• Re-entry into the Portuguese market ensures greater proximity and follow-up to national startups and entrepreneurs;
• DSH promises connection to Silicon Valley, access to 24 Draper Venture Network funds and 1 own fund;
• Partnership with IDEA Spaces secures new home for DSH in Lisbon

Lisbon, 6th December 2021. For immediate release. — After feeling the effects of the pandemic – forcing the closure of its first co-living space in Lisbon, Draper Startup House is now re-entering the Portuguese market with a new location, as a result of a partnership with the network of co-working spaces IDEA Spaces.

“For Draper Startup House it would be unthinkable to leave Portugal. The national market is growing rapidly, captivating entrepreneurs with great potential and attracting more and more digital nomads. In addition, there is a strong political commitment so that the entrepreneurial ecosystem can be more and more promising. This is “our beach” and we are certain that we can be another promoter of this growth”, says Henrique Pereira, co-founder of Draper Startup House Portugal.

The changes will allow Draper Startup House to be closer to national startups; bringing the possibility of applying to 24 global funds from the Draper Venture Network, or the Draper Startup House fund, starting Draper Academy courses and connecting the Portuguese ecosystem with Silicon Valley and an endless network of entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.

Regarding the choice of the new “Lisbon house”, Henrique comments that “IDEA Spaces (Palácio Sotto Mayor) proved to be the best option for our goals. It offers a wide, dynamic and innovative workspace, where we come across promising startups, also understanding the sense of “community” that we so want to promote”. “For IDEA Spaces, it is a huge compliment to be invited to be a part of the history of Draper Startup House. We are confident that this partnership will mean new opportunities for our community,” adds Vanessa Nunes, Chief Marketing Officer at IDEA Spaces.

Draper Startup House is today a global business ecosystem present in more than 20 cities around the world. The “Tribe Theory” origins, where everything started, gave these cities the opportunity to have a relaxed, productive and community space, thinking of startup founders, digital nomads and other remote workers.

Draper Startup House is part of a global network connected to services, education, and investment, with locations in Argentina, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, United States, and Vietnam. It is a unit of the Draper Venture Network, which is among the world’s premier venture capital networks, with thousands of portfolio companies funded globally.

The Draper Venture Network was founded by Timothy Cook Draper, the US venture capital investor. Draper also founded Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), Draper University, and Draper Associates. Draper’s most prominent investments include Baidu, Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, AngelList, Twitter, Coinbase, Robinhood, and Focus Media. Draper Startup House has one combined vision and mission: ONE MILLION ENTREPRENEURS BY 2030. 

IDEA Spaces is a community disguised as a co-working space, standing out for its dedication of collaboration and proximity to its members. The IDEA community is for anyone looking for a space to share ideas, knowledge, insights, or just a beer; for those looking to meet promising businesses and inspiring people; or for those looking for a community with whom to celebrate their successes and who will be by their side during the most difficult times. All of this, while guaranteeing a workspace adjusted to the needs of each one, so that teams can dedicate themselves exclusively to their business.

With over 1400 members, over 270 associated companies, 3 premium locations in Lisbon, it was one of the first co-working spaces in Portugal and currently one of the largest entrepreneurial communities in the country.