We recently introduced Tech Hubs in Portugal — a product-driven take on the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model to launch or expand product design and engineering teams in 🇵🇹 without spending months on setting up a local entity, recruiting, or dealing with compliance. Serving as the perfect timezone bridge, Portugal has been welcoming big tech players such as Revolut, Zendesk, Datadog, Cloudflare and, most recently, Upwork. And we believe we’ve built the right model to support other tech companies to follow suit and leverage the multiple benefits of setting up a hub in Portugal.

What sets Pixelmatters apart

Pixelmatters always had a culture that stands for high-quality standards and a commitment to building teams that care deeply about the outcome. More than a decade crafting digital products led us to:

• A strong presence in Portugal with deep local connections, including top universities.

• A powerful reputation as a leading digital product studio in Portugal and a great place to work.

• More than 80% of our clients are US-based tech companies, supporting strong cultural alignment.

• Work with on-demand product teams that blend design, engineering, and product management.

Furthermore, when partnering with Pixelmatters, our clients work with people, not a vendor. We show up as teammates who care about the craft and the quality of the outcome. Here's what we never compromise on:

• Smooth integration – We plug into our clients’ tools, rituals and workflows, share the same goals, and keep communication simple and regular.

• Bias to action – We act when something needs attention. We raise issues early, propose a fix, and write decisions down so everyone knows the path forward.

• Quality by design – Quality is built into how we work, not checked at the end. Reviews, continuous integration, release health, and short learning loops keep standards high without adding noise.

We’re proud to have partnered with household names in the tech industry – and continue welcoming new ones.

A fresh take on the BOT model vs traditional outsourcing

We build hubs, not headcount. Hence, it is not simply about buying capacity from Pixelmatters; it is about building hubs that actually moves the needle for the businesses, with real product outcomes. The difference shows up in how incentives work, how talent is vetted, the mindset behind decisions, how teams scale, and how AI is used in day-to-day delivery:

• Incentive: Traditional outsourcing optimizes for adding more contractors. We, on the other hand, optimize for driving real impact on the product. We structure teams around outcomes, not utilization.

• Talent: In traditional models, the vetting burden sits largely on the client side. In our model, we use an already proven recruitment process and a solid performance framework to ensure the best talent is working on the product.

• Mindset: Traditional outsourcing favors quantity and headcount. We favor quality and business results. The goal is fewer, better people working in a disciplined system that ships meaningful work.

• Scaling philosophy: “More people = more output” creates noise and a coordination tax. We challenge headcount by asking why, defining clear goals, then recommending the right team size for the outcome. If automation can remove work, we do that before hiring.

• AI adoption: Often ignored in traditional frameworks. In our hubs, AI is integrated into workflows to boost impact and efficiency.

Our approach in practice

Start lean. Prove fit. Scale deliberately. That is the spine of our model.

Stage 1: Pilot Squad (~0 to 6 months)

We stand up a fully managed, multidisciplinary team recruited, vetted, and progressively onboarded by Pixelmatters so our clients can validate the model without opening a local entity. We handle recruitment, accounting, and legal on their behalf. Employer of Record is also available.

The goal is to validate the operating model while shipping real product work from week one.

Stage 2: Scale-Up (~6 to 18 months)

Once fit is proven, we ramp to a team of 10 to 30 people with shared leadership and full operational and legal guidance. Delivery cadence, hiring, and standards mature without losing the company’s DNA.

Stage 3: BOT or Carve-Out (~12 to 24 months)

We prepare and execute the handover. That includes a knowledge-transfer playbook, documentation, process ownership, and an exit under clear SLAs. The allocated team and operating model continue on the client side at the end of the agreed window. Pixelmatters remains available as a partner if prompted.

The engagement model built for flexibility

Build+Operate – Our Core Offer (months 0 to 12)

We run a dedicated team as the client’s execution arm whilst handling HR, legal, accounting, and day-to-day ops. Commercials are straightforward: a standard client–studio retainer with a 12-month minimum, and a 30-40% discount during the trial period.

With this model, these are included from day one:

• On-demand team across Product Design, Engineering, and Product Management. Hired and vetted by Pixelmatters. Onboarded progressively, with potential employment transition to our client’s entity after 12 months.

• Operational coverage including HR, legal, accounting, and access to temporary office space. Optional Employer of Record and local representation, including power of attorney.

As the hub matures, we act as an on-the-ground operator in Portugal, putting the foundations in place. Once the model is working, we include pre-agreed transition windows in our offer so they are available if and when our clients choose to move people to their own entities. The priority is building a healthy, sustainable hub and helping the organization establish properly within the Portuguese ecosystem.

Transfer+Scale – Add-On (months 12+)

This package complements the core offer with non-core services that lighten the load of setting up and running a Portuguese entity. The aim is simple: reduce operational overhead so focus stays on the product.

Again, commercials are kept simple: 12.5% management fee on monthly hub costs (with a €10,000 per month minimum, on a 24-month min engagement). Alternative engagement structures can be explored when strategic alignment is established.

With this package, further benefits include leadership and operational guidance such as vetting and supporting local hires, scouting optimal office locations, bridging communication between HQ and Portugal, and navigating local regulations and business practices.

Living proof: the UJET.cx case

UJET.cx, a global cloud contact center platform, partnered with Pixelmatters to establish and grow its Portugal hub. We stood up operations quickly and are now running multiple product teams, with more than 20 people involved, and helping UJET in various high-stakes initiatives for the business.

While the team is still expanding and UJET is laying its foundations in Portugal, the focus remains the same: de-risk setup, protect quality, and help UJET grow its business.

Quick answers

How fast can Pixelmatters get a team live?

Typically, within 4 to 8 weeks with staged onboarding. We accelerate the start by plugging in our internal team while we recruit. Our strong employer brand gives us access to a pre-vetted talent pool, so we can ramp quickly while maintaining quality standards.

What is included in the Build+Operate retainer?

A dedicated multidisciplinary team plus HR, legal, and accounting support, temporary office space, and optional EoR. Our clients get real output without the operational drag.

How does the transition process work?

We plan and run the handover. That includes talent transition, potential hiring, office setup, compliance workflows, and operating playbooks aligned to the client’s culture.

Can the team scale down or pause?

Yes. The model allows teams to scale up or down based on changing needs.

How is Pixelmatters different from outsourcing vendors?

Unlike traditional outsourcing, we focus on de-risking the operational setup from day one, whilst laying the foundations for an autonomous hub with a smooth transition strategy. Our team becomes an extension of our clients, with full cultural alignment and a path to independence.

What legal and compliance support does Pixelmatters provide?

During Build+Operate, legal and compliance frameworks are handled by Pixelmatters as the employer. We then provide guidance during the Transfer+Scale phase, which can include potential employees' transition to the local entity, labor law compliance, tax obligations, and regulatory requirements specific to Portugal.

How does the team transition to a client’s local entity?

After the initial 12 months of the engagement (Build+Operate), we set pre-agreed transition windows. During these windows, eligible team members can move from Pixelmatters to the client’s entity. Moves are planned in advance, bundled to reduce disruption, and supported by us, so the employer change is smooth and continuity is protected. All moves occur with individual consent and in line with local law.

If you are exploring a Portuguese hub, or you tried to do this solo and felt the friction, let’s talk. Get in touch or email hello@pixelmatters.com.