Sofia Desirat

Head of Funding & Certification at Startup Portugal

Professional Overview

Sofia Desirat is an experienced finance and operations professional with a strong background in startup funding and certification programs. As the Head of Funding & Certification at Startup Portugal, she is responsible for overseeing the organization's financing initiatives and leading the development and implementation of its certification framework.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Head of Funding & Certification, Startup Portugal (2024-02-01 to Present)

• Manages the organization's funding programs, including grant applications, investor relations, and strategic partnerships

• Leads the design and rollout of Startup Portugal's certification program, establishing industry-recognized standards for startups

• Drives the implementation of robust financial and operational processes to ensure efficient and effective program delivery

• Collaborates closely with key stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, and startup founders, to align funding initiatives with market needs

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Sofia held several leadership positions in the startup ecosystem, including:

• Operations Manager, Lisbon Startup Accelerator (2021-2024)

• Financial Analyst, Venture Capital Firm (2018-2021)

• Project Coordinator, Entrepreneurship Support Program (2015-2018)

Throughout her career, Sofia has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering the growth and success of the Portuguese startup community. She has played a pivotal role in securing funding for innovative ventures, developing programs to support early-stage startups, and establishing industry-leading certification standards.

Academic Background

Sofia holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lisbon, where she specialized in Entrepreneurial Finance and Innovation Management. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has completed executive training programs in strategic leadership and venture capital investing.

Areas of Expertise

• Startup funding and investment strategies

• Certification program design and implementation

• Financial analysis and operational optimization

• Stakeholder management and strategic partnerships

• Project management and program delivery

Professional Impact

During her tenure at Startup Portugal, Sofia has successfully secured over €5 million in funding for the organization's initiatives, enabling the launch of several new programs and the expansion of existing ones. She has also spearheaded the development of the Startup Portugal Certification, which has been adopted by over 200 companies and is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in the local startup ecosystem.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in the startup sector, strong financial acumen, and proven track record of delivering impactful programs, Sofia Desirat is well-positioned to continue driving the growth and success of Startup Portugal. Her expertise and leadership are instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment and supporting the next generation of innovative companies in Portugal.