Built Different: MELLA x Web Summit Week
Where Culture, Connection & Visibility Collide
Hey fam,
Web Summit week is around the corner — and this year, we’re showing up # BuiltDifferent.
As an official Web Summit 2025 Community Partner, MELLA Supply is curating experiences that bring together Black and PALOP founders, investors, and allies to connect, collaborate, and amplify our collective visibility.
No panels. No pressure. Just people, purpose, and presence.
Here’s where you’ll find us:
Sunday, Nov 9 — THE GATHERING
📍 Asha’s Place, Lisbon
15:00 – 19:30
Our warm-up before the Summit begins.
No panels or pitches — just good energy, drinks, and conversation.
RSVP here
Tuesday, Nov 11 — African Diaspora Founders Meetup with MELLA Supply
📍 Community Space (within Web Summit)
10:00 – 10:20 AM
Meetup Type: Community
Join founders from across the African continent and Diaspora for an intimate meetup exploring how African entrepreneurs tackle challenges with creativity, resilience, and impact.
Limited to 100 people — first come, first served.
Add to your schedule
Nov 11–13 — Pop-Up Hour: Find Your People
📍 MEO Arena (Daily)
16:00 – 17:00
Your daily anchor inside Web Summit.
A visible, informal meet-up point where Black and PALOP founders, investors, and allies can connect, recharge, and share stories.
No agenda — just people showing up and finding each other.
Nov 11–14 — MELLA SUPPLY The Community TableS: Small Table, Big Conversations
📍 The Fam Kitchen
19:00 – 22:00
Our nightly dinner series is hosted at one of Lisbon’s Black-owned restaurants.
Each evening, founders, investors, and creatives come together for meaningful conversations about business, culture, and collaboration.
Dinner Schedule & RSVPs:
Community Events We’re Supporting
Because collaboration is the culture.
We’re proud to stand with partners building community and visibility across Lisbon this week.
Tech Connect Africa Events
Afterparty: AFRICAN NIGHT SUMMIT – AFRO-BEATS EDITION
📍 Black Label, Passeio Neptuno 25K (Marina, Lisboa)
Tuesday, Nov 11 | 6 PM – 12 AM
The Web Summit energy doesn’t stop with the talks—it explodes on the dancefloor!
Join Black Hills Events x Tech Connect Africa for the official African Web Summit Afterparty—a night celebrating rhythm, innovation, and connection.
It's the perfect opportunity to network and unwind to the best of Afrobeats.
Masterclass: AI x African Culture — Preserving Identity, Powering Innovation
📍 Web Summit — Masterclass Area 2
Thursday, Nov 13 | 11:00 – 11:45 AM
Hosted by Tech Connect Africa (techconnectafrica.com)
A powerful fireside session exploring how AI can preserve and amplify African culture — from language and music to storytelling and fashion.
Speakers:
Keziah Larbi, Tech Connect Africa
Prince Crentsil, Senior AI Engineer, Microsoft (United States)
LumoHubs Events
Rhythm & Roots Mixer — Innovation Meets Culture
📍 Rhythm & Roots Lisbon
Monday, Nov 10 | 7:00 PM
Hosted by LumoHubs
A night designed to inspire meaningful conversations and global collaboration.
Connect with founders, creatives, and investors through music, culture, and community.
Free entry — RSVP here
Powered by @lumohubs, in partnership with @africanwit, Rhythm & Roots Lisbon, and Bella.
The Legacy Edition — Networking at Mapogo’s
📍 Mapogo’s The Legacy, Rua da Conceição da Glória, nº 4, Lisboa
Wednesday, Nov 12 | 8:00 PM
Hosted by LumoHubs
We’re bringing the energy, connections, and culture to Mapogo’s The Legacy this Web Summit week.
Join an evening where global innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives come together to connect and celebrate community.
Free entry — RSVP here
Powered by @lumohubs, in partnership with @africanwit, Mapogo’s The Legacy, and Bella.
Get Your Event Featured
Are you a Black or PALOP founder, creative, or community organiser hosting an event during Web Summit week?
We want to spotlight you.
📩 Email us at msupply@mellasupply.com with your event details so we can help promote it to our network.
Why We’re Doing This
Because visibility is power, and connection multiplies impact.
This week isn’t just about being at Web Summit — it’s about showing up differently.
Every meetup, dinner, and partnership builds the foundation for a stronger, more visible Black business ecosystem — one that thrives in Portugal and across the Diaspora.
Stay Connected
📸 Tag your moments → #BuiltDifferentLisbon #MELLASupply
🔗 Join the movement → mellasupply.com
📍 Follow the journey → @mellasupply
