Melanie Ligeiro

I’m passionate about contributing to the growth of early-stage entrepreneurs and purpose-driven ventures, particularly in emerging markets and Portuguese-speaking countries. Mentoring allows me to share not only technical knowledge on topics such as business modeling, access to finance, or go-to-market strategies—but also real-life insights gained from working closely with startups, incubators, and impact programs across Europe and Africa.

What motivates me most is the opportunity to help founders transform ideas into sustainable solutions by guiding them through critical decisions, building their confidence, and connecting them to relevant tools and networks.

My key focus areas are early-stage validation, value proposition development, investor readiness, and strategic partnerships. I also enjoy helping teams align their business growth with social or environmental impact.

Ultimately, mentoring is a two-way process. It helps me stay connected to grassroots innovation, challenge my own perspectives, and contribute to inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. I believe that with the right support at the right moment, one conversation can shape the trajectory of a founder and their mission.

I mentor because I strongly believe in giving back to the startup ecosystem and supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate the early, often uncertain, stages of building a business. Having worked closely with founders, incubators, and innovation programs across different markets, I’ve seen firsthand how targeted guidance at the right moment can make a meaningful difference.
At the same time, mentoring offers me a unique lens into emerging industries, business models, and technologies, allowing me to continuously learn and stay ahead of trends. It’s also a valuable opportunity to identify promising founders or ventures for potential advisory roles, board positions, or even future investments.
Beyond individual interactions, I see mentorship as a way to build strong, reciprocal networks opening doors for collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing that benefit both the entrepreneurs I support and the ecosystem as a whole.
Finally, I mentor not only to contribute, but also to stay actively engaged with innovation, connect with driven people, and co-create opportunities that have long-term impact.