“The focus on cybersecurity”: At the core of The Rock

Based in Gouveia, The Rock is the first incubator in Portugal exclusively dedicated to cybersecurity. With a clear focus on supporting entrepreneurs in this critical sector, it offers both physical and virtual incubation models tailored to the specific needs of cybersecurity startups. We spoke with Nuno Ramos, Managing Partner at The Rock, about what sets this initiative apart and how it’s helping build a stronger ecosystem for cybersecurity innovation in Portugal.

This content is available in Portuguese.

– How did The Rock come about? What kind of projects do you incubate?

The Rock is the first incubator entirely dedicated to cybersecurity entrepreneurship. It was founded by a group of entrepreneurs with a strong track record in the field, specifically in the cybersecurity sector.

The goal is to promote and develop cybersecurity entrepreneurship by providing startups with specialized support in the area, access to a network of contacts, and both technological and management mentoring and coaching.

– What does your incubation model look like?

The Rock has physical facilities in Gouveia, which include office spaces for companies, training rooms, meeting rooms, coworking areas, and even a dedicated on-demand SOC (Security Operations Center), allowing startups to develop projects with clients.

However, from our perspective, no one should have to relocate in order to be a cybersecurity entrepreneur. That’s why we offer both physical and virtual incubation. In both models, startups benefit from full support and mentoring, as well as access to events and the physical resources available in the Gouveia building of The Rock.

– Can you tell us the story of a startup that stood out in your incubator? And where did incubation make a difference?

We can speak in general terms about a startup with a very interesting and high-quality product — truly unique — that was at a standstill. The entrepreneurs were dedicating their time to jobs that ensured a monthly income, and the startup project was on hold.

We learned about the startup and its product and spent nearly a year encouraging the entrepreneurs to join The Rock, participate in events, and focus more clearly on the project.

Since they finally joined The Rock, in just a few months we managed to have the product assessed, confirm its quality and resilience, introduce it to potential clients and investors, identify leads, and support proof-of-concept efforts. Today, this startup is considered one of the most promising in terms of growth potential.

– What makes your incubator stand out? In other words, what do you offer that helps startups succeed?

The focus on cybersecurity and the deep knowledge and recognition in the sector — both at a business and institutional level — allow us to transfer real value to the incubated companies.

– What are the main challenges of incubation in your specific context?

The main challenges are identifying the right projects and entrepreneurs, and communicating the advantages of joining The Rock. After that, it’s about contributing to their success through the structure and support network we provide.

Another major challenge is finding the right capital partners to support the growth and consolidation of projects. That’s why The Rock is developing an acceleration program that combines technological, management, and marketing mentoring with venture capital, offering a package designed to benefit the most promising startups.

– Is there any news, event, or initiative you’d like to share with us?

We’re very excited that this past June, during C-Days (the largest cybersecurity event held in Portugal), The Rock signed a protocol with the Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity (LHC). The aim is to foster strong exchange and knowledge-sharing between cybersecurity startups from both countries, giving them access to each other’s markets and thus promoting internationalization within the EU market. We believe this will be an excellent opportunity that all startups incubated at The Rock will benefit from.

ABOUT #INCUBXDISCOVERIES

#IncubXdiscoveries is Startup Portugal’s monthly feature that will help you discover Portuguese incubators. What projects they incubate, how they manage their community and what success stories they’ve had and future projects are some of the topics covered in these interviews.

If you’d like to find out more about The Rock, either because you’d like to see your project incubated in this region or because you’d like to establish a partnership, contact the Startup Portugal team at incubadoras@startupportugal.com.