• Next wave of ambitious Portuguese businesses join ELITE to scale and go global leveraging on the partnership with World Trade Center Lisboa
   
• Fifth Portuguese group to join ELITE, and the third cohort launched under the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE
   
• Seven new companies bring the Portuguese ELITE network to 36 members across 16 sectors, employing over 12,000 professionals and generating more than €1.9 billion in revenue
   

Lisbon – 16 May 2025 – Euronext, the leading European market infrastructure, announces the onboarding of a fifth group of Portuguese companies to ELITE, its international ecosystem designed to support ambitious private businesses in accelerating growth and global expansion. This milestone also marks the third cohort of the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE, reinforcing a strategic successful partnership between ELITE and World Trade Center Lisboa. United by a shared vision, the initiative provides Portuguese companies with a dynamic environment and the right tools to foster cross-border connectivity, collaboration and sustainable growth.

The seven new joiners – Aldeia, Doutor Finanças, Greenlab, Innowave Technologies, , Vanguard Properties, VentilAQUA and Vipex – span seven diverse industries ranging from Construction & Materials, Utilities, and Industrial Goods & Services to Real Estate Investment, Financial Services and Software & IT Support. Collectively they generate more than €80 million in annual revenue and employ 700+ professionals. They now join a thriving Portuguese ELITE network of 36 companies across 16 sectors, together generating over €1.9 billion in revenue and providing more than 12,000 jobs.

The strategic relevance of the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE is underscored by Portugal’s robust trajectory in international trade and investment. Under the Portugal 2020 framework, an additional €560 million was allocated to support the internationalisation of Portuguese businesses. According to the latest data from the World Bank, exports of goods and services accounted for approximately 50% of Portugal's GDP, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to global engagement. This macroeconomic backdrop reinforces the critical role of ELITE and WTC Lisboa in equipping high-potential businesses with the knowledge, networks and resources needed to thrive internationally.

“With the launch of the fifth group of ELITE Portugal – and the third in partnership with WTC Lisboa – we continue to accelerate the growth journey of ambitious Portuguese companies, fostering innovation, governance and access to capital,” said Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE. “This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to building a stronger, more competitive business ecosystem in Portugal and in Europe.”

“The third edition of the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by Elite reaffirms our commitment to fostering global leadership and cross-border innovation. This initiative brings together top talent and international expertise, strengthening WTC Lisboa’s position on the world stage and promoting our network globally," said Luciano Menezes, CEO World Trade Center Lisboa.

As members of ELITE, participating companies gain privileged access to Euronext’s extensive network of resources, designed to accelerate sustainable, long-term growth. The programme supports their development across three key dimensions of capital: skills, network and finance - equipping them with the tools to expand globally and strengthen their market position.

At the heart of the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE is a comprehensive executive programme delivered by Nova SBE Executive Education, Portugal’s top-ranked international business school. Combining academic rigour with real-world business expertise, the curriculum integrates strategic learning, peer- to-peer exchange and tailored support from experts. Participants also take part in four international workshops hosted by ELITE across its European campusesin Amsterdam, Lisbon, Milan and Paris,tackling critical topics such as negotiation in complex global environments, accessing private and public capital, sustainability strategies and talent management.

Beyond knowledge, the programme offers unique access to cross-border opportunities within the ELITE–Euronext ecosystem, which spans more than 2,000 companies and over 200 partners and investors across Europe. Through the World Trade Center network, participants also tap into a powerful global community of 320 hubs across 93 countries, extending their international footprint and strengthening their competitive edge.

With this new group, ELITE continues to build a resilient and forward-looking community of Portuguese businesses ready to lead with impact, scale with purpose and compete on a global stage.

 

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