Dengun Founders Program
Dengun Founders Program
Find your Co-founders.
Fund, Launch and Accelerate your Tech Startup
✨
✨
✨
✨
Who Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
Build and grow your startup with the right co-founders, investment, and expertise!
Applications close October 22—don’t miss the chance to join our FREE 6-week accelerator program and tap into 300K+ funding.
Ready to take your startup global?
Build and grow your startup with the right co-founders, investment, and expertise!
Applications close October 18—don’t miss the chance to join our FREE 6-week accelerator program and tap into 300K funding.
Ready to take your startup global?
We’re looking for ambitious founders at all stages of the journey. Whether you’ve just dreamt up
your startup or you’re fighting through the early stages, we’ve got your back.
Founding Team Skills
Validation Level
Market Size
Founding Team Skills
Validation Level
Market Size
Founding Team Skills
Validation Level
Market Size
Startup Stages
From ideation to pre-seed and early stage
From ideation to pre-seed and early stage
Founding Team Skills
Validation Level
Market Size
Startup Stages
From ideation to pre-seed and early stage
All Nationalities Welcome
Yes, even martians are welcome :)
Yes, even martians are welcome :)
All Nationalities Welcome
Yes, even martians are welcome :)
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Global Citizens from anywhere
The program will be conducted in English, we welcome founders from all nationalities, know that the winners will pitch in Portugal in person.
The program will be conducted in English, we welcome founders from all nationalities, know that the winners will pitch in Portugal in person.
Framer
New PT contact form entry
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
Inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Ambitious Founders
That want to build global products
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
You will need to inspire your team
Global Citizens from anywhere
The program will be conducted in English, we welcome founders from all nationalities, know that the winners will pitch in Portugal in person.
Framer
New PT contact form entry
Customer-Obsessed
Find your customers problems
Leaders
Inspire your team
AI
AI assistant
Sure, here's a summary:
Quokka BV experienced a 15%
increase in revenue to €120 million
from the previous year's…
Elon Musk
Why didn't my first startup make it?
AI
AI assistant
Sure, here's a summary:
Quokka BV experienced a 15%
increase in revenue to €120 million
from the previous year's…
Elon Musk
Why didn't my first startup make it?
AI
AI assistant
Sure, here's a summary:
Quokka BV experienced a 15%
increase in revenue to €120 million
from the previous year's…
Elon Musk
Why didn't my first startup make it?
AI
AI assistant
Sure, here's a summary:
Quokka BV experienced a 15%
increase in revenue to €120 million
from the previous year's…
Elon Musk
Why didn't my first startup make it?
1st and 2nd+ time Founders
1st and 2nd+ time Founders
Starting, been there, done that, and ready to do it again?
Let’s build something epic together.
Starting, been there, done that, and ready to do it again?
Let’s build something epic together.
AI
AI assistant
Sure, here's a summary:
Quokka BV experienced a 15%
increase in revenue to €120 million
from the previous year's…
Elon Musk
Why didn't my first startup make it?
1st and 2nd+ time Founders
Starting, been there, done that, and ready to do it again?
Let’s build something epic together.
Why Join Us ?
Why Join Us ?
FREE 6-Week Validation and Acceleration Program
Join a select group of visionaries with access to world-class mentors and industry leaders who've led over 30+ successful exits. With personalized 1-on-1 mentorship, you’ll gain the knowledge, network, and support needed to supercharge your startup's journey.
Join a select group of visionaries with access to world-class mentors and industry leaders who've led over 30+ successful exits. With personalized 1-on-1 mentorship, you’ll gain the knowledge, network, and support needed to supercharge your startup's journey.
30+ Exits
From our Mentors and Strategic Partners
From our Mentors and partners
Proven methods for fast validation and growth
15 world-class mentors with 30 successful exits
1-on-1 mentorship from industry leaders
30+ Exits
From our Mentors and Strategic Partners
Proven methods for fast validation and growth
15 world-class mentors with 30 successful exits
1-on-1 mentorship from industry leaders
300k Investment
300k Investment
Target Post-Program Raise for Winners
Access to early-stage investors with over 100 investments and 5 co-investment funds
300K $ targeted post-program raise
300K € targeted post-program raise
Entry into the EU market with the potential for an EU visa
300k Investment
Target Post-Program Raise for Winners
Access to early-stage investors with over 100 investments and 5 co-investment funds
300K $ targeted post-program raise
Entry into the EU market with the potential for an EU visa
20+ Builders
Product experts, Devs and Marketeers
A product team to build your MVP or solve growth challenges
Hands-on workshops for ideation, validation, and scaling
3 months of free office space in Portugal
20+ Builders
Product experts, Devs and Marketeers
A product team to build your MVP or solve growth challenges
Hands-on workshops for ideation, validation, and scaling
3 months of free office space in Portugal
Program Focus Areas
Program Focus Areas
Program Focus Areas
Traveltech
Traveltech
Traveltech
Agetech
Agetech
Agetech
Agritech
Agritech
Agritech
Agritech
Also accepting sector-agnostic tech startups in:
Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, SAAS, E-Commerce
AI, Blockchain, SAAS,
E-Commerce
Meet our All Star Network
Meet our All Star Network
Our program isn’t just about you—it’s about the company you’ll keep. We collaborate with a dream team of mentors, investors, and startup operators who have launched and exited ventures around the globe. These experts will elevate your game and give your startup the credibility it needs to succeed.
Our program isn’t just about you—it’s about the company you’ll keep. We collaborate with a dream team of mentors, investors, and startup operators who have launched and exited ventures around the globe. These experts will elevate your game and give your startup the credibility it needs to succeed.
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Program Info
Program Info
Launch. Scale. Break. Through
At Dengun Startup Studio, for 20 years, we’ve been perfecting the art of building world-class teams, cracking startup methodologies, and creating unstoppable momentum for founders.
We're not just offering advice—we’ve been in the trenches ourselves. Now it’s your turn.
Ready to take your startup from concept to crushing it in just six weeks?
Oct 22th, 2024
Application Close
Online
Oct 28th, 2024
1st Stage Start
Online
Nov 18th, 2024
2nd Stage Start
Online
Jan 15th, 2025
Final Boss - Demo Day
In Person Portugal
Program will be conducted Online and the finalists will pitch in Portugal
Program will be conducted Online and the finalists will pitch in Portugal
Online Program - 1st & 2nd Stages
The program begins online, allowing us to welcome top entrepreneurs from across the galaxy. Get ready to unlock your startup's potential and gain maximum validation with support from world-class entrepreneurs, mentors, and builders.
Online Program - 1st & 2nd Stages
The program begins online, allowing us to welcome top entrepreneurs from across the galaxy. Get ready to unlock your startup's potential and gain maximum validation with support from world-class entrepreneurs, mentors, and builders.
Online Program - 1st & 2nd Stages
The program begins online, allowing us to welcome top entrepreneurs from across the galaxy. Get ready to unlock your startup's potential and gain maximum validation with support from world-class entrepreneurs, mentors, and builders.
Portugal, Algarve - Winners in Person
Apply to our startup program for a chance to pitch in person in the stunning Algarve, Portugal. Winners will meet our team, mentors, and investors, gaining valuable connections to boost their venture.
Portugal, Algarve - Winners in Person
Apply to our startup program for a chance to pitch in person in the stunning Algarve, Portugal. Winners will meet our team, mentors, and investors, gaining valuable connections to boost their venture.
Portugal, Algarve - Winners in Person
Apply to our startup program for a chance to pitch in person in the stunning Algarve, Portugal. Winners will meet our team, mentors, and investors, gaining valuable connections to boost their venture.
Oct 18th, 2024
Application Close
Online
Oct 28th, 2024
1st Stage Start
Online
Nov 18th, 2024
2nd Stage Start
Online
Jan 15th, 2025
Final Boss - Demo Day
In person Portugal
What We Look For in a Founder
What We Look For in a Founder
01. Customer-
Obsessed
Your product meets a burning need, and you know exactly who it’s for.
01. Customer-
Obsessed
Your product meets a burning need, and you know exactly who it’s for.
02. Visionaries
You set the mission and inspire others to follow.
02. Visionaries
You set the mission and inspire others to follow.
03. Leaders
You attract the right investors, customers, and talent like a startup superhero.
03. Leaders
You attract the right investors, customers, and talent like a startup superhero.
04. Strategic
Thinkers
You can see the bigger picture and know exactly how to position your company in the market
04. Strategic
Thinkers
You can see the bigger picture and know exactly how to position your company in the market
Program Structure
Program Structure
Intro - open until 22th Oct
Open Applications
Stage 1 - 28th Oct
Level Up the Pitch
Stage 2 - 18th Nov
Quest for Validation
Stage 3 - 15th Jan 2025
Final Boss: Pitch Challenge
Winners - 26h Jan 2025
Startup Investment Round
Intro - open until 22th Oct
Open Applications
Stage 1 - 28th Oct
Level Up the Pitch
Stage 2 - 18th Nov
Quest for Validation
Stage 3 - 15th Jan 2025
Final Boss: Pitch Challenge
Winners - 26h Jan 2025
Startup Investment Round
Intro - open until 22th Oct
Open Applications
Stage 1 - 28th Oct
Level Up the Pitch
Stage 2 - 18th Nov
Quest for Validation
Stage 3 - 15th Jan 2025
Final Boss: Pitch Challenge
Winners - 26h Jan 2025
Startup Investment Round
Intro - open until 22th Oct
Open Applications
Stage 1 - 28th Oct
Level Up the Pitch
Stage 2 - 18th Nov
Quest for Validation
Stage 3 - 15th Jan 2025
Final Boss: Pitch Challenge
Winners - 26h Jan 2025
Startup Investment Round
Intro - open until 22th Oct
Open Applications
Stage 1 - 28th Oct
Level Up the Pitch
Stage 2 - 18th Nov
Quest for Validation
Stage 3 - 15th Jan 2025
Final Boss: Pitch Challenge
Winners - 26h Jan 2025
Startup Investment
Round
Studio Builders
Studio Builders
Miguel Fernandes
Jack of All trades
Miguel Fernandes
Jack of All trades
Miguel Fernandes
Jack of All trades
Miguel Fernandes
Jack of All trades
Miguel Fernandes
Jack of All trades
Tomás Caeiro
Startup Programs Builder
Tomás Caeiro
Startup Programs Builder
Tomás Caeiro
Startup Programs Builder
Tomás Caeiro
Startup Programs Builder
Tomás Caeiro
Startup Programs Builder
Bruno Lima
Sales Strategist Builder
Bruno Lima
Sales Strategist Builder
Bruno Lima
Sales Strategist Builder
Bruno Lima
Sales Strategist Builder
Bruno Lima
Sales Strategist Builder
Jorge Cabaço
Growth Guru
Jorge Cabaço
Growth Guru
Jorge Cabaço
Growth Guru
Jorge Cabaço
Growth Guru
Jorge Cabaço
Growth Guru
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Teresa Lemos
Product Manager Builder
Teresa Lemos
Product Manager Builder
Teresa Lemos
Product Manager Builder
Teresa Lemos
Product Manager Builder
Teresa Lemos
Product Manager Builder
Fábio Pereira
Design - UX/UI Builder
Fábio Pereira
Design - UX/UI Builder
Fábio Pereira
Design - UX/UI Builder
Fábio Pereira
Design - UX/UI Builder
Fábio Pereira
Design - UX/UI Builder
Joaquim Costa
Product Builder
Joaquim Costa
Product Builder
Joaquim Costa
Product Builder
Joaquim Costa
Product Builder
Joaquim Costa
Product Builder
POC team
Growth Hacking
POC team
Growth Hacking
POC team
Growth Hacking
POC team
Growth Hacking
POC team
Growth Hacking
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Bruno Ricardo
Design - UX/UI Builder
Our Testimonials
From Faro to Silicon Valley - It's possible :)
At Dengun, we take pride in being a prestigious player in the startup ecosystem.
Over the years, we've worked with some of the most innovative startups, helping them start, scale and achieve massive success.
From great companies and founders like CoolKicks(Testimonial below), 15Five, and Triller to emerging founders worldwide.
Our Testimonials
From Faro to Silicon Valley - It's possible :)
At Dengun, we take pride in being a prestigious player in the startup ecosystem.
Over the years, we've worked with some of the most innovative startups, helping them start, scale and achieve massive success.
From great companies and founders like CoolKicks(Testimonial below), 15Five, and Triller to emerging founders worldwide.
Drop the FOMO
Start Building Now
Drop the FOMO
Start Building Now
Why struggle alone when you can learn from the best? Our experts have built and scaled startups globally, with over 100 investments made and 300K+ raised per startup.
Let’s turn your idea into the next big success story
Why struggle alone when you can learn from the best? Our experts have built and scaled startups globally, with over 100 investments made and 300K raised per startup.
Let’s turn your idea into the next big success story
Meet our All Star Network
Our program isn’t just about you—it’s about the company you’ll keep. We collaborate with a dream team of mentors, investors, and startup operators who have launched and exited ventures around the globe. These experts will elevate your game and give your startup the credibility it needs to succeed.
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Sven Kulldorff
Serial investor and IKEA nº 12
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Izzet Sidki
Startup Innovation Allround entrepreneur
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Andreas Mueller
Entrepreneur and Marketing OG
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Sabeer Bhati
Serial Entrepreneur, Hotmail Cofounder
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Marco Peerebom
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
David Castro
Europe Startup Ecosystem Expert
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Vicent Usbeck
Serial Entrepreneur Blockchain
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Rui Falcão
Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Dengun Founders Program
Applications Now for Cohort 2025 !
Dengun Founders Program
Applications Now for Cohort 2025
Dengun Founders Program
Applications Now for Cohort 2025
2025 Cohort of the Dengun Founders Program are open.
If you’re an ambitious founder ready to scale your vision and unlock new opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us an email, and let’s explore how we can support your journey
2025 Cohort of the Dengun Founders Program are open.
If you’re an ambitious founder ready to scale your vision and unlock new opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us an email, and let’s explore how we can support your journey
foundersprogram@dengun.com
foundersprogram@dengun.com
foundersprogram@dengun.com
foundersprogram@dengun.com
About Us
Dengun Startup Studio: Empowering Tech Founders Since 2009
At Dengun Startup Studio, we accelerate early-stage tech startups by co-building disruptive digital products with visionary founders. Since 2009, we’ve been committed to fostering innovation by providing expert guidance in product development, business strategy, and growth.
Based in Portugal with a remote global team, we bring together top founders, senior builders, and investment capital to create fast-moving, tech-driven companies. Our tailored support includes access to mentors, a robust partner network, and funding opportunities.
We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed through workshops, resources, and peer learning opportunities, all designed to scale impactful startups.
About Us
About Us
Dengun Startup Studio: Empowering Tech Founders Since 2009
At Dengun Startup Studio, we accelerate early-stage tech startups by co-building disruptive digital products with visionary founders. Since 2009, we’ve been committed to fostering innovation by providing expert guidance in product development, business strategy, and growth.
Based in Portugal with a remote global team, we bring together top founders, senior builders, and investment capital to create fast-moving, tech-driven companies. Our tailored support includes access to mentors, a robust partner network, and funding opportunities.
We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed through workshops, resources, and peer learning opportunities, all designed to scale impactful startups.
FAQ
Who is the Dengun Founders Program for?
What is the application deadline?
How is the program structured?
Is there a fee to join the program?
What kind of support will participants receive?
Is this program only for tech startups?
What opportunities are available after the program?
Do I need to have a co-founder?
Where does the in-person part of the program take place?
What if I don’t have a fully developed product yet?
Who is the Dengun Founders Program for?
What is the application deadline?
How is the program structured?
Is there a fee to join the program?
What kind of support will participants receive?
Is this program only for tech startups?
What opportunities are available after the program?
Do I need to have a co-founder?
Where does the in-person part of the program take place?
What if I don’t have a fully developed product yet?
Dengun Founders Program
Applications Now for Cohort 2025 !
This is where your journey begins!:
2025 Cohort of the Dengun Founders Program are open.
If you’re an ambitious founder ready to scale your vision and unlock new opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us an email, and let’s explore how we can support your journey
foundersprogram@dengun.com
Founders Community
FAQ
Who is the Dengun Founders Program for?
What is the application deadline?
How is the program structured?
Is there a fee to join the program?
What kind of support will participants receive?
Is this program only for tech startups?
What opportunities are available after the program?
Do I need to have a co-founder?
Where does the in-person part of the program take place?
What if I don’t have a fully developed product yet?
Who is the Dengun Founders Program for?
What is the application deadline?
How is the program structured?
Is there a fee to join the program?
What kind of support will participants receive?
Is this program only for tech startups?
What opportunities are available after the program?
Do I need to have a co-founder?
Where does the in-person part of the program take place?
What if I don’t have a fully developed product yet?