Rui Gouveia

CEO @ Build Up Labs - Startup Incubator
Mentoring Entrepreneurs and CEO's on Business Validation, Strategy, Growth, Fundraising
Portugal 5.0 (27 reviews) Active this week Usually responds in half a day

Services

$290 / month

For entrepreneurial minds ideating or building a business and looking for guidance and expert advice

2 calls per month (45min/call)

Unlimited Q&A via chat

Expect responses in 24 hours or less

Hands-on support

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About

Serial Entrepreneur | Startup Mentor | Angel Investor | Strategic Advisor

With over two decades of experience as a software engineer, entrepreneur, and investor, I’ve built, scaled, and advised ventures across multiple industries. Today, my mission is to empower entrepreneurs and CEOs to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.

As the CEO of Build Up Lab — a venture studio and startup incubator — I work hands-on with international startups at every stage of their journey, providing strategic guidance, actionable feedback, and the network they need to succeed. I also lead innovation initiatives as Chief Innovation Officer at comOn, a digital marketing agency.

Beyond my own ventures, I serve as a mentor for leading entrepreneurial programs, including:
- Founder Institute
- EIC Women Leadership Programme
- Startupbootcamp
- Demium
- Santander X

What I bring to the table:
- Honest, constructive feedback tailored to your goals
- Strategic vision and product-market fit expertise
- A strong global network across tech and startup ecosystems
- An empathy-driven, active listening approach
- Deep experience in digital transformation and scaling operations

If you’re a driven founder seeking guidance, clarity, and momentum — I’m here to help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock your venture’s potential.


What mentees say

Guillaume

Guillaume

5 out of 5 stars

Standard Plan · 
3 months

Rui is an experienced mentor providing excellent, actionable advice. We use the tools he provided us in our team every day.

Christopher

Christopher

5 out of 5 stars

Pro Plan · 
2 months

Rui is a great mentor who takes the time to listen thoughtfully while sharing helpful insights. I got a lot from our sessions together and he has a wealth of knowledge about business development, startups, ideation, and market research. Will hire again when I need some more guidance.

Alessandro

Alessandro

4 out of 5 stars

Lite Plan · 
1 month

Rui is a great mentor

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This is how real progress happens

Mentees who work with a mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than those going it alone. Long-term mentorship means fewer false starts, more focused sessions, and support that builds week after week.

  • In the top 1% of all mentors on MentorCruise
  • Over 38 mentees helped
  • 27 verified reviews, rated 5.0 out of 5
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