September 2026 — June 2027 · Lisbon
The Fellowship
9 months · CohortApplications open
A nine-month learning journey for forty leaders building organisations of consequence. Cohort-based, immersive, and deeply human.
Apply
A school for purpose-driven leaders
Learning that moves the world forward.
We bring together founders, artists and changemakers for honest conversation, lasting friendships and the courage to do work that matters.
Our intent
We believe the next chapter of business is being written by small giants — those who choose meaning over scale.
For more than a decade we have gathered remarkable humans into rooms, forests, and quiet retreats — to question what success really means and to remember that we are not alone in trying.
Upcoming
Events & gatherings
MAR 14·Gathering
Long Table Dinner: The Art of Slowing Down
An evening of food and unhurried conversation in the hills outside Lisbon.
APR 02·Workshop
Writing Your Founder Story
A two-day intensive with author and editor Joana Mendes.
MAY 18·Retreat
Silent Mornings, Honest Afternoons
Three days off-grid to reconnect with the work that matters most.
Programs
Learning experiences for the long road.
May 2026 · Comporta
Founders' Retreat
5 days · RetreatFilling fast
Five days off the grid for solo founders at a turning point. Walks, fires, long meals, and the questions you have been avoiding.
Apply
A note from us
"We are interested in the founders who measure success in years, not quarters — in the artists who make work that lasts, and in the leaders quietly building the world we wish to live in."
— The Small Giants Team
Join the communityThe people
A small team. A vast network.
Behind every program is a group of humans you can call by name — and a wider circle of mentors, hosts and friends.
Sofia Albuquerque
Co-founder & Director
Former editor turned community builder.
Tomás Vieira
Head of Programs
Designs the Fellowship and the Founders' Retreat.
Inês Carvalho
Editorial Lead
Curates the magazine and the podcast.
Rui Bettencourt
Partnerships
Connects our community with the wider world.
In their words
“I came in tired and a little cynical. I left with five friendships I will keep for life and a clearer sense of why I started this in the first place.”
Marta Reis
Founder, Atelier Reis
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In good company
Patagonia
Tony's
B Lab
Aesop
Allbirds
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Oatly
Patagonia
Tony's
B Lab
Aesop
Allbirds
Kin Euphorics
Oatly
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