The Startup Essentials Ignition Program is a free 4-week accelerator by Build Up Labs, designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the competencies, clarity, and momentum to launch.
About the Program
Whether you have a rough idea or a product already in motion, the Essentials Ignition Program gives you the fundamentals you need to move fast and move smart.
Over four focused weeks, you will go from idea to investor-ready pitch — with hands-on workshops, expert mentors, and a community of driven founders alongside you every step of the way.
The program is designed by the team at Build Up Labs — serial entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes and built this to give early-stage founders the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
What You Get
Learn directly from experienced founders and investors who have built and scaled businesses from the ground up.
Practical, interactive sessions covering every business fundamental — not theory, but tools you can apply immediately.
Connect with a cohort of driven entrepreneurs and tap into the broader Build Up Labs community of 300+ startups.
Present your startup to a real panel of investors at the end of the program. Practice pitching and get real feedback.
Go from a rough concept to a validated business model with structured frameworks for validation and market research.
Leave the program with a clear roadmap, investor-ready pitch, and the confidence to take your next big step.
Curriculum
A practical curriculum covering every essential skill for early-stage founders — from idea to pitch.
How to legally structure your business, understand equity, and set up for scale from day one.
Systematic frameworks to test your assumptions, talk to customers, and validate product-market fit.
Map your competitive landscape, find your differentiation, and position your startup to win.
Build a sustainable business model — revenue streams, pricing strategy, and unit economics.
Build your go-to-market plan with practical marketing channels, messaging, and growth tactics.
Understand funding options, investor expectations, and how to prepare for your first raise.
The final module brings everything together. You'll craft a compelling investor pitch and present at Demo Day in front of a real panel of investors, VCs, and industry experts.
Program Format
Week 1
Business structure, legal setup, idea articulation, and understanding the startup landscape. Define your problem and who you're solving it for.
Week 2
Validate your idea with real customers, map the competition, and develop your business model and go-to-market strategy.
Week 3
Marketing execution, growth channels, fundraising fundamentals, and understanding what investors look for at your stage.
Week 4
Craft your investor narrative, refine your pitch deck, and prepare for Demo Day with personalized coaching sessions.
Final Event
Present your startup to a live audience of investors, mentors, and fellow founders. Win prizes, get feedback, and take the next step in your journey.
Prizes
The best teams walk away with real opportunities to keep building.
The winning team gets 3 months of free access to the Build Up Labs Personalized Support Program — valued at thousands of euros.
One selected team receives a full Web Summit Lisboa Alpha Pack — one of the most valuable startup opportunities in Europe.
Who Should Apply
The Essentials program is designed for early-stage founders at any point in their journey — from first idea to pre-launch.
You have an idea and want to turn it into a real business with a clear plan.
You've started building but need clarity on strategy, market, and how to grow.
Looking to explore Portugal's startup ecosystem or leverage it as a launchpad.
Whether you're flying solo or have a co-founder, you're welcome to apply.
FAQ
The program is open to anyone with a startup idea or early-stage business — regardless of industry, background, or location. Whether you're a first-time founder or a repeat entrepreneur, you're welcome to apply.
Yes, completely free. The Essentials Ignition Program is fully funded by Build Up Labs. There is no cost to participate.
The program is hosted in Lisbon, but we welcome international applicants. Please check the specific cohort details for remote participation options.
Applications are open on a rolling basis per cohort. Check the current application form for the next cohort dates and deadlines.
After reviewing your application, we'll reach out to schedule a short call to get to know you and align expectations. Selected participants will be notified before the program start date.
No. Solo founders are welcome. You can apply as an individual or as a team of up to 3 people.
Any early stage is fine — from a raw idea to a product in development. The program covers the fundamentals, so even if you're just starting out, you'll get enormous value.
The winning team at Demo Day receives 3 months of free incubation with Build Up Labs. All participants are also eligible to apply to our full incubator program at any time.
Ready to Start?
Join a cohort of ambitious founders and get the skills, clarity, and momentum to turn your idea into a business. Zero cost. Real impact.