$280 / month
Start free, decide later
Rui is the CEO of Build Up Labs, a startup incubator. He has more than two decades of experience as a software engineer, entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor, and also serves as Chief Innovation Officer at comOn. He mentors entrepreneurs and CEOs on business validation, strategy, growth, and fundraising. He helps founders validate ideas, set focused startup plans, and find early market fit and clients.
Based on 22 verified mentee reviews
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Rui is incredible. So thorough, thoughtful, and intelligent. I have had an amazing experience with him and would recommend him to anyone. Just who I was looking for!
Standard Plan • 5 months
5 out of 5 stars
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!
Lite Plan • 6 months
5 out of 5 stars
Working with Rui was amazing. He was always a great and helping mentor. He taught me all the things I was doing wrong and helped me find a new direction that I was looking for. I would 100 % recommend Rui mentorship to everyone who is working in saas industry or looking to find some niche industry to work in.
Standard Plan • 2 months
A clear read
You tell Rui your goals before session one, so nothing is guesswork.
A plan built around your goal
Rui reviews it and shapes your first week around what you actually need.
Your first concrete steps
You leave session one knowing exactly what to do, and a weekly rhythm to keep it going.
Rui Gouveia
CEO at Build Up Labs - Startup Incubator
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Rui has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Rui
Connect with Rui in a quick call (usually 15-20 minutes)
One-off sessions with Rui
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
Do you want a quick, thoughtful and unbiases opinion for a specific question?
Brainstorm with an experience startup mentor about any pending decision or challenge. Unbiased. Thoughtful. Actionable.
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Rui says about their trial:
We'll meet for a quick call where we:
- Break the ice and introduce ourselves
- Discuss your goals and how I can support you
- Coordinate logistics like time zones, meeting frequency, and communication methods.
If by the end of the call it doesn't feel like a perfect match, any one of us can cancel, no questions asked, no hard fellings, just best wishes!
