Brazil takes 370 startups to Web Summit and leads the way.

Record delegation in Lisbon marks Brazilian commitment to internationalization.

Brazil arrived at Web Summit Lisbon 2025 with an impressive delegation: more than 370 startups and innovative companies from all regions of the country. The event, held between November 10 and 13 in the Portuguese capital, brings together more than 70,000 people and is considered one of the largest global gatherings of technology and innovation. The massive Brazilian presence was coordinated by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) in partnership with Sebrae.[1][2]

The Brazil Pavilion was officially inaugurated on November 11th at 3 PM by the presidents of ApexBrasil, Jorge Viana, and Sebrae, Décio Lima. The event was attended by prominent authorities, including the Brazilian ambassador to Portugal, Raimundo Carreiro, and consul Alessandro Candeas. Jorge Viana highlighted the agency's commitment: “ApexBrasil maintains its commitment to supporting the internationalization of Brazilian startups, and the Web Summit is one of the main initiatives to achieve this goal.”[1]

What changes for Brazilian startups?

Large-scale participation in Web Summit represents a strategic opportunity for Brazilian companies to expand their businesses internationally. The startups brought to the event present scalable solutions with real potential for global expansion. This type of international showcase is fundamental for companies in the growth stage seeking investors, partnerships, and new markets.

Tech salaries: Brazil leads Latin America

While Brazilian startups gain international visibility, the domestic technology market shows strength. Brazil is a leader in compensation for technology professionals in Latin America, according to a Deel report that analyzed more than 1 million contracts in 150 countries.[3]

The numbers are striking: Brazilian engineers and data scientists receive, on average, US$ 67 thousand per year — the equivalent of approximately R$ 358.9 thousand annually, or R$ 31.8 thousand monthly. This value significantly exceeds Mexico (US$ 48 thousand) and Argentina (US$ 42 thousand).[3]

However, there is an important detail that reveals internal inequality: professionals in sales, marketing, product, and design are still far from the standards of the major global powers. Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom offer average salaries of US$ 150 thousand annually — more than double the Brazilian average.[3]

Micro and small businesses: the engine of growth

In addition to high-growth startups, the Brazilian small business ecosystem is also heating up. In 2024, micro and small businesses accounted for... 96% of opening new companies in Brazil. Of the 3.3 million registered businesses, 3.2 million were micro and small businesses (MEI).[4]

This segment generates approximately R$ 420 billion annually and represents 30% of GDP nationally, reinforcing its strategic importance. By 2025, experts indicate that small businesses should invest in product and service personalization, as well as adopt innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimize operations.[4]

Public innovation and digital transformation

Brazil is also making progress in modernizing the State. The Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) launched the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) as the first Brazilian Digital Public Good, internationally recognized as the Rural Environmental Registry (RER) by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA).[5]

This initiative marks the country's strategic positioning in uniting innovation, sustainability and social justice. Minister Esther Dweck reinforced: “Technology must go hand in hand with sustainability and a commitment to social justice”.[5]

The broader context: Brazil in transformation.

This week’s events reflect a Brazil in motion. On one hand, startups are seeking global markets in Lisbon. On the other, the State is modernizing its structures and the tech job market is offering regionally competitive salaries. Brazil’s participation in the XXX CLAD International Congress in Asunción further reinforces this commitment to digital transformation and federative cooperation.[6]

The Extraordinary Secretary for State Transformation, Francisco Gaetani, summed up the challenge well: “Democracy depends on a State that delivers.” Digital transformation is not just a technological issue—it’s about state capacity, collective engagement, and a sense of purpose.[6]

Photo by Per Lööv on Unsplash