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On September 18th, COREangels Algarve co-hosted the very first Founders Meet Investors event together with community partner LOFT Community in Loulé.

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The goal was clear: to bring founders and angel investors closer together in an open and informal way. In the Algarve, as in many emerging ecosystems, founders often see investors as distant or even intimidating — sometimes due to lack of experience, limited exposure to startup funding, or concerns that investment means losing control. At the same time, investors struggle to find credible opportunities and trusted entry points into the local scene.

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COREangels Algarve exists to close this gap. By pooling the experience and resources of our angel group, we are not just investing capital — we are investing time, mentorship, and trust to help founders grow. Events like Founders Meet Investors are designed to break down barriers and show that investors can be genuine partners in building ventures.

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The first edition proved the value of this approach. With 30 participants (and a waiting list), the event was fully booked. In a beautiful outdoor setting, angels and founders engaged in meaningful conversations, new connections, and follow-up discussions already in motion. The reverse-pitch format, where investors explained what they look for and how they add value, sparked honest questions and practical exchanges that went far beyond the usual pitch night.

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The participation of our angels Jaap, Mark, and Wouter, supported by the insights of eco-system friend Isabel Pereira and Jorge Cabaço, showed the strength of our group and the power of the region: diverse experience, a collaborative spirit, and the willingness to share openly with founders.

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This is just the beginning. With the positive energy of this first edition, we are already preparing the next Founders Meet Investors in November. Step by step, COREangels Algarve is helping to create a trusted space where founders feel supported and investors feel engaged — building the foundation for a stronger startup ecosystem in the Algarve.

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🚀 Together, we’re making angel investing accessible, collaborative, and impactful for the region.