Everything else you might ask.
Eligibility and fit
Do we have to be based in Portugal?
No. The program is open to scaleups from anywhere in the world. What matters is that you meet the selection criteria and that at least one of our four markets (Portugal/Europe, the US, the UAE/MENA or Brazil) is part of your expansion plan.
Is this the same as the Scaling Up Program?
It shares the curriculum and the team, but the global edition adds three partner ecosystems, a second in-person bootcamp abroad and soft landing sessions in four markets. The domestic Scaling Up Program continues to run separately.
What stage is this designed for?
Post-seed companies with product-market fit, recurring revenue and a management team in place, typically preparing for or in the middle of a Series A or B, with international expansion as the next big move.
We already operate in one of the four markets. Is it still useful?
Yes. Several participants will already be present in one market and looking to add others. The soft landing sessions are built for both first entry and scaling an existing presence.
Time, travel and format
How much time does it take?
Two in-person bootcamps (Lisbon, about 1.5 days; Abu Dhabi, 5 days), four online workshops of 3 hours each, soft landings in each market (in person in Lisbon and Abu Dhabi, online for the US and Brazil), plus advisory and office-hour sessions you schedule yourself.
Who from our company should take part?
The program is built for the whole C-suite, not only the founder. Different modules suit different executives: bring the people who own leadership, sales, product and finance.
Is attendance at in-person stops mandatory?
Yes. The Lisbon and Abu Dhabi bootcamps, the in-person soft landings in those two cities and the Graduation event are the backbone of the cohort, and attendance is expected. Summits and immersive experiences are optional.
Are flights and accommodation covered?
No. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of each scaleup throughout the program. Partners cover the cost of hosting the sessions themselves.
What language is the program in?
English, across all four geographies.
Selection, cost and terms
How much does it cost, and do you take equity?
Participation is €5,500 + VAT for scaleups joining through the open call, and we take no equity. The fee is a commitment fee: the program is run at cost.
What does the fee include?
The full curriculum: both bootcamps, the four online workshops, soft landings in all four markets, the C-level advisory cycle, office hours with the experts and discounted summit access. Travel and accommodation are not included.
What happens if we are selected and then have to withdraw?
If you withdraw before the program starts, your place is offered to the next shortlisted scaleup. Once the program has started, places are not replaced and fees are not refunded.
When will we hear back?
Shortlisted teams are interviewed in December and January, with final decisions communicated by January 13, 2027.
Can we talk to someone before applying?
Yes. Write to scalingup@unicornfactorylisboa.com with a line about your company and the markets you are targeting, and the Scaling Up team will come back to you.