STRIDE 351 is a qualified route to C2 Capital Partners for scale-ups or SME’s ready for their next stage of growth, with investor feedback, strategic capital conversations and a place in the investment pipeline.
There is no rigid geographic preference and no single sector label determines eligibility. The strongest applications show a proven business, a credible growth case and a team ready to execute.
A company built on technology or relevant innovation, with a business model ready for structured growth.
The product or solution is in the market and has evidence of real-world use.
Existing customers and recurring or highly repeatable revenue demonstrate a business beyond validation.
A clear view of profitability, cash discipline and the financial foundations required for sustainable growth.
A replicable model, controlled CAPEX and a credible opportunity to expand internationally.
Leadership capacity, complementary skills and the readiness to build and execute the next phase of growth.
We prioritise scale-ups with revenue, a stable operating model and a credible internationalisation strategy – regardless of which of these sectors they serve.
A company applies directly or is introduced to Startup Leiria.
Presentation of selected candidates to C2 Capital for strategic approval and advancement to formal review.
Selected companies join pitch, Q&A and deeper-dive sessions in Leiria.
C2 may proceed with meetings, due diligence or a future pipeline conversation.
THE LONG-TERM VALUE
We help you understand the local business environment, navigate regulatory requirements and develop a market entry strategy tailored to your goals.
Explore opportunities to test and validate your technology through connections with relevant industrial partners.
Get support with setting up your business, finding workspace and navigating the practical aspects of establishing a presence in Portugal.
Explore European funding opportunities and connect with relevant investors and partners to support your company’s growth.
Our structured, fast-paced evaluation process is designed to find, refine, and fuel the most promising startup ventures in the ecosystem.
18 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
4 Dec 2026
18–22 Jan 2027
Startup Leiria is an innovation and entrepreneurship hub connecting ambitious companies with the industrial, technological and investment networks of the Leiria region and Portugal.
The hub was ranked the 68th European hub in the Financial Times ranking, reflecting its position within Europe’s innovation landscape.
C2 Capital Partners is the investment partner behind the STRIDE 351 thesis, assessing companies through a clear lens: founding-team quality, revenue momentum, scalability, internationalisation, EBITDA discipline and market potential.
Through the programme, C2 engages with best-fit opportunities for pitches, Q&A, deeper-dive sessions, potential due diligence and future pipeline development.
Tell us about your company, your growth objectives and your plans for entering the European market.
We assess your company’s needs and explore relevant opportunities within our network.
Identify the practical steps needed to establish your business in Portugal, from local connections to operational requirements.
Explore partnerships, pilot opportunities and resources that can support your expansion.
The STRIDE 351 program is designed for scale-ups or SMEs with a technology base or relevant innovation, an already validated product, real customers and recurring or highly repeatable revenue.
Priority sectors are Defense & Dual Use, Agrotech, Industry & Hardware, Healthcare and High-growth services. However, business quality and maturity matter more than the sector label, and there is no strict geographic preference.
The target profile includes marginally positive or positive EBITDA, financial discipline, controlled CAPEX and a replicable model with clear scalability. These are assessment criteria rather than a single automatic threshold.
Startup Leiria assesses maturity, traction, scalability and key risks. The investor lens also considers team complementarity and execution, revenue momentum, pipeline quality, retention, internationalisation readiness, EBITDA, market potential and room for differentiation.
A company can apply directly to Startup Leiria or be introduced through an ecosystem partner. The first step is to share enough information for the team to understand your business, traction and international growth case.
The process moves from qualification to shortlist. Best-fit opportunities are presented to C2 Capital Partners, followed by pitch, Q&A and deeper-dive sessions for selected companies.
No. Selection creates a qualified opportunity to engage with C2 Capital Partners. The follow-up may include further meetings, due diligence or future pipeline development, depending on fit and investor assessment.
Selected companies may receive feedback on maturity, growth, internationalisation and value creation, alongside corporate-network connections, business opportunities and a strategic perspective on M&A, partnerships and board support.
The programme materials identify December for the shortlist stage and January for pitch, Q&A and deeper-dive interactions in Leiria. Confirm the current cycle dates in the application form.
Your application is reviewed by the programme team and relevant selection stakeholders. Any additional information-sharing should be discussed with you before it takes place.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Explore how Startup Leiria and C2 Capital Partners can support your company’s European expansion through local expertise, strategic connections and tailored growth support.