What we do
Right business. Right capital. Let's connect them.
We bring Afro-Lusophone businesses from Portugal and the PALOP together with the investors, clients and experts ready to back them. Join and be part of it.
The evidence
The talent is here. The upside is real.
11%
of Black-led ventures in Portugal have joined an incubator or accelerator.
National benchmark: 40%
56%
name funding as their biggest challenge.
Most rely on savings and family
50%
of those with structured support secured investment.
Wider group: 30%
When these founders get support, they outperform. That is the opportunity we open up.
Foá (2025), Black Entrepreneurship and DEI, Social Inclusion 13. Survey of 200 entrepreneurs and five focus groups in Portugal.
How we close it
Two sides. One bridge.
01
For founders
- Know your numbers and which capital fits.
- Turn your need into a clear, credible ask.
- Meet the people who can say yes.
02
For capital providers
- See businesses outside the usual referral circles.
- Tell real risk apart from an unfamiliar model.
- Back them with the right tool: credit, contracts, equipment or equity.
What moves between them
Three forms of capital.
Financial
Equity, loans, grants, equipment and revenue based finance.
Access
Clients, contracts, distribution, partners and introductions.
Intellectual
Expertise, mentoring, strategy and operational support.
Where it happens
Our programmes. Get involved.
Every idea on this page becomes real through three programmes. Pick one and take your place.
Q1 2027
Black Capital Exchange
A capital readiness programme for Black business owners, run alongside the capital partners who want to back them.
Register your interestOngoing
MELLA TABLE
Small, curated tables where founders, investors and institutions work on one real question together.
Request a seatIn development
Afro Business Week Lisboa
A week bringing Black entrepreneurship, investment and culture together in Lisbon.
Get the first newsWho we work with
Community rooted businesses
Food, beauty, craft, retail, services and creative work. Already earning, ready for the next step.
Innovation led ventures
Tech and impact businesses with a working product, preparing for growth and investment.
Culture does not need a technology box to be investable.
Design, heritage, loyal customers and export potential are commercial value. We help capital read them.
Next step
See it live in Lisbon, 10 November.
A small, curated room during Web Summit week. Founders, investors and institutions at one table.