Episode 12 | DEALS com Gonçalo Almeida – talking with Tiago Rebelo
- Harbor Partners
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Today I have the privilege of hosting Tiago Rebelo, founder of SWEE, an artisanal ice cream brand that started as a dream at the age of 22 and quickly conquered the Portuguese market – and beyond. Recognized by Forbes as one of Europe’s most promising young talents in the consumer sector, Tiago has been consistently building one of the most inspiring cases of food entrepreneurship in Portugal.
In this episode, we dive into the journey that brought him here: from his curiosity about the food industry to the moment he decided to launch an ice cream brand in such a competitive market. We talk about SWEE’s first steps, the early doubts, the key moments when he felt the brand gaining traction, and what fascinated him about this seemingly simple but demanding segment.
We discuss the strategies that helped SWEE stand out, from creating unique flavors to building a consistent brand identity, and what it was like to manage growth while staying authentic. We also explore the behind-the-scenes story of Delta joining as a strategic partner: what led to that decision, how the conversation started, and how this collaboration transformed the management, structure, and ambitions of the brand.
Tiago also shares the biggest lessons learned from opening up capital, the advice he gives other founders in similar phases, and the bold moves he is preparing for SWEE’s future, including new markets, products, and ways to scale while keeping the brand’s creative DNA intact.
In the end, we reflect on what, in his experience, gives true structure to a lasting project, and what drives him daily to keep innovating, growing, and inspiring other entrepreneurs.
A direct, honest, and idea-packed episode for those who believe it is possible to turn a passion into a reference business, with strategy, courage, and flavor.
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📌 Usefull Links:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-rebelo-893021156/
🔗https://www.instagram.com/swee.portugal/
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📱 Follow us:
Gonçalo Almeida
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gon%C3%A7aloalmeida/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goncalombalmeida/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goncaloalmeidadeals/
🔗 Twitter/X: https://x.com/goncalomalmeida
🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goncalombalmeida
Harbor Partners
🔗 LinkedIn: https://pt.linkedin.com/company/harborpartners
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harborpartners/
🔗 Twitter/X: https://x.com/Harbor_Partners
🔗 Website: www.harborpartners.pt
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🎥 This episode was recorded by ID Studios.
⚠️ All rights reserved to Harbor Partners.
Guests participated with full knowledge and explicit consent for the recording and distribution of this interview. Unauthorized reproduction, editing, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.
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