- 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.
List of companies joining the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE
|
Company Name |
Sector | Description | City |
| Aldeia | Construction & Materials | Aldeia, S.A. is a Portuguese company founded in 1974, specialising in the extraction and commercialisation of raw materials such as clays, feldspars, kaolins and sands. Aldeia has established a strong presence in the national ceramics market - especially in flooring, cladding and porcelain - as well as in the civil construction sector, and has recently expanded its operations into Spain. | Leiria |
| Doutor Finanças | Financial Services | Doutor Finanças is a Portuguese fintech company founded in 2012 that helps individuals and families improve their financial well-being. It offers services such as mortgage brokerage, credit consolidation, insurance, personal loans and financial education. The company has grown rapidly, with over 30 physical stores, a network of credit intermediaries and a dedicated division for high-net-worth clients. | Lisbon |
| GreenLab | Support Services | GreenLab is a Portuguese consultancy founded 15 years ago, specialising in sustainability for the built environment. Based in Lisbon, it offers services in building certification (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, Passive House), corporate sustainability and urban planning. GreenLab has been key in introducing BREEAM and WELL certifications in Portugal, working on projects like K Tower and Verde Lago Resort. | Lisbon |
| Innowave Technologies | Software & Computer Services | InnoWave Technologies is a global technology and consulting company that focuses on driving digital transformation through innovation. They specialise in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, application development and Salesforce solutions. With over 450 employees and a presence in multiple countries, including Portugal, India, the UK, the US and Belgium, InnoWave delivers tailored solutions that enhance business efficiency and customer experience. | Lisbon |
| Vanguard Properties | Real Estate Investment & Services | VGAM is a consulting company that manages exclusively the Vanguard Properties portfolio. Vanguard Properties (with more than thirty Portuguese investment vehicles) occupies a frontline position in the ranking of Portugal’s largest residential real estate developers. It is currently developing 22 projects, in Lisbon, Oeiras, Algarve and Comporta, with a total Gross Construction Area (GCA) above ground of about 1.027.781 m2, in an investment of over € 1.215 million. | Lisbon |
| VentilAQUA | Gas, Water & Multi-utilities | VentilAQUA is a Portuguese company founded in 1997 that develops advanced, sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment and reuse. It offers custom systems for industrial sectors and compact disinfection units for healthcare wastewater. With over 700 installations in 60+ countries, the company focuses on environmental protection, water conservation and public health. |
Coimbra |
| Vipex | Industrial Goods and Services | Vipex is a family-owned Portuguese company founded in 1993, specialising in in the development, industrialisation and production of thermoplastic products and components. The company serves demanding industries such as automotive, sports, food packaging and hydration, offering fully customised and integrated solutions. | Marinha Grande |
Coming soon: The European A&D Growth Hub | ELITE
By the end of 2025, Euronext will launch a European Aerospace and Defence Growth Hub dedicated to the supply chain of aerospace and defence companies across Europe. The European Aerospace and Defence Growth Hub will be powered by ELITE, Euronext’s ecosystem of private European companies. Since 2018, ELITE has worked with Leonardo (a global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in the aerospace, defence and security sector) and its supply chain to foster suppliers’ growth, enable the ramp-up of production, improve business management and provide access to a wide range of financial resources. As part of the European Aerospace and Defence Growth Hub, entrepreneurs and executives will explore financing options, develop managerial capabilities to scale, and benefit from peer-to-peer sharing and matching.
CONTACTS
MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com
Portugal Sandra Machado +351 91 777 68 97
About World Trade Center Lisboa
World Trade Center Lisboa is a business hub part of the global network of 320 WTCs across 93 countries and more than 1 million companies globally dedicated to fostering high-quality international business environments. In Portugal, the WTC Lisboa Business Club serves as an exclusive platform for executive networking and business development, with ten active committees monthly based and over 2,000 C-level participants since its launch in Portugal in 2022. To support the international growth of Portuguese companies, WTC Lisboa partnered with ELITE, Euronext’s ecosystem for ambitious businesses, and Nova SBE Executive Education to create the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE – a business training programme combining executive education with access to global capital and networks. For more info please visit: WTC - World Trade Center Lisboa - WTC Lisboa and follow us on Linkedin.
About ELITE
ELITE, launched in 2012 by Borsa Italiana and now part of Euronext Group, is the European network of private SMEs which accelerates the process to access private and public capital markets. ELITE’s mission is to support companies by connecting them to capital, skills and network to drive their sustainable growth in the long-term. Based on a unique offer of services and solutions, ELITE combines a calendar of workshops and coaching sessions, supporting entrepreneurs and executives upskilling and empowering their strategic plan and business opportunities. ELITE Companies’ management teams are also guided on how to fast-track their development and how to access the most suitable funding options for their needs, whether the Basket Bonds®, institutional investors, private equity, venture capital or equity markets. With over 2000 companies and 200 partners admitted since the launch, about €20billion have been raised by ELITE businesses through 1200+ corporate transactions, highlighting how dynamic SMEs are once they are provided with an efficient access to private and public markets. For more info please visit: elite-network.com and follow us on LinkedIn using the hashtag #weareELITE