Monsha'at Concludes Lisbon Visit to Strengthen Saudi Startup Growth

The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha'at, completed its visit program to Lisbon as part of its participation in the global Web Summit 2025. The program lasted for five full days and included many field tours, training workshops, and special sessions. A group of Saudi entrepreneurs from fast-growing and high-potential companies joined the visit. All of them aimed to explore new international opportunities and learn how they can grow their businesses beyond Saudi Arabia.

The main purpose of this program was to support Saudi startups in understanding how to expand into global markets. Monsha'at wanted to help these companies open new investment doors and meet international investors. By doing this, Monsha'at hopes to give Saudi startups the confidence and skills they need to compete in the global economy. The program also aimed to strengthen their knowledge in areas such as investment, technology development, and product strategy.

Throughout the five days, the participants visited several important places within Portugal’s innovation ecosystem. These visits included technology companies, business accelerators, and well-known universities that specialize in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. During these tours, the entrepreneurs learned about new global trends, modern technologies, and successful business models used in European markets. They also met Portuguese entrepreneurs and listened to their experiences in building international businesses.

One of the strongest parts of the program was the series of meetings with different international experts. These experts included investors, business mentors, technology leaders, and specialists in startup growth. The sessions focused on legal requirements, financial planning, and development strategies. Many entrepreneurs asked questions about raising investment rounds, expanding into foreign countries, and managing products that grow quickly. These discussions provided real-life advice that the participants can apply directly to their own companies.

Monsha'at made sure that the program included practical learning. Many workshops were organized to teach entrepreneurs about growth strategies and product management. Participants learned how to create products that meet customer needs, how to build strong product teams, and how to offer a better customer experience. There were also sessions on managing finances, planning expansion strategies, and preparing for investment negotiations. Each workshop aimed to give the entrepreneurs tools they can use immediately after returning home.

On the last day of the Lisbon visit, the group had several important stops. One of them was a visit to BHOUT, a company known for combining fitness with gaming technologies. This visit helped the entrepreneurs see how innovative ideas can turn into successful global products. Another key activity was a legal session held by Cuatrecasas, which focused on funding rounds and exit strategies. This session explained the legal steps that startups must follow when dealing with investors. The day also included a detailed workshop on product development and customer experience, giving participants more tools to improve their business strategies.

This entire participation reflects Monsha'at’s continued efforts to support Saudi entrepreneurs and strengthen small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom. The program is also part of Saudi Arabia’s plan for economic transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. By helping startups grow internationally, Monsha'at is contributing to building a strong digital economy and enhancing the Kingdom's global position in technology and innovation. The Lisbon visit is one of many steps taken to ensure that Saudi entrepreneurs are ready for future global challenges.