Startup Digest Portugal | Entrepreneurial DNA | Week #28
A newsletter covering all things Startup in Portugal

A newsletter covering all things startup in Portugal

Techstars StartUp Digest Portugal

  • Due to some technical issues, this edition was only published today

What makes someone a true entrepreneur? Is it resilience, creativity, risk tolerance or a bit of everything, deeply wired into who they are?

This week marks the final stretch of the Founder Institute batch. It’s always a fascinating moment. Before the program begins, many founders aren’t sure if they “have what it takes”. And then, somewhere between the pressure, the feedback, the pivots and the uncomfortable honesty, they start to see it or at least get a first glimpse of their entrepreneurial DNA.

That's why I want to explore the idea of "Entrepreneurial DNA" not as a buzzword, but as a serious question every founder should ask themselves. One tool I really appreciate is the Entrepreneur DNA Assessment from the Founder Institute, designed to evaluate core personality traits statistically linked to startup success. It focuses on things like fluid intelligence, openness, bravery, and even emotional stability.

Why does this matter? Because being a founder isn’t just about having a great idea. It’s about handling uncertainty, persisting through failure, and leading with clarity when the path is anything but clear. These traits aren't always visible on a CV but they often determine who thrives and who burns out.

So this week, I challenge you to reflect:

  • Do you know your strengths and blind spots as a founder?
  • Have you ever taken a personality-based startup assessment?
  • Are you building a team that complements your DNA?

Whether you're just getting started or deep in the grind, understanding the psychology of entrepreneurship is a huge unlock.

Looking forward to hearing what you discover.

See you at the next event.

Highlights of the week