SURFnCODE
ABOUT SURFNCODE
SURFnCODE is a venture studio based in Porto, founded in 2018, that operates on a co-founder model at pre-seed and seed stage across deep tech, AI, product, and venture building. Rather than acting as a passive investor, it partners deeply with hand-picked founders on product, strategy, operations, and fundraising, effectively serving as a co-founder. The team includes former Skype, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon seniors who hold more than 100 patents collectively, and it draws on venture partners from Luminous Ventures. SURFnCODE is led by Co-Founder and CEO Shadi Mahassel, alongside co-founders Koen Vos and John Chang. Its portfolio includes Kaldi. By combining hands-on venture building with senior product engineering experience, SURFnCODE co-creates early-stage deep tech and AI companies from the ground up in northern Portugal.
INVESTMENT THESIS
Co-founder model: partners deeply with founders on product, strategy, operations, and fundraising. Deep technical expertise from world-class product backgrounds (Skype, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon).
INVESTMENT DETAILS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What stage does SURFnCODE invest at?
SURFnCODE invests at Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What sectors does SURFnCODE invest in?
SURFnCODE focuses on Deep Tech, AI, Product, Venture Building.
Where is SURFnCODE based?
SURFnCODE is a Venture Studio based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2018.
Who are the partners at SURFnCODE?
Key people at SURFnCODE include Shadi Mahassel (Co-Founder & CEO), Koen Vos (Co-Founder & Chief Scientist), John Chang (Co-Founder), Isabel Fox (Venture Partner (Luminous Ventures)).
What companies has SURFnCODE invested in?
SURFnCODE's portfolio includes Kaldi.
Can I invest in SURFnCODE's funds as an external investor?
SURFnCODE operates as a venture studio rather than a classic LP-backed fund; it does not run a standard fund subscription process.
How do I contact or pitch SURFnCODE?
You can reach SURFnCODE via their website (www.surfncode.io). You can also run your startup through Portugal VC's AI matcher to get a ranked shortlist of the investors that fit.