Portugal news – A Portuguese woman ranks among the Top 20 Telco AI Champions. Carla Penedo, the Director of Offer Development & Innovation at Celfocus, ranks among the most influential leaders at the forefront of AI innovation in telecommunications.   Celfocus is a highly specialized technology company that helps clients in their innovation path to become AI-driven by providing professional services focused on creating business value through Analytics and Cognitive solutions.   Carla Penedo has dedicated nearly a decade to AI with significant contributions across various domains in telecommunications.  She led the first production network automation solution for a global telecommunications company, leveraging AI to optimize performance and efficiency in various network domains. Vodafone NOC CIAS is now recognized as a pioneering AIOps solution with a cloud network data hub for augmented intelligence and zero-touch operations.   Currently, Carla serves as an AI evangelist, presenting at numerous telecommunications conferences and advising global telecom companies how to benefit from AI within their operations.   The Top 20 Telco AI Champions are the visionaries who are driving the change, creating groundbreaking AI-powered solutions, and leading vital discussions on the future of the telecommunications industry.   The Telco AI Champions 2024 report showcases those making strides at the intersection of telecoms and AI, whether by developing new use cases or shaping the strategic direction for integrating AI in the sector. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and gain insights into the evolving role of AI in telecoms, these are the thought leaders you need to be following.     #portugalnews #newsportugal #ainewsportugal #telcoaichampions #VodafoneNOCCIAS #CarlaPenedo #Celfocus #totaltelecom #technewsportugal

Portugal news - Portuguese fashion brand Salsa Jeans expands to Belgium.   “Salut la Belgique!” “Hallo België!” exclaims Portuguese fashion brand Salsa Jeans to its new customers in the cities of Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt and Leuven.      The Portuguese jeans brand continues to grow internationally and is now opening its first 4 points of sale in the INNO department store. Promoting the world's finest jeans, the INNO department store chain displays the Salsa Jeans brand in a dedicated area that has been carefully designed to help customers find their perfect fit in an easy and personalized way. #portugalnews #newsportugal #investmentnewsportugal #fashionbrandsportugal #salsajeans

Actualités Portugal - La marque de mode portugaise Salsa Jeans s’étend à la Belgique.   "Salut la Belgique !" "Hallo België!" s’exclame la marque de mode portugaise Salsa Jeans à ses nouveaux clients dans les villes de Bruxelles, Gand, Hasselt et Louvain.     La marque portugaise de jeans continue sa croissance internationale et ouvre ses 4 premiers points de vente dans le grand magasin INNO.   En faisant la promotion des meilleurs jeans au monde, la chaîne de grands magasins INNO présente la marque Salsa Jeans dans un espace dédié qui a été soigneusement conçu pour aider les clients à trouver leur coupe parfaite d’une manière facile et personnalisée.   #actualitésportugal #nouvellesportugal #actualitésinvestissementsportugal #marquesdemodeportugal #salsajeans

This is the question answered by Jean de La Rochebrochard from Kima Ventures, the most active Business Angel in the world Portugal news - What represents a good deal for a Business Angel? This is the question answered by Jean de La Rochebrochard from Kima Ventures, the most active Business Angel in the world, in an interview with Décideurs Magazine by Olivia Vignaud.   For nearly ten years, Jean de La Rochebrochard has been running Kima Ventures, "the most active business angel in the world", owned by Xavier Niel and in which he also invests. With an average of two operations per week for tickets of around 150,000 euros, the managing partner sees many files come through, giving him a very precise vision of the market.     How did you become a business angel?   Jean de La Rochebrochard - Between 2008 and 2013, as an investment banker, I helped startups raise money. I was often frustrated in my interactions with investors, whom I didn't always find to be very good decision-makers or very friendly. I really enjoyed working on the Captain Train case, which was sold to Trainline for a valuation of around 200 million euros. At that time, I thought that I could do the same job as the investors I knew, but perhaps better. In 2015, I met Xavier Niel, who offered me the position of head of Kima Ventures. Since then, we have been doing around a hundred deals a year.     What makes a good deal?   There is no model for good deals, but several phases are common to all. First, sourcing. We receive files from our network, we hunt for deals, and we receive requests from entrepreneurs who contact us straight. These three methods that I have just listed are listed in order of importance. The deals that we look at the most are those that are brought to us by our network. Then, we look at the file. Our filters? The presentation of the entrepreneur. We check that his email is concise and complete, the way he expresses himself, if he has the codes, what he has achieved, etc. Only then comes the meeting part.   The entrepreneur has 15 minutes: 1 minute to make a good impression, 4 to demonstrate his credibility and 10 to convince. It's a bit like a date: you have to make a good impression and conclude.     What convinces you?   The key question is to ask yourself if the team is credible in its market. The signals that should alert you: verbose entrepreneurs, who don't listen, don't question themselves, do poor introspection regarding the mistakes they've made or believe they've thought of everything.   In interviews, I start with questions that I know the entrepreneur has the answer to, such as "how did you meet the co-founders?" I then move on to those that he or she doesn't necessarily have the answers to: "how are you going to stand out?", "what key growth stages do you think you'll reach?"... I expect founders to have a vision, an ability to learn and execute. We need entrepreneurs who know how to surround themselves externally and internally.   "A good business angel is someone who always enjoys talking to entrepreneurs"     You do one to two deals per week. Do you have time to meet with entrepreneurs and then help those you finance?   Yes. There is no such thing as an overloaded investor. Sometimes we can have time-consuming problems, but setting aside time for entrepreneurs is our job. We tell everyone: we are not proactive. On the other hand, we are systematically there when they call us. We have never failed in this task. For example, Marie Outtier did not ask us for anything in the three years following our investment in her SaaS company Aiden.ai. But when she wanted to sell, I was able to quickly put her in touch with the right person to get a good offer. There are always people who complain. But I believe that there are those who move forward and those who find excuses. That's how we sort things out.     What is a good business angel?   This is someone who always enjoys talking to entrepreneurs. Being an entrepreneur or investor is fashionable. Some people work in this sector for this reason. I am in it by vocation. I can't see myself doing anything else! When you are passionate, you transmit energy and even power. A good business angel is also someone who knows how to ask the right questions, does not judge, does not believe that there is only one way to do things. They must take a step back and know when to give their opinion while staying in their place. Finally, a good investor must make good deals, otherwise it is problematic!     You've written a book, you publish newsletters, you answer interviews, and you're present on social networks, all while being very direct. Is that a bit of a trademark?   I communicate a lot, and I like it. It's a way of introspecting on the things I've seen and learned. For some time now, I've been taking voice notes after my interviews with entrepreneurs. I transcribe them on Mistral, synthesize them and share them. As for my style, it's indeed direct. I say what I think, and I think what I say. I don't think that's a problem as long as we act with good intentions.     Entrepreneur or Investor: Who is Harder to Manage? Investors, because they often give themselves an importance or a place that they do not have. They have the checkbook, therefore the power, and sometimes abuse it. Some entrepreneurs who have sought power can also be like that, but at least they have earned it. What is the percentage of good deals that makes a VC profitable?   "With 20% of successful deals, we can make 3 to 4 times the initial investment on the entire portfolio"     Fundraisings are fewer and smaller than they were a few years ago. What does this change for you? Has profitability really become the alpha and omega to the detriment of dazzling growth?   We make more deals out of conviction than out of FOMO (editor's note: Fear Of Missing Something, i.e. being here out of fear of missing out on a good deal). Previously, we had to bet on every deal that came along. The context also makes entrepreneurs more responsible. When you have a lot of cash, you pay less attention to what you spend. It's true that some deals turn out to be less expensive. But very good files remain expensive. Furthermore, startups were growing regardless of the cost. Today, profitability is more important. In reality, what should take precedence is good business sense. You can invest money that doesn't bring in money right away, but you have to do it in a healthy way.     What kind of boss is Xavier Niel?   Xavier Niel is the kind of boss who trusts to the extreme. But you have to live up to this trust and not abuse it. He is also a nice person. Although he is tough in negotiations, he is consensual, he likes to spend quality time with people and does not appreciate conflict. He is competent, connected permanently and answers more than 1,000 emails per day. He expects his colleagues to be efficient on their subjects. He is also tolerant and demanding. He is generous but he controls his finances in business. Like all the great bosses of this world, he is paradoxical.     How many successful deals and how many failed deals make you profitable?   With 20% successful deals and 80% waste, we can make 3 to 4 times the initial investment on the entire portfolio.     Are the French better placed than before to catch up with the Americans in tech?   This question can be answered with either sarcasm or romanticism. The French are not consumerists or inveterate workers. They do what they like without hurting themselves. French employers may have the same energy and ambitions as Americans, but they have difficulty finding employees who want to give as much as they do. The French benefit from financial and social safety nets that Americans do not have. It is a problem that has no solution.   We are revolutionary romantics. We do not live to work. Ambitious French entrepreneurs must multiply their efforts to surround themselves with the right people. The problem is therefore not linked to the attractiveness of France, to taxation or to talent, it is just that we do not want to compete.   #portugalnews #investmentnews #businessangel #whatrepresentsagooddealforabusinessangel #JeandeLaRochebrochard #KimaVentures #themostactivebusinessangelintheworld #DécideursMagazine #howtoconvinceabusinessangel #whatisthepercentageofgooddealsthatmakesavcprofitable

What is Portugal’s economic outlook in the next few years? Portugal news - Fitch just upgraded Portugal’s rating to A- Positive.   Fitch upgraded Portugal’s long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from a BBB+ upgrade on 28 Oct 2022 to an A- “with a Positive Outlook” on 20 Sept 2024.   Fitch also upgraded Portugal’s country ceiling from an AA+ upgrade on 28 Oct 2022 to an AAA affirmed on 20 Sept 2024, showing how Portugal has managed to improve its economy within the last few years.    What is Portugal’s economic outlook in the next few years? Fitch just gave Portugal a Positive Outlook in September 2024 and is expecting a positive economic outlook in the next few years.  This is due to Portugal’s continued progress in reducing public debt, its record of and commitment to prudent fiscal policy, and its ongoing external deleveraging, which reduce Portugal's vulnerabilities.   Portugal’s economic outlook by the end of 2024 is expected to be a moderate economic growth and a modest budget surplus to reduce Portugal's government debt to 95.8% of GDP, from 99.1% at the end of 2023, according to Fitch.   Portugal’s economic outlook in 2026 is projected to be continued debt reduction to 88.1% in 2026, according to Fitch.   Portugal’s economic outlook in 2028 is projected to be a further debt reduction to 82.5% in 2028.   Fitch is expecting a positive economic outlook for Portugal in the next few years, that will be driven by high primary surpluses and sustained growth. Portugal's debt profile is supported by its substantial cash buffers and a high proportion of fixed-rate debt.   The Country Ceiling for Portugal is 'AAA', six notches above the LTFC IDR and at the upper limit of the rating scale and Fitch views the risk of exchange and capital controls as de minimis.     Here is the evolution of Portugal’s rating according to Fitch:     #portugalnews #newsportugal #economicnewsportugal #newsportugueseeconomy #countryratingsportugal #whatisportugalseconomicoutlookinthenextfewyears #whatistheevolutionofportugalsrating

Actualités du Portugal - Le 2ème plus grand magasin Zara au monde ouvre à Lisbonne.   Après avoir ouvert le plus grand magasin Zara à Madrid en 2022, mesurant 7700 mètres carrés, Lisbonne se classe désormais au 2e rang du podium de la marque de mode.   Le nouveau magasin Zara à Lisbonne a une superficie de 5,000 mètres carrés répartis sur quatre étages dans un quartier historique de Rossio ayant le sceau « Boutiques avec de l’Histoire » (« Lojas com Historia »).   Le nouveau magasin Zara à Lisbonne lance les dernières gammes de produits de la marque, dont la collection de lingerie, la ligne de cosmétiques Zara Beauty, la collection Origins, la collection d’équipements sportifs Athleticz, et la collection de chaussures et accessoires. Le nouveau magasin Zara de Lisbonne présente également ses collections de mode pour femme, homme et enfant ainsi que Zara Home sur quatre étages représentant la marque Inditex.   Une autre nouveauté du nouveau magasin Zara à Lisbonne est la pâtisserie « Zara by Castro » où les clients peuvent déguster un café et une tarte à la crème dans un cadre contemporain rempli d’Histoire et de mémoires. #actualitésportugal #nouvellesportugal #zaraportugal #leplusgrandmagasinzaraauportugal #zaralisbonne #marquesdemodeportugal

Par le PDG et fondateur de Hiire / Conseiller principal en matière de carrière - Gonçalo Sequeira Ces dernières années étaient un tourbillon pour les entreprises. La pandémie a forcé un passage rapide au travail à distance et les pratiques d’embauche ont été complètement remaniées. La réalité est la suivante : notre façon de travailler a fondamentalement changé.   Une marque employeur forte n’est plus un « bien-être » – c’est un élément essentiel pour attirer et retenir les meilleurs talents. Mais comment construire une marque employeur qui résonne avec la main-d’œuvre actuelle, où la flexibilité et le bien-être sont primordiaux ?     Voici quelques stratégies clés : Prioriser le bien-être des employés : la sécurité d’abord, la flexibilité toujours La pandémie a mis en évidence l’importance du bien-être des employés. Ne vous contentez pas de supposer que vous savez ce qui est le mieux pour votre équipe. Mener des sondages anonymes réguliers pour comprendre leurs préférences en matière de télétravail, de modèles de travail hybrides et leurs préoccupations en matière de sécurité.     Mon exemple : L’histoire de Mercedes-Benz.io   Chez Mercedes-Benz.io, nous avons mis l’accent sur la sécurité et la flexibilité. En écoutant nos employés, nous avons opté pour un modèle de bureau à domicile avec la possibilité d’utiliser le bureau au besoin. Cette décision a non seulement amélioré la satisfaction des employés, mais elle a aussi renforcé notre marque employeur. Nous partageons ouvertement cette approche avec les candidats potentiels, ce qui démontre que nous accordons la priorité aux personnes.     Des décisions fondées sur les données : mesurer et affiner   Les enquêtes internes sont excellentes, mais il faut aller bien au-delà. Utilisez les outils d’écoute des réseaux sociaux et les plateformes de revue des employeurs comme Glassdoor, Teamlyzer et Kununu (selon votre emplacement) pour suivre la réputation de votre marque employeur.     Ne pas fuir les commentaires négatifs !   Analysez les commentaires, prenez des mesures autant que possible et répondez aux préoccupations de façon professionnelle et empathique. Rappelez-vous que cela aura des répercussions sur les employés actuels et potentiels, car ils peuvent tous deux voir ces avis et y contribuer.     Adaptez et améliorez votre processus de recrutement :   Le recrutement à distance est la nouvelle norme. Il faut se concentrer sur l’établissement d’un climat de confiance et le relationnel avec les candidats. Cela signifie fournir une rétroaction en temps opportun, répondre aux questions en profondeur et brosser un tableau réaliste de l’emploi et de la culture d’entreprise.     L’honnêteté et la transparence sont essentielles, surtout dans les secteurs concurrentiels comme celui de la technologie.   Si vos concurrents offrent une meilleure expérience au candidat, vous perdrez les meilleurs talents.     Évaluations du rendement dans un monde à distance :   Le système traditionnel d’évaluation du rendement doit être remanié pour refléter les réalités d’un lieu de travail à distance. Les objectifs et les ICP (Indicateurs clés de performance) devraient être établis au début de la période d’examen, et non à la fin. Soyez souple et adaptez-les en fonction des circonstances.     Rappelez-vous que des employés heureux sont vos meilleurs ambassadeurs de marque.   Lorsque les intervieweurs se sentent valorisés et ont des attentes claires, ils seront plus enthousiastes à l’idée de promouvoir la société auprès des candidats potentiels.     Investir dans la défense des intérêts des employés :   Donnez à vos employés les moyens de défendre votre marque. Partagez leurs expériences positives sur des plateformes des réseaux sociaux comme LinkedIn. Fournissez du contenu de la marque qu’ils peuvent partager, ce qui leur permet de présenter authentiquement la culture et l’environnement de travail de l’entreprise.     L’Expérience de l’employé : ce qui compte le plus :   La création d’une marque employeur solide commence par vos employés actuels. Lorsque vous investissez dans leur bien-être, leur croissance et leur développement, ils deviennent vos champions de marque les plus puissants. Une expérience positive des employés se traduit par des commentaires positifs sur l’employeur, attirant ainsi de nouveaux talents qui partagent vos valeurs.     La création d’une bonne marque employeur est un processus continu :   Rappelez-vous que la marque employeur est un effort continu.   Il existe de nombreuses autres façons d’améliorer votre image de marque, mais votre MARQUE commence avec vos EMPLOYÉS et non avec vos CANDIDATS.   Regardez d’abord l’intérieur, améliorez-le, et vous pouvez ensuite regarder vos concurrents et vous concentrer sur les facteurs externes avec plus d’attention.   Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur l’image de marque employeur et comment l’améliorer dans votre entreprise, visitez notre site web ou contactez-moi !     Auteur : PDG et fondateur de Hiire / conseiller principal en matière de carrière - Gonçalo Sequeira   #actualitésportugal #actualitésressourceshumainesportugal #commentcréerunemarqueemployeurfortepourattireretretenirlesmeilleurstalents #stratégiespourretenirlesemployés #Hiire   #GonçaloSequeira

Portugal news - Portuguese tax firms were awarded at the EMEA Tax Awards 2024 by ITR.   Portuguese tax firms VdA (Viera de Almeida) and KPMG Portugal were both awarded at the International Tax Review event in London.   VdA was distinguished as ‘Tax Law Firm of the Year’ at the ITR EMEA Tax Awards that recognizes the firm’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the area of tax law, consolidating its leading position in Portugal.  The award highlights the contribution of VdA in the areas of tax, transfer pricing, tax dispute resolution and indirect taxes.   KPMG Portugal was awarded as “Tax Advisory Firm of the Year” in Portugal for the 2024 edition of the EMEA Tax Awards.  In addition to this award, KPMG Portugal had recently been classified as Tier 1 in several areas by the rankings published by ITR, including General Corporate Tax, Indirect Tax, Transactional Tax and Transfer Pricing.   Deloitte was named Tax Firm of the Year in 10 jurisdictions for eighth consecutive year at ITR 2024 EMEA Tax Awards.   #portugalnews #newsportugal #taxfirmsportugal #EMEATaxAwards2024 # VieradeAlmeida #KPMGPortugal # Deloitte #ITR #besttaxfirmsinportugal

Portugal news - Portuguese-American tech startup Opnova AI just raised 3.75 million dollars in a pre-seed round co-led by Portuguese fund Faber, ScaleX Ventures, Preface Ventures, Incubate Fund and DNX Ventures. The startup, that is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, has its Tech Hub in Portugal.   Opnova AI is the third startup founded by Portuguese CTO José Luís Pereira, which he created with co-founders Pedro Saleiro (former Feedzai), Tiago Melo, and Sinan Eren, the CEO.   The tech startup was created with the aim of helping companies reduce repetitive IT processes that lead to lost productivity hours.  The innovative solutions provided by Opnova AI include payroll software to add new employees and configure them, as well as software that opens hotel doors and configures entry cards.   The company’s main market is the US as the target customers of Opnova AI are companies with more than 5,000 employees, since organizations of that size can take greater advantage of the solutions proposed by the startup for reducing repetitive IT functions.   #portugalnews #newsportugal #investmentnewsportugal #newstechstartups #OpnovaAI #Faber #ScaleXVentures #PrefaceVentures #IncubateFund #DNXVentures

Portugal Business News interviewed Portuguese textile company Skypro, that ranks among Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies, and that registered a turnover of 8.7 million euros, representing a 1000% growth , from 2013 to 2023.     This is the Skypro tip for entrepreneurs who want to venture into the startup world in the textile industry in Portugal:   “ There is room for companies that can bring innovative solutions to the market, focusing on areas like eco-design, new clothing products based on more sustainable fibers or a higher percentage of recycled raw materials, and new circular business models ,”  according to Ricardo Silva, Sustainability Director, Skypro.     1) Please tell us about Portuguese textile company Skypro.   SKYPRO is much more than a textile company. We are a global leader brand in the uniform industry, renowned for its premium high-quality garments and travel footwear, as recognized by Forbes and its inclusion in the Financial Times' "FT 1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies."  Our prestigious clientele includes major players such as Emirates, NetJets, Norse Airways, Flair, Royal Air Maroc, Crown Airlines, TAP, Qatar Airways, and the Swedish Police, among others.   SKYPRO offers end-to-end uniform solutions worldwide, including design, sampling, development, production, uniform digital management (mySKYPRO), and sustainable services (ecodesign, sustainable materials, Reuse, Repair Recycling) to match UN Sustainability Goals and reduce the environmental footprint of uniforms.   Throughout its journey, SKYPRO has consistently demonstrated innovation and rapid expansion. In 2023, the company achieved remarkable milestones, including unprecedented revenue growth, a threefold increase in its workforce, the pioneering launching of Circular Uniform Services and contract agreements with industry giants like Emirates and NetJets.     2) Can you tell us more about sustainability reporting and what the EU guidelines mean for Skypro?   Sustainability reporting recently became mandatory for large companies in Europe. For SMEs, a Voluntary European Sustainability Reporting Standard is under discussion, and the European Commission forecasts its publication by the end of 2024. Nevertheless, under the SKYPRO Strategy for Sustainability and Circularity of Uniforms, we published the 2023 ESG Report ahead of schedule, becoming the first company in the textile market to do so, according to the new EU’s guidelines. This reflects our genuine commitment to being the most competent uniform company in innovation and sustainability.     3) What are your impressions of the textile industry in Portugal?   In Portugal, there are very important and well-known textile clusters that excel in innovation, development, and production. These clusters allow SKYPRO to access a network of experts, textile Universities, Technical Institutes, testing laboratories, experienced workers, textile designers, innovative technologies and a complete and dynamic textile value chain, enabling us to develop the best garments, with high-quality standards, with lowest environmental impact and including the latest technological innovations.     4) What are the challenges and opportunities facing the textile industry in Portugal?   The Portuguese textile industry faces significant challenges due to current global instability, geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and even climate change. However, these challenges can become opportunities through solutions that introduce circular business models and more efficient processes to reduce carbon footprint, energy, and water consumption. This is particularly relevant in the context of the European Commission's strategy for the reindustrialization of Europe, which promotes clean technologies. This scenario provides a differentiation factor compared to Asian competitors.     5) Is it easy to find investors for companies operating in the textile industry in Portugal? Did Skypro have investment rounds?   In Portugal, the number of major investors is limited, and especially for traditional sectors as the textile industry. Despite this, SKYPRO, due to its exceptional results, has already secured its first round of external investments in the past and is currently in the process of a second investment round, that will occur in the second half of 2024.     6) What is the turnover, growth, and number of employees of Skypro?   SKYPRO currently has 33 employees, most of whom are graduates and highly qualified in Information Technologies, Textile Engineering, Textile Design, Materials Engineering, Logistics, and other fields. In 2023, the company had a turnover of 8.7 million euros, representing a 1000% growth from 2013 to 2023. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic during this period.     7) Is Skypro currently hiring, and what positions are most in demand in the textile industry?   Yes, SKYPRO continues its expansion and growth strategy and is actively recruiting in various areas, including Operations and Logistics, Product Development, IT programmers and Developers and International Sales experts.     8) What are your partnerships within the textile industry in Portugal and overseas?   SKYPRO has well-established and consolidated partnerships both in Portugal and overseas, in areas such as textiles, footwear, accessories, luggage, and more. Each partner specializes in specific products, divided by production areas like tailoring, shirting, workwear, hats and caps, apparel accessories, shoes, belts, wallets, and bags. Also, there are strong partnerships with logistics partners to manage uniform stocks, forecasting, picking and packing and shipments. Additionally, we have strategic and pioneering partnerships in the textile sector to operate our circular services, including partners for uniform hygienization under our reuse service and automatic garment separation, spinning, and weaving companies under the recycling service.     9) What are your future plans for the internationalization of Skypro?   SKYPRO has its headquarters in Portugal and offices in Dubai and Atlanta to support its local clients in the Middle East and North America. The internationalization plans for SKYPRO are advancing through a network of local agents in countries such as Germany and France, and in the short term, Benelux and Scandinavia.     10) Do you have any advice for people who want to venture into the startup world in the textile industry in Portugal?   The textile industry is a traditional sector that requires extensive technical knowledge, a broad network of contacts within the value chain, and experienced technical resources. These are mandatory requirements for a startup to initiate activities in this sector. However, there is room for companies that can bring innovative solutions to the market, focusing on areas like eco-design, new clothing products based on more sustainable fibers or a higher percentage of recycled raw materials, and new circular business models. #portugalnews #newsportugal #textilesectorportugal #newstextileindustryportugal #skypro #uniformsmanufacturingcompanyportugal

Portugal Business News interviewed the founder of Portuguese Travel Tech startup Bounce that achieved remarkable growth with an astonishing 20x increase in the past two years.   This is the tip from Bounce for entrepreneurs who would like to create a tech startup in the travel industry in Portugal:   “ Take advantage of the numerous incubators, accelerators, and government programs designed to help startups succeed. Network actively within the community to build connections and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs ” , advises Cody Candee, the founder and CEO of Travel Tech startup Bounce.     1)  What is Bounce and what do you do?   Bounce provides flexible and convenient luggage storage solutions for travelers, tourists and eventgoers by partnering with local businesses to turn their spare space into secure luggage storage points.  Travelers now have an affordable way to securely store their luggage in convenient locations, enabling them to explore cities and enjoy events hands-free. Launched in 2019 in the US, we’ve since opened an office in Lisbon and expanded the Bounce network to over 2,000 cities worldwide, and now more than 11,000 stores are available through the Bounce platform. And luggage storage is just the start - our mission is to build a world where anywhere you are, you have access to everything you need - and the things you do have, never hold you back!     2) What are the opportunities for Travel Tech startups in Portugal?   For tech companies in general, there’s amazing engineering talent in Portugal, not to mention a growing startup scene. As a travel tech company in particular, Portugal is a great opportunity because the travel industry is booming here. This gives us the on-the-ground opportunity to interact with customers and really understand the needs of our market; it’s a great environment to develop travel solutions in.    Additionally, Portugal's strategic location in Europe, combined with government incentives, and a vibrant startup community, creates a unique environment for travel tech companies to thrive and scale their operations.     3) What are your impressions of the startup ecosystem in Portugal?   The startup ecosystem in Portugal is vibrant and continues to grow rapidly. With strong support from government initiatives like the Startup Visa program, incubators, and accelerators, there is a robust infrastructure in place to help startups succeed.  Cities like Lisbon and Porto have become hubs for innovation, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and tech talent from around the world. On top of that, the city is host to some major tech events - such as the popular tech conference Web Summit - and is spawning unicorns such as customer support startup Talkdesk, HR tech platform Remote and financial crime detection platform Feedzai, which demonstrates the city’s favorable environment for the growth of startups.     4) What are the challenges of scaling a startup in the travel sector in Portugal?   None of this is really specific to Portugal, but building partnerships locally within your industry and expanding market reach both require strategic planning and significant resources. However, the supportive startup community and favorable business environment in Portugal provide a strong foundation for overcoming these hurdles.     5) Is it easy to find investors for startups in Portugal?   As the startup ecosystem matures, finding investors in Portugal is increasingly becoming easier. There is a growing interest from both local and international investors in Portuguese startups, with VCs like Notion, Hoxton, Seedcamp and others, closely engaging with the Portuguese ecosystem alongside some national VCs like Portugal Ventures, Faber ventures etc.  Government incentives and funding programs also play a crucial role in attracting investment. However, startups must have a compelling value proposition, a clear business model, and a strong team to attract the right investors.     6) What is the growth of Bounce?   Bounce has experienced remarkable growth, achieving an astonishing 20x increase in the past two years. Bounce has experienced significant growth since its inception, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible luggage storage solutions. This rapid expansion highlights the strong demand for flexible, on-the-go storage solutions and additional travel services. Our turnover has significantly increased as we have expanded our services to over 2000 cities worldwide.  With our continuous focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Bounce is well-positioned for sustained growth in the coming years.     7) Is Bounce currently hiring and what are the positions that are the most in demand?   Yes, Bounce is actively hiring across Ops, Engineering and Design roles, as we continue to expand our operations. We currently have around 20 open positions, available either in Lisbon or remote, offering exciting opportunities for talent in the travel tech space.  We are particularly looking for enthusiastic and talented individuals to join us as software developers, data analysts and operations managers. Our open roles are always listed and up to date.     8) What are your partnerships within the Tourism industry in Portugal and overseas?   Bounce has established strong partnerships within the tourism industry both in Portugal and internationally. We collaborate with a wide range of local businesses, including hotels, cafes, and retail stores, to provide convenient luggage storage locations for travelers. Additionally, we work with travel companies and tourism boards such as Visit Lisboa, to enhance our service offerings and reach a broader audience.  These partnerships are crucial in ensuring that we can provide a seamless and accessible service to travelers worldwide.     9) What are your future plans for the internationalization of Bounce?   Our future plans for Bounce involve continued international expansion to make our innovative travel solutions available to more travelers worldwide. We aim to enter new markets, particularly in high-traffic tourist destinations, and establish strategic partnerships with local businesses and travel platforms. Additionally, we have plans to introduce new verticals in the future, to provide users with ever more seamless and flexible experiences. We plan to grow our global footprint and become the go-to solution for travelers everywhere.     10) Do you have advice to provide to people who would like to try the startup adventure in Portugal?   For those considering the startup adventure in Portugal, my advice is to leverage the supportive ecosystem available here. Take advantage of the numerous incubators, accelerators, and government programs designed to help startups succeed.   Network actively within the community to build connections and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.  Most importantly, stay resilient and adaptable, as the journey of a startup is filled with challenges and opportunities that require a proactive and determined mindset. Embrace innovation and remain customer-focused, as these elements are crucial for long-term success in the dynamic startup landscape. #portugalnews #newsportugal #investmentnewsportugal #startupnewsportugal #techstartupsportugal #traveltechstartups #travelindustryportugal #travelnewsportugal #luggagestoragecompany #Bounce

Portugal real estate investment news – What are the investment trends for commercial real estate in Portugal? The latest investment report on the Portuguese commercial real estate market published by CBRE shows the Key Performance Indicators for Q4, 2023 for the retail, hotel, and logistics subsectors.     What are the investment trends for commercial real estate in Portugal?   Investments in commercial real estate in Portugal are following an upward trend for its main subsectors and the last quarter of 2023 was the strongest, with a total investment volume of 1.6 billion euros, according to a report by CBRE.   However, despite having registered the largest investment volume in a quarter, Q4 2023 still showed a YoY decrease of -60% when compared to Q3. The slowdown of the investment activity in Portugal has not been driven by the operational performance of the assets, which is quite positive across all economic sectors, but it is mostly motivated by an overly cautious investor approach.      The investment trends in Portugal’s main commercial real estate subsectors for 2024 show that the total investment volume will increase a little above 15%, going from 1.6 billion euros in 2023 to 1.8 billion euros in 2024.     What are the highest-performing commercial real estate subsectors in Portugal? 1 – Portugal's hotel real estate sector is the top performer   While Portugal’s hotel and retail real estate sectors boosted the capital inflow for commercial real estate in 2023, the hotel property sector was the star of the year, accounting for 40% of the total investment to reach 605 million euros. The largest investment in the hotel real estate sector in 2023 was for a portfolio of six hotels.   The trends in Portugal’s hotel real estate sector in 2024 show an expected investment volume that is robust, especially considering the significant transaction pipeline of projects, according to a report by CBRE.         2 – Portugal’s retail real estate sector receives major investments Portugal’s retail real estate sector stood out in 2023 with a 35% share of the investment volume to reach 550 million euros. The second largest transaction of the year in Portugal was a portfolio of 150 supermarkets during the first half of the year. The solid performance and the relatively high yields of Portugal’s retail real estate sector has been attracting a growing number of investors towards the different retail subsectors including shopping centers, while the high street retail new openings are driven by the Food and Beverages sector, according to CBRE.   CBRE, that is based in the US, is the global leader in the field of commercial real estate services and investment. Shopping centers managed by CBRE in Spain and Portugal registered an increase in traffic of 8.6% in 2023, with a total of 300.3 million visitors, compared to 276 million from the previous year. Commercial real estate data across 50 assets managed by CBRE shows that Spain closed 2023 with a facility occupancy of 91.4%, while Portugal had a facility occupancy of 95.9%.     What is the Prime Yield for Portugal’s commercial real estate sector   Portugal’s Shopping Centers Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 6.50% Portugal’s Retail Parks Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 6.50% Portugal’s Supermarkets Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 6.25% Logistics in Lisbon Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 5.75% Hotels in Lisbon Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 5.50% Offices in Lisbon’s CBD Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 5.25% High Street Retail in Lisbon Prime Yield in Q4 2023 is 4.75% #portugalnews #newsportugal #realestateinvestmentnews #commercialrealestatesectorportugal #whataretheinvestmenttrendsforcommercialrealestateinportugal # whatarethebestperformingcommercialrealestatesectorsinportugal #whatistheprimeyieldforportugalscommercialrealestatesector