Top Mentor

Rui Gouveia

CEO @ Build Up Labs - Startup Incubator

Save

Top Mentor

Rui Gouveia

CEO @ Build Up Labs - Startup Incubator

Save

5.0

(28 reviews)

Mentoring Entrepreneurs and CEO's on Business Validation, Strategy, Growth, Fundraising

Portugal

Speaks English and Portuguese

Active yesterday Usually responds in half a day

Skills

Services

$180 / month

Anyone looking for a thoughtful lateral thinking mentor to question assumptions and validate plans.

1 call per month (30min/call)

Unlimited Q&A via chat

Expect responses in 2 days

Hands-on support

Book an intro call

No credit card required

$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

Book an intro call

No credit card required

$410 / month

Best suited for CEO's feeling lonely at the top and looking for an empathetic and experienced mentor

4 calls per month (30min/call)

Unlimited Q&A via chat

Expect responses in 24 hours or less

Hands-on support

Book an intro call

No credit card required

Starting from

$180 / month

1~4 calls/month depending on plan

Unlimited Q&A via chat

Expect responses in 48 hours or less

Book an intro call

See all plans No credit card required

1 other mentee just applied!

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

Sort by: Recommended

Rui is a very strong mentor for product development and sales strategy! He has development approaches that can help any startup in early stage to find the market fit and early clients. Within more then half a year with Rui we had a big turn around with Rui, secured our early partners and we start growing from here! Thanks so much!

Luka

Lite Plan • 6 months • September 1, 2025

Luka wrote 1 more review for the same mentorship

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

Guillaume

Standard Plan • 3 months • December 26, 2024

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.