Yesterday, Above & Beyond Hangout #47 – Reverse PITCH! brought founders and investors together in Porto, Lisbon and online for a fresh and unconventional take on fundraising; one where investors stepped on stage and pitched directly to startups.
By reversing the usual dynamic, this edition created a more transparent and founder-centric conversation, giving startups direct access to how different investors think, operate, and add value beyond capital.
Setting the stage
The session opened with an Ecosystem Briefing by Marília Santos, followed by moderation from João Moreira Pires in Lisbon and Marília Santos in Porto, ensuring a connected and open dialogue across both cities.
From the outset, the tone was clear: honest conversations, clear expectations, and real insight into the investor mindset.
Investors on stage
Founders had the opportunity to hear directly from a diverse group of investors, each presenting their investment thesis, focus areas, and approach to supporting startups:
- Pedro Pratas e Sousa, Angel Investor, AngelsWay
- João Henriques, Partner, Iberis Capital
- Hugo Augusto, CEO, Semapa Next
- Rui Fonte, Venture Capital Senior Analyst, Lince Capital
- Vitor Magalhães, Partner, Laika Ventures
- Thomas Childs, Associate, Faber
Across both locations, investors shared how they evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and work with founders post-investment — offering practical insights rarely accessible in a single room.
Beyond capital: understanding investor value
Throughout the session, founders gained a clearer picture of:
- How different funds and angels build their theses
- What investors look for at various stages
- How value creation goes beyond funding, through networks, strategy, and long-term support
The Reverse PITCH format proved especially effective in breaking down barriers and encouraging more open, grounded conversations between startups and investors.
Looking Ahead
✨ More Hangouts
The Above & Beyond Hangout series continues with new events focused on challenges and opportunities for startups. Missed this edition? Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay updated on upcoming events.
📷 Photos by: Hugo Barreleiro e Ricardo Meireles
