SIM Conference 2025 is about to kick off in Porto

On 8 and 9 May 2025, the city of Porto will host the second edition of SIM Conference (Startups & Investment Matching) at the Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre. The event will bring together startups, investors, and leaders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem from all over the world, reinforcing Portugal's role as one of Europe's most vibrant technology and innovation hubs.

For this year's edition, the organisation expects significant growth compared to last year: +80% in the number of investors present; +25% in the number of startups; +90% in the number of speakers; and +50% in the number of incubators and accelerators.

SIM Conference 2025 will feature an extensive and diverse programme, with more than 30 sessions spread over two stages. The SIM Stage will host keynotes and debates on the major trends that are shaping the global ecosystem, while the Startup Stage will be dedicated to practical stories from founders, sharing experiences of scaleups, and masterclasses aimed at startups.

The programme also includes Workshops and Google Connecting Circles, closed and interactive sessions with a limited number of participants, designed to promote meaningful discussions on predefined topics that are especially relevant to startups, investors and agents in the ecosystem. These sessions, which last approximately 30 minutes, are moderated by experts and focus on industry challenges, investment trends, and growth strategies.

In addition to the main sessions, SIM Conference will also promote various matchmaking and networking initiatives. These include SIMset, informal networking meetings at sunset; Women Cocktail, a networking moment dedicated to diversity and female leadership in the entrepreneurial ecosystem; Sail and Match, a unique opportunity for startups and investors to meet on board a boat on the River Douro in an intimate and inspiring setting; SIMrun, a morning run between Porto and Gaia, and Startup Pitches, sessions dedicated to presenting startups in the areas of climate tech, fintech, and deeptech.