This week on the roundup: announcements, events, ideas, gatherings, tickets, discounts, portfolios, highlights, connections, evolutions, questions, advisors, retreats, momentum evolution, committees, combinations, ecosystems, cash flows, limited formalities, partnerships, assumptions, revolving needs, relaxed assumptions, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN highlights of the week:

We announced the launch of the 3rd edition of our annual Innovation conference in Dublin to take place at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) in Dublin on Thursday, June 18 in the morning + lunch. Find all the details here with the full programme, speakers’ profile and exact location. 

We had a new networking event this Thursday in Dublin at the Musicmaker shop. Pictures to be shared next week

And we have another one planned in Cascais next week on May 28. Check all the details here, where you can still register.

Make sure you don’t miss these networking events. These are made for you!

We would like to inform you that AITOUR is holding an executive gathering during Dublin Tech Week, May 25, exploring how AI is reshaping trust, client acquisition, leadership, and international growth. Founders, executives, investors and ecosystem leaders meet in Dublin for a curated evening of high-level conversations and meaningful connections. May 25, 2026. 18:00 – 21:00

We have managed to get tickets for you at discounted rates. Use codes: IPBN50 → 50% discount or IPBN2 → 2 complimentary tickets. Check the event page here!

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Otonomee posted, "We are excited to share that Otonomee has joined Fin’s Solution Partner Program as we continue building a premium customer experience (CX) model designed for the AI era. As more routine support interactions become automated, customer support teams are being asked to handle the moments that are more complex, emotional, technical, and business-critical."

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal and Business Partner Unicorn Factory Lisbon have brought together founders from the Unicorn Factory Lisboa portfolio for an exclusive breakfast with PwC, creating space for conversations around some of the topics that are increasingly shaping the future of startups and scaleups. They posted, "As digital regulation continues to evolve, frameworks such as the AI Act, DORA, and NIS2 are becoming more than compliance topics, they are becoming strategic considerations for how companies build, operate, and scale. The discussion focused on what these changes mean in practice, the responsibilities founders should start preparing for, and why understanding this evolving landscape is becoming essential for long-term growth."

IPBN Business Partner Invest Porto shared, "SIM Conference brought together startups, investors and innovation leaders in Porto. During the opening session, Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte highlighted Porto’s entrepreneurial culture and the growing maturity of its startup ecosystem, which now includes more than 700 startups and over 20,000 jobs across the region. One of the major announcements of the conference was the launch of Tech Foundry Portugal, the country’s largest acceleration programme dedicated exclusively to deep tech startups, which will be based in Porto."

IPBN member Filipe Costa at IN2 Engineering shared, "Really enjoyed attending the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Glasgow on 13–14 April and having the chance to connect with different professionals across the UK energy sector. There was a real sense of momentum around the energy transition, with lots of interesting conversations about grid capacity, electrification, renewables, decarbonisation, and the investment going into future infrastructure projects across the UK."

IPBN member SABSEG shared, "The relationship between people and pets has evolved significantly, with them assuming an increasingly central role in the family nucleus. However, this evolution is not yet fully reflected in the associated protection. SABSEG's animal insurance allows you to anticipate these risks, ensuring access to health care, greater financial predictability and protection against unforeseen events."

IPBN member Dr Shane Farrelly posted, "Four posts into this series on workforce mental health in South Asia, and one question keeps coming back: 'This is useful ,but where do we actually start?' I'm sharing the full Board-Level Governance Framework I've developed , the document in full, not a summary. It's built for boards, audit committees, and CHROs who want to move from good intent to governed practice."

And check also this link. More about Portugal.

IPBN Board member Sharon Farrell was delighted to have featured in this week’s international adviser magazine talking about her move to Portugal.

IPBN member Edmond Harty posted about entrepreneurs, astronauts, and innovation… not a bad combination. "Just back from an incredible EY Entrepreneur Of The Year CEO Retreat in Canada. It was great to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new entrepreneurs, and spend time with such an impressive group of founders, CEOs, and leaders from across different industries."

IPBN Business Partner Algarve Evolution shared, "Algarve Evolution was at SIM Conference 2026, in Porto, last week. Our purpose was to strengthen bridges between the Algarve and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portugal, and to create new ones. That is why we keep returning to SIM. It has the right size, the right energy, and the right conditions for meaningful connections and practical partnerships."

IPBN member GRID Finance BCorp shared, "The big banks weren't built for every business. Grid Finance was. We work exclusively with Irish limited companies — getting to know your business individually so your repayments actually fit your cash flow, not the other way around. If you're an Irish SME ready for funding that works with you, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out today."

IPBN member EDGE international lawyers posted, "Setting up a company in Portugal is now a straightforward process, supported by simplified procedures and digital public services. In many cases, businesses can be established with minimal requirements, including low share capital and limited formalities. Beyond the business opportunity, this path may also provide access to residency in Portugal. At EDGE, we guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup"

IPBN member Sherry Seeton asked, "Should you register as a Lda or Unipessoal? Hire full-time employees or use Green Receipts? What is the secret to building strong partnerships with Portuguese businesses?" Join International Business Women Portugal for open networking and an interactive presentation by Raquel Batista, CEO of Lighthouse Consulting. Wednesday, 27 May. 18:00– 20:30. Location: King's College School, Cascais."

IPBN member Filipe Pinho Pereira posted, "At the SIM Conference, during a workshop and panel with a full house and strong participation, I broke the glass while delivering a talk that challenged assumptions and separated AI hype from reality. I shared two personal perspectives on AI. Learn more about it here.

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions posted, "Earlier this week, Adalberto Pucca joined industry leaders at the Health & Protection Global Mobility & Health Summit 2026 to discuss the evolving needs of globally mobile high-net-worth individuals. One theme stood out throughout the conversation: international clients are becoming far more strategic in how they think about healthcare, residency, and long-term optionality."

IPBN member Sharon O’Neill Ryan shared, "Have you ever wondered how a simple walk in nature can improve emotional well-being? At Talking Therapy, we embrace the healing power of the Algarve's beautiful landscapes through our Walk-and-Talk Therapy sessions. This dynamic alternative to traditional indoor sessions offers a relaxed environment where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings. Research shows that walking outdoors reduces anxiety and enhances emotional processing (Berman et al., 2012; Thompson-Coon et al., 2011). It’s a natural way to connect with yourself and the world around you.