This week on the roundup: meetups, new members, expansion, stunning venues, clarity and purpose, circular approaches, sunshine, evolution, inspiring destinations, collaboration, employees, legal practices, brand perception, sustainable data center practices, urgent challenges, donations, performance, blending in, content creation, outstanding events, ecosystems, scalability potential, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN highlights of the week:

We shared pictures of the lunch with INVEST NI in Porto organized by the Porto Business School – IPBN members based in Porto had the chance to meet up and network last week on March 27 with a delegation of Invest Northern Ireland client companies participating in the "Leadership Team Ambition to Scale" Programme. The lunch took place at the Porto Business School, an IPBN Academic Partner.

We introduced our new member Rydentech Ltd. represented by Hafedh Ridene. Rydentech aims to become a leading advisory and consultancy firm specializing in IT Business Process Automation.

We shared a new Podcast with loyal IPBN member Hilary O’Shea from Otonomee. If you're a job seeker looking for remote-first employment opportunities or, conversely, if you're a business looking to expand to Portugal and beyond with remote talent helping you cross the finish line, this is the podcast you've been waiting for! Tune in and hear the whirlwind story of Otonomee, what inspired its creation, key milestones, global teams, remote-first expansion, challenges and benefits of scaling internationally, current partnerships, and Otonomee's exciting future plans as told by Hilary O'Shea, COO of the company.

We highlighted the venue of our AGM to take place next Thursday April 10 at the Locke de Santa Joana – Join us there for our AGM, open to members only. The network's Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 10th from 11h30 to 13h in Lisbon at the stunning Locke de Santa Joana of Locke Hotels, and we couldn't be more excited.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Ardanis said, "Happy 9th Birthday to Ardanis! Nine years ago, we started with a vision. Tech done right, with clarity and purpose. Through talent, inspired innovation and excellence we’ve built solutions that matter. Today, we stand stronger than ever - driving change, delivering impact. The journey continues, to be part of what's next."

IPBN member Gavin McBride at Enerview Solutions posted, "I would like to thank the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult team and all of the ECO WIND Cluster members who attended this week's networking event in Creative Spark Dundalk, based around the offshore renewable (OSW) sector. ORE Catapult in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Welsh Government engaged with cluster members to develop opportunities for enabling circular approaches to offshore wind decommissioning in the Irish Sea."

IPBN member Tony Macken is using LED technology to mimic the Sun’s performance and bring the sunshine indoors. Listen to Tony’s message from the ski slopes!

IPBN member Alexandre Calapez says Sustainability is growing without compromising the future. "What does it really mean to grow sustainably? As businesses and governments seek ways to evolve without depleting resources, are we doing enough?"

IPBN member Cheryl Smith is honored to be featured in the March 2025 edition of Travel Temptations as part of the World Luxury Travel Awards! "Being recognized alongside other inspiring destinations is a proud moment for us at Figs on the Funcho. Our Eco-Friendly Glamping experience is designed for travelers seeking a sustainable retreat—where nature, culture, and relaxation come together in harmony."

IPBN member Philippe Brodeur is excited to connect with clients and partners at the Retail Technology Show in London! "Discover why Overcast HQ is the preferred video collaboration platform for over 10,000 retailers in the marketing and e-commerce space."

IPBN member Artur Cardoso started April in the best possible way! He posted, "A month full of properties sold, CPCV signed, and new bookings! I want to express my deep gratitude to all the employees of this great family, Casas do Sotavento, for their exceptional work and tireless dedication. Together, we continue to do business full of success!"

IPBN member JGSA - Jardim Gonçalves & Associados shared, "It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of partner and lawyer Pedro Leão Trigo to the JGSA - Jardim Gonçalves & Associados team. After an eleven-month break at the service of the Assembly of the Republic, Pedro Leão Trigo returns to what is also his home and to the practice of law. At a time of strong activity and expansion of society, being able to count on the expertise, dedication, and commitment of Pedro is a very relevant reinforcement for the team, and that fills us with enthusiasm. Welcome back!"

IPBN member Cravo do Mato Business Marketing Services shared that design influences (and a lot!) the perception of your brand. "A well-structured website and a consistent visual identity convey credibility and attract more customers. Are you sure your brand communicates the right message?"

IPBN member Techies Go Green is delighted to announce that Equinix Ireland has kindly given them the opportunity to tour one of their newest data centres in Dublin 15. "Interested in learning about sustainable data center practices and touring a facility in person? Join us on April 15th at 11:00 AM in Dublin 15. Exact address provided upon registration; limited spaces are available."

IPBN member ArcAirTech shared, "Displaying our innovative solutions today at the Warm and Safe Homes Summit 2025! We are working with housing providers to tackle one of the sector’s most urgent challenges: mold and damp. Our nature-based technology eliminates up to 99.9% of mold— both in the air and on surfaces."

IPBN member IN2 Engineering is fundraising for Children's Health Foundation and Temple Street Children's Hospital and would love to reach their target, so every donation counts. "Thank you to everyone who has donated already. And a big thank you to the Westmeath Independent for sharing our story in this week's edition."

IPBN member Invoke Creative Agency is where strategic branding meets seamless web design. "A refined identity, a high-performing website, and a digital presence designed to evolve. From concept to execution, we create brands that cut through the noise and websites that work as hard as you do. Looking to do the same? Let’s talk about your next project."

IPBN member Barbara Monahan posted, "Here is a question every small business owner should ask: Is my brand connecting with my audience – or am I just blending in? The truth is, today’s customers don’t just want to buy a product or service. They want to feel a connection. It's a fast-moving world, where attention is hard-won."

IPBN member Jo James is celebrating her 6-year Book Launch Birthday! "I won an award 2 months after it was published in the International Book Awards ‘Business Sales’ category. After all these years I love hearing how the content still creates results! Readers tell me they love the format and can pick it up for some clearly written advice they can action! Super proud, thank you to all my readers. Keep messaging me with feedback and any questions."

IPBN Academic Partner Jose Esteves, Dean at Porto Business School shared, "This week, we had the privilege of hosting an outstanding event at Porto Business School - The 'What’s Next Summit 2025,' powered by our Innovation X Hub. This summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, and global entrepreneurs for bold and insightful conversations on today’s most pressing and complex challenges."

IPBN member Sam Marchetti remembered, "Always nice to take a step back and look at what's being done across the ecosystem at any one point in time... As of April 1st, ConsortiaCo is actively working with 27 Public Sector Organisations across 57 individual projects, supporting Social Enterprise and SME clients on sustainable growth and development."

• IPBN member Pine Hill International said, "Startups, this is your opportunity. If you have an innovative startup established less than 10 years ago with a strong digital or technological component and with scalability potential, this incentive is for you. Startup Portugal in partnership with IAPMEI, I.P. - Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação, launched a new notice of the program 'Vouchers for Startups – New Digital/Technological Products,' which offers financial support of €30,000 to boost innovative digital projects."