ASA Cohort 01Applications for the next ASA cohort are now open.Apply now

THE VIRTUAL ACCELERATOR FROM THE ALGARVE

Build from the Algarve.
Scale without borders.

ASA is a virtual accelerator for ambitious early-stage founders ready to turn strong ideas into validated, scalable companies. Access experienced mentors, practical expertise and an international network — wherever you are.

Apply to ASA Explore the program

Virtual-first · International founders · Algarve, Portugal

An international founding team working together in a light-filled coastal workspace

Connected to the people and organisations building the next generation of companies.

  • Ecosystem PartnerEcosystem
  • UniversityAcademia
  • Investor NetworkInvestors
  • Technology PartnerTechnology
  • Corporate PartnerCorporate
  • Regional InstitutionInstitutional

Placeholder partner logos — editable before launch.

THE PROGRAM

From potential to traction.

ASA is an intensive virtual acceleration programme built around execution. Founders work directly with experienced operators, mentors and specialists to validate their opportunity, strengthen their business model, accelerate go-to-market and prepare for sustainable growth.

See how the program works

  • 12

    weeks

    Intensive acceleration

  • 10

    startups

    Selected per cohort

  • 30+

    mentors

    Operators and specialists

  • 100%

    virtual

    Join from anywhere

  • 1

    Demo Day

    Present to the ecosystem

PROGRAMME JOURNEY

Four stages. One trajectory.

  1. 01

    Validate

    Challenge assumptions, sharpen the problem and understand the customer opportunity.

    • Customer discovery
    • Market validation
    • Value proposition
    • Business model
  2. 02

    Build

    Turn insight into a focused product, compelling offer and measurable roadmap.

    • Product strategy
    • MVP definition
    • Positioning
    • Metrics and experimentation
  3. 03

    Accelerate

    Create a repeatable route to customers and build the foundations for growth.

    • Go-to-market
    • Growth strategy
    • Sales
    • Marketing
    • Partnerships
  4. 04

    Scale

    Prepare the company, story and leadership team for investment and international expansion.

    • Financial planning
    • Fundraising readiness
    • Pitch development
    • Internationalisation
    • Demo Day preparation

MORE THAN MENTORING

The support founders need to move faster.

  • 01

    Dedicated mentoring

    Work with experienced founders, operators and specialists through structured one-to-one sessions.

  • 02

    Practical workshops

    Access focused sessions on product, market validation, sales, growth, finance, investment and leadership.

  • 03

    International network

    Build relationships with founders, investors, companies and ecosystem partners in Portugal and abroad.

  • 04

    Go-to-market support

    Clarify your positioning, identify priority markets and create an actionable customer acquisition strategy.

  • 05

    Investment readiness

    Strengthen your financial model, fundraising strategy, pitch deck and investor narrative.

  • 06

    A community beyond the cohort

    Join a trusted network of founders and mentors that continues after the programme ends.

WHY THE ALGARVE

A better place to build globally.

The Algarve combines quality of life with access to European markets, international talent, growing innovation communities and a highly connected business environment. ASA turns these regional advantages into a launchpad for companies with global ambition.

Born in the Algarve. Open to the world.

The programme is fully virtual. Relocation is never required.

Contemporary minimal architecture opening onto the Atlantic horizon in southern Portugal

  • International by nature

    A globally recognised region with strong international communities and connections.

  • European access

    Build from Portugal while accessing the European Union, international markets and funding opportunities.

  • Room to focus

    An environment that supports creativity, wellbeing, talent attraction and long-term thinking.

  • An emerging innovation ecosystem

    Increasing collaboration between founders, universities, businesses, investors and public institutions.

WHO IT'S FOR

Ambitious founders. Real problems. Global potential.

ASA is designed for founders who are ready to test, learn, execute and grow.

ASA is a strong fit if:

  • You have identified a meaningful problem.
  • You are building a scalable product or service.
  • You have an early prototype, MVP or initial market evidence.
  • You are open to feedback and rapid experimentation.
  • You can commit time and energy to the full programme.
  • Your ambition extends beyond a single local market.

ASA may not be the right fit if:

  • You are only looking for passive training.
  • You are not available to work consistently on the business.
  • You are unwilling to test or adapt your assumptions.
  • The business cannot grow beyond a purely local operation.
Check your eligibility

VIRTUAL-FIRST, HUMAN BY DESIGN

Join from anywhere. Build with people who care.

ASA is delivered virtually to remove geographic barriers while preserving the quality of human connection. Live sessions, founder circles, mentoring and individual support create an intensive experience without requiring founders to relocate.

The operating model

  • Weekly live workshops
  • One-to-one mentoring
  • Founder accountability groups
  • Specialist office hours
  • Progress reviews
  • Community platform
  • Optional Algarve meetups
  • Demo Day

Programme week

Live
  • MonLive workshop16:00 WEST
  • TueMentor 1:1Scheduled
  • WedFounder circle17:00 WEST
  • ThuSpecialist office hoursOpen slots
  • FriProgress review15:00 WEST
Sessions are recorded. Mentoring slots are booked directly with each mentor.

ASA FOUNDERS

Companies taking flight.

The first ASA cohort is being selected. Your company could be part of it.

Apply for the next cohort

DEMO DAY

Put your progress in front of the right people.

The programme concludes with ASA Demo Day, where selected founders present their companies to investors, partners and members of the innovation ecosystem.

  • Refined investor narrative
  • Curated ecosystem audience
  • New conversations and opportunities

HOW TO JOIN

Four steps to ASA.

  1. 01

    Apply

    Tell us about the founders, problem, product and ambition.

  2. 02

    Initial review

    The ASA team assesses programme fit and potential.

  3. 03

    Founder interview

    Selected teams meet ASA for a focused conversation.

  4. 04

    Cohort selection

    Successful founders receive their invitation and onboarding plan.

Cohort timeline

  • Applications openTo be announced
  • Application deadlineTo be announced
  • Founder interviewsTo be announced
  • Final selectionTo be announced
  • Programme beginsTo be announced
  • Demo DayTo be announced

FAQ

Questions founders ask.

Your next stage starts here.

Join a focused community of founders, mentors and partners helping ambitious companies move from potential to progress.

Apply to ASA

Applications take approximately 10 minutes.