At this year’s edition of the SIM Conference 2026 in Porto, Wonderfund and the SCALE’HER consortium joined innovators, investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders from across Europe to strengthen one common goal: creating more inclusive pathways for innovation to scale.
Throughout the event, SCALE’HER had an active presence through its dedicated booth, where participants could learn more about the accelerator programme, connect directly with consortium representatives, and explore how Europe’s women-led deep-tech startups can access tailored support for growth, market expansion, and investment readiness.
For Anne Charlotte Joubert, project coordinator, participating in SIM Porto was about more than visibility; it was about building meaningful European connections that translate into long-term impact.
“Events like SIM Porto remind us that innovation grows through collaboration. SCALE’HER exists to help women-led deep-tech ventures access not only funding opportunities and go-to-market acceleration, but also the networks, visibility, and strategic partnerships needed to scale across Europe,” shared Anne Charlotte Joubert, Founder of Wonderfund.
One of the highlights of the programme was the Connecting Circle session titled “Scaling Abroad: Insights into European Markets.” The format encouraged participants to move between discussion circles, exchanging experiences and practical insights on entering new markets, navigating cross-border growth, and understanding the realities of scaling innovation internationally. The session created a dynamic environment for honest conversations between founders, ecosystem builders, and innovation supporters.
SCALE’HER also took the stage during a reverse pitch session, where the consortium presented the accelerator programme directly to founders and innovators attending the conference. The session focused on the programme’s mission to support women-led startups operating in strategic digital and deep-tech sectors through tailored acceleration, leadership support, market validation, and investor matchmaking opportunities across Europe.
Another key moment of the conference was “The Multiplier Effect” panel discussion, moderated by Anne Charlotte Joubert. The conversation brought together Mary McKenna from Awaken Angels and Joana Pinto from Lampsy Health to discuss how collaboration, inclusive investment ecosystems, and strategic support networks can create ripple effects for women entrepreneurs and innovators across Europe.
The panel explored the importance of visibility, access to capital, and ecosystem-wide cooperation in accelerating the next generation of women-led ventures. Discussions also highlighted the role investors, accelerators, and innovation programmes play in reshaping the European startup landscape into one that is more equitable, connected, and opportunity-driven.
As SCALE’HER continues its mission across Europe, SIM Porto 2026 served as another important reminder that real innovation happens when ecosystems come together — across sectors, countries, and communities — to create opportunities that scale beyond borders.
At Wonderfund, we remain committed to building those bridges between innovation, inclusion, and impact.