Marco Fernandes

Marco Fernandes is an Adjunct Assistant Professor (part-time) at NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE), where he coordinates a Field Lab on Entrepreneurial Finance. He concurrently serves as an Executive Board Member of ANACOM – National Communications Authority. Previously, he held senior executive roles including CEO of PME INVESTIMENTOS, SA, PORTUGAL VENTURES, SCR, and leadership positions in Mutual Guarantee Societies. His career spans over 25 years in finance, entrepreneurship, and public policy.

Education: PhD in Economics (ISCTE-IUL, 2015), Master in Management and Industrial Strategy (ISEG, 2004), and a Degree in Economics (ISEG, 1995). Executive education includes programs at INSEAD, UC Berkeley, and Nova SBE. Research focuses on Entrepreneurial Finance, Venture Capital strategies, Sustainable Finance, and Public Policy impacting innovation ecosystems.

Professional History Highlights:

• Executive Director at DNA Cascais (2015–2021), fostering innovation ecosystems
• Management consultant in Portugal and CPLP countries
• Early career at Aicep and CGD

Current roles emphasize bridging academic research with practical finance solutions for startups and SMEs through blended finance mechanisms and policy frameworks.