Lisbon & Porto, Portugal – Portugal’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, and women are playing a pivotal role not just as founders but as angel investors. These women are writing early-stage checks, mentoring founders, and helping shape the next generation of innovative companies. 10 women angel investors in Portugal making a real difference in 2026.
1. Ana Paula Reis – The Startup Advocate
🌐 LinkedIn / BridgeWhat
Ana Paula Reis is a familiar name in Portugal’s startup circles. As a co-founder of BridgeWhat and a member of the Portuguese Business Angels Association, she invests in early-stage startups and provides mentorship that goes far beyond capital. Many founders credit her guidance with helping them navigate the tricky first steps of scaling a business.
2. Yonca Braeckman – Investing with Impact
🌐 Impact Shakers / LinkedIn
Yonca Braeckman combines her investments with a focus on social and environmental impact. Through Impact Shakers, she supports startups that aim to make the world a better place. Yonca believes that funding with a conscience isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business.
3. Maria Semedo – ESG and Sustainability Champion
🌐 LinkedIn / Vega Ventures
Maria Semedo brings an ESG lens to her investments, supporting startups in sustainability, creative industries, and tech. As Executive Director at Vega Ventures, she’s known for her hands-on approach, often guiding founders through strategy, governance, and scaling challenges.
4. Cintia Mano – Building Bridges Between Markets
🌐 CORE Angels / REDangels
Cintia Mano invests actively across Portugal and Brazil. With more than 25 early-stage investments under her belt, she not only funds startups but also connects founders with the networks they need to grow internationally. Her global perspective makes her a valuable mentor in any market.
5. Cristina Fonseca – From Unicorn Founder to Angel
🌐 Indico Capital Partners
Cristina Fonseca co-founded Talkdesk, Portugal’s first unicorn startup, and now invests in promising tech startups through Indico Capital Partners. Her experience scaling a global company gives founders unique insights into growing internationally while staying rooted in strong culture and product.
6. Lurdes Gramaxo – Decades of Experience
🌐 Bynd Venture Capital
Lurdes Gramaxo has decades of experience in business and investing. As a partner at Bynd Venture Capital, she evaluates hundreds of startups each year, mentoring founders in tech and sustainability. She’s particularly passionate about supporting female founders and bringing more diversity to venture and angel investing.
7. Marta Palmeiro – Fintech and Education Focus
🌐 Pier Partners / StudentFinance
Marta Palmeiro’s expertise lies at the intersection of fintech and education. She co-founded StudentFinance and now invests in startups with similar focus areas. Her combination of financial knowledge and startup experience makes her a trusted advisor for first-time founders.
8. Sofia Santos – Early-Stage Tech
🌐 Faber Ventures
Sofia Santos invests in AI, medtech, and deep tech startups. With a background in consulting and impact investing, she offers guidance to founders navigating both technical challenges and business strategy. She is also an outspoken advocate for diversity in the investment world.
9. Ana Xavier – Bridging VC and Angel Investing
Ana Xavier manages investments at Portugal Ventures, one of Portugal’s leading VC firms. Beyond her VC role, she participates in angel deals, helping seed-stage startups gain traction and connect with institutional investors. Her dual perspective makes her insights particularly valuable to founders.
10. Maria João Souto – Breaking Barriers in Angel Networks
Maria João Souto was the first woman angel in REDangels, one of Portugal’s most active angel networks. She is a mentor, investor, and advocate for female founders, working tirelessly to ensure that women have both capital and guidance to succeed in Portugal’s competitive startup ecosystem.
Why These Women Matter
Women remain underrepresented in angel investing globally, and Portugal is no exception. Yet the leadership, expertise, and capital these investors bring are transforming the ecosystem. They are mentors, connectors, and advocates for diversity, helping startups grow while setting higher standards for governance and inclusivity. As Portugal continues to nurture innovation, these women are proving that investing with vision and heart can create not only successful companies but also a stronger, more equitable startup ecosystem.