The CoNest | International Founders & Families in Portugal

The CoNest is a community for international startup founders and their families who are building both a company and a life in Portugal.

Starting a business is only half the story.

After the visa, the move and the first welcome come all the things that shape whether a founder actually stays and thrives: finding a home, navigating bureaucracy, healthcare and schools, learning the language, building a local network, finding customers and investors, understanding the business culture — and making sure the whole family can build a life here too.

The CoNest is a place to connect with other founders and families who understand that journey.

We meet to share what actually works, exchange useful contacts and experiences, build real local connections, and make the “after arrival” part of building in Portugal a little less fragmented — and a lot more human.

Born in Viseu, now Lisbon-based and open to founders and families across Portugal.

If you're building a startup in Portugal, recently arrived, have been here for years, or are raising a family while building a company here — you're welcome.