Joao Santos

Founder | Investor Relations Specialist

Professional Overview

Joao Santos is an accomplished founder, investor relations expert, and growth strategist with over a decade of experience in the technology and startup ecosystems. As the Founder of Underdog Founders and the Head of Investor Relations at MozVisao Group, Joao leverages his deep industry knowledge and extensive network to drive sustainable growth and forge meaningful connections between innovative companies and investors.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Head of Investor Relations, MozVisao Group (2023 - Present)

• Responsible for managing all aspects of investor relations, including fundraising, investor communication, and portfolio company support

• Instrumental in securing significant investment capital and forging strategic partnerships to fuel the group's expansion

• Leverages data-driven insights and market expertise to identify and capitalize on emerging investment opportunities

Founder, Underdog Founders (2022 - Present)

• Founded Underdog Founders, a platform dedicated to empowering and supporting early-stage founders in the technology and startup sectors

• Provides mentorship, access to resources, and strategic guidance to help founders overcome challenges and achieve their growth objectives

• Curates a diverse network of industry experts, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to facilitate meaningful connections and collaboration

Career Progression

Prior to his current roles, Joao held various leadership positions within the startup and investment ecosystems, including:

• Head of Content, Chamaeleon (2023 - 2024)

• Head of Growth, Handprint (2021 - 2022)

• Investor - Senior Principal, Mustard Seed Maze (2018 - 2020)

• Associate (secondment), MaRS Discovery District (2017)

• Associate, Maze - decoding impact (2017 - 2018)

• Analyst, Maze - decoding impact (2015 - 2017)

• Head of Onsite, Rocket Internet GmbH (2012)

• Account Manager, Ericsson (2011 - 2012)

Throughout his career, Joao has demonstrated a proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and delivering impactful results for the organizations he has been a part of.

Academic Background

Joao holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lisbon, where he specialized in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He also completed a secondment program at the prestigious MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Canada, further enhancing his global perspective and industry expertise.

Areas of Expertise

• Investor Relations and Fundraising

• Startup Growth Strategies

• Content Creation and Thought Leadership

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Strategic Partnerships and Networking

• Data-driven Decision Making

• Portfolio Management and Support

Professional Impact

• Played a pivotal role in securing significant investment capital for MozVisao Group, enabling the group to expand its portfolio and diversify its offerings

• Launched Underdog Founders, a platform that has gained widespread recognition for its impactful support and empowerment of early-stage founders

• Recognized as a thought leader in the startup ecosystem, regularly contributing to industry publications and speaking at prominent events

Conclusion

Joao Santos is a versatile and influential figure in the technology and startup sectors, with a proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and delivering impactful results. As the Founder of Underdog Founders and the Head of Investor Relations at MozVisao Group, Joao is poised to continue making significant contributions to the industry and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.