Building ventures with a purpose.
Phira Ventures is a Lisbon and New York based venture studio, partnering with exceptional talent to build businesses that deliver tangible value to communities and markets.
We provide ideas, capital, and operational firepower to help bring a vision to life.
Finding outstanding talent
Find young, talented aspiring entrepreneurs who are very driven and would love to run their own business but have no good business ideas, access to capital or talent or a co-founder team. We will provide ideas (we have plenty!), capital, co-founders and an infrastructure to get a venture off the ground fast. We provide plenty of training, mentoring and an access to a network. What we expect in return? Dedication, an unshakeable will to succeed and a growth mindset.
Investing in smart founders
We invest in founders who already have a concept or even an existing startup but need both capital and some targeted support. E.g. in marketing, finance, legal, supply chain, software & design, product development, recruitment, international expansion or general strategy. Here we would seek to be most helpful investors on a startup’s cap table.
Incubate bold ideas
We completely incubate a venture ourselves. In some cases, we will have enough team capacity to build a business from scratch without finding a founder. We have many oven-ready ideas and have developed a lean and fast go to market strategy.
We know what it takes to build
We sit at the intersection of entrepreneurship and venture capital. As entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to build from the ground up: the uncertainty, the learning, the perseverance. As investors, we bring capital, structure, and a long-term view, grounded in the reality of building real companies.
Investors who’ve been in the founder’s seat
This dual perspective is what makes Phira different. We aim to be the most helpful investors on any cap table. We don’t just advise from afar; we roll up our sleeves, apply our operational expertise, and help founders navigate the challenges we’ve faced firsthand.
Portfolio
We back ventures that measurably improve lives - through technology, community services, or other business models. Leveraging experience in Digital Media, E-Commerce, and SaaS, our lean Lisbon core team combines capital with hands-on expertise.
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Music investment
Phira Ventures has been active as an investor in the independent music space, supporting emerging artists and investing in music rights. Further details on our work in this field will be shared soon.
Airi Media
Phira Ventures incubated Airi Media, a global family of review platforms dedicated to helping millions sleep better through science, transparency, and trust.
Ericeira Real Estate Investment
Phira Ventures anticipated the rapid rise of Ericeira as one of Portugal’s most desirable coastal markets. Our early investments focused on unique, high-quality properties.
Lunis
Lunis, built within Phira, helps real estate agents reclaim time by automating personalized video content for social media. It reflects Phira’s vision of AI that simplifies work and restores focus.
Leading DTC Brand
Phira revitalized a leading European sleep brand, rebuilding operations, marketing, and product design to drive sustainable growth, stronger performance, and lasting impact on sleep and wellbeing.
PeterAI
Most AI tools overlook older adults, the world’s fastest-growing demographic. PeterAI, built by Phira Ventures, is an AI companion designed for people 65+, helping them navigate technology safely and confidently.
Project X
Phira is developing Project X, an AI-driven system that captures and shares a company’s hidden knowledge, turning it into an accessible, intelligent “employee.” Public launch planned for Germany and the US.
Want to be a part of Phira?
Entrepreneurship in Residence
Aspiring entrepreneurs with big ambitions looking for an idea, capital, a co-founder, help to get started? Or all of the above?
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Investment Program
You have a startup already and need capital or operational support or both?
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Our Job Openings
Looking to accelerate your career and work on interesting projects in a fun but high performance environment?
Learn moreRecent Insights
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The Winners of Startups by the Sea & the Potential of an Ecosystem
On the evening of Wednesday, the 15th of April, ten companies pitched to a room of founders, investors, operators, and locals on the edge of the Atlantic.
Startups by the Sea — Why Ericeira, and Why Now
The first ever pitch competition in Ericeria, made for founders building businesses that matter.
The Power Of Inspirational Quotes
Some of our favorite quotes, and why they resonate with us.