Portugal Ventures, and Startup Portugal are working hand in hand with the government and European programs like the IFIC Deep Tech fund to accelerate this growth. The alignment between public vision and private initiative is something many countries aspire to, but Portugal is making it real.

With major global gatherings such as the Web Summit and Atlantic Convergence taking place in Lisbon, the world’s eyes are increasingly turning to Portugal. The country’s mix of talent, stability, renewable energy, and entrepreneurial energy is positioning it as a key player in Europe’s digital and economic future.

The message is unmistakable. Portugal is no longer standing at the edge of Europe’s innovation map. It is at its center — investing, creating, exporting, and inspiring. The transformation is measurable, the optimism is real, and the momentum is only just beginning.

Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of AI.