Brazil leads global wave of startups in Lisbon.

Brazil highlights its innovation ecosystem at Web Summit.

Between November 10th and 13th, Lisbon transformed into the world epicenter of innovation with the Web Summit 2025. The event, which brings together more than 70,000 participants and around 2,500 startups, featured Brazil as a highlight, with a record delegation of approximately 380 startups and innovative companies. The country had its largest representation in history, consolidating its role as a technology reference in Latin America.

Brazilian delegation and international impact

Organized by ApexBrasil, Sebrae, and other entities, the Brazilian delegation was composed of startups from various sectors, including tourism, energy, health, and technology. According to data from the Sebrae Startups Observatory, Brazil surpassed the mark of 20,000 active innovative companies in August 2025, a growth of 301% compared to the previous year. The country occupies the 27th position in the global ranking of startups, according to the Startup Ecosystem Index 2025.

Among the initiatives, the Brazil-Portugal Internationalization Seminar, held in Lisbon, provided a space for strategic meetings with international investors and partners. The president of ApexBrasil, Jorge Viana, highlighted that Brazil is today a hub of innovation, with scalable solutions that are generating global interest.

Key sectors and business opportunities

Tourism was one of the sectors most valued by the Brazilian delegation. Eight startups from EmbraturLAB, specializing in solutions for the sector, presented technologies based on AI, blockchain, and neuroscience applied to the tourist experience. According to Roberto Gevaerd, Director of Management and Innovation at Embratur, there are real business opportunities that combine technology and revenue, driving the modernization and sustainability of the sector.

In addition to tourism, areas such as energy, digital transition, quantum computing, and advanced robotics were also highlighted. The potential for investment in AI startups in Brazil is estimated at US$380 billion in 2025, and could reach US$500 billion in 2026, according to experts.

Ecosystem consolidation and global trends

The Web Summit 2025 also showcased the consolidation of the global startup ecosystem. Large companies such as Cloudflare, Meta, Qualcomm, Microsoft, IBM, and Adobe participated in the event, debating the main themes and challenges of the technological world. The event highlighted diversity and female entrepreneurship, with 44% of the startups present founded by women, the highest rate ever recorded.

Globally, the venture capital market is experiencing growth after years of decline. AI, cybersecurity, and software infrastructure startups are leading investment rounds, with mega-transactions shaping the M&A landscape. The number of unicorns continues to grow, especially in areas such as generative AI and healthcare.

Impacts and perspectives

Brazil's presence at Web Summit 2025 reinforces the country's potential as an innovation hub. The event serves as a platform for internationalization, connecting with investors, and forging strategic partnerships. The growth of the Brazilian ecosystem, coupled with the diversity of sectors and the focus on sustainability, positions Brazil as a leading player in the global startup scene.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash