0 to Founder Weekend
A three-day retreat for anyone who wants to build something in fintech, insurtech or financial services.
Want to build something in fintech? Start here.
Maybe you're finishing university. Maybe you've been working for a few years in a completely different field. If you want to build a company in fintech or insurtech, this weekend gives you the method and the first step.
You'll fit right in if…
- You're curious about fintech, insurtech or the future of money
- You've spotted a problem you want to solve, or you want help finding one
- You've thought about starting a company, but haven't yet
- You can commit a full weekend to find out if it's for you
No idea yet? No experience in finance? Not technical? That's fine. All of that is part of the programme.
Three days, from zero to founder.
Each day has one question to answer. The detailed programme is shared with selected participants.
Terrain
- Founder stories: why they made the leap
- What makes a problem worth years
- Mapping your unfair advantages
Method
- Problem clinic in small pods
- Talking to customers
- Building an MVP with no-code and AI
- Designing the smallest test
Build
- A full-day build sprint in teams
- Showcase with live feedback
- Finding your co-founder
Three days inside Fintech House.
Portugal Fintech's home in Lisbon, where our community meets for conferences, demo days, talks and workshops. For one weekend, it's yours.
How to get in.
- 30 SepApplications openApply through the online form.
- 14 OctApplications closeWe review applications every week, so apply early.
- 14 – 20 OctInterviewsA 30-minute conversation with the shortlist.
- 25 OctFinal selectionSelected participants are confirmed.
- 20–22 NovThe weekendThree days at Fintech House.
Not just inspiration. You leave with all the tools to start your own business.
A clear inventory of your unfair advantages
A problem pressure-tested by your peers
A one-page plan for the cheapest test
A first version, built and shown to a room
People you might build a company with
Fully confidential
No photos and no public posts about participants. What happens at the retreat stays there.
Your idea stays yours
Whoever brings an idea keeps it. This is guaranteed to every participant.
A small, selected group
Small enough that every problem gets real attention and real feedback.
Good questions.
Do I need a startup idea to apply?
No. Day 1 is designed to help you find problems worth solving, starting from what you already know.
Do I need experience in finance or insurance?
No. Students and people from any background are welcome. What matters is that you want to build something in fintech or insurtech.
Do I need to be technical?
No. You'll learn how far no-code and AI tools can take you, and you'll build in a team.
Do I need to pay?
Yes. There is a participation fee of €50*, which covers the three days, including meals.
*If the fee is the only thing stopping you from joining, reach out to us.
Do I need to be there all three days?
Yes. Each day builds on the one before, and your pod counts on you.
Are meals included?
Coffee and lunch every day, plus dinner on Friday. Sunday wraps up at 15:00.
How are participants selected?
Applications are reviewed by the Portugal Fintech team. We look for curiosity, drive and commitment, not years of experience.