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Brazil brings 340 startups to Web Summit Lisbon, demonstrating its strength in innovation.
Between November 10 and 13, 2025, the Portuguese capital Lisbon hosted the Web Summit, one of the largest global technology and innovation events. Brazil was present with a robust delegation of 340 startups and innovative companies, organized by ApexBrasil in partnership with Sebrae and other entities. The event highlighted the growing decentralization of innovation in the country and the potential of the Brazilian ecosystem, which surpassed the mark of 20,000 active innovative companies in August of this year, with a growth of 30% in one year, according to data from the Sebrae Startups Observatory[1][3].
Growth and diversity of the Brazilian ecosystem
Brazil is among the 30 largest startup ecosystems in the world, occupying the 27th position, in a universe of more than 150 million global startups, according to the Startup Ecosystem Index 2025. The country stands out for its regional diversity, with the Southeast accounting for 35.8% of innovative companies, but with a strong presence also from the North and Northeast, which are gaining space and visibility in the global market[1][3][4].
Furthermore, female participation in technology entrepreneurship is advancing: almost 30% of Brazilian startups are led by women, highlighting the search for greater diversity in the sector[3].
Investments and expansion in the Brazilian startup market.
The third quarter of 2025 showed clear signs of recovery in the Brazilian venture capital market, with R$2.1 billion raised in 27 transactions, a growth of 231% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to a report by ABVCAP in partnership with TTR Data. The highlight was information technology and financial product startups, which concentrated more than 80% of the resources. Significant rounds, such as those of QI Tech (R$350 million) and NG.Cash (R$147 million), led by international funds, reinforce confidence in Brazil's potential [2].
Despite the IPO market still being “frozen”, the sector moved R$ 2.88 billion in exit operations, demonstrating liquidity and interest from strategic investors in the country[2].
Regional startups are gaining prominence on the international stage.
Ceará, for example, brought four startups to the event after standing out at the Siará Tech Summit, showing how strengthening the local ecosystem has generated concrete results. Startups such as Love Technology (IT recruitment), Hublocal (digital management) and Soffia (health management) are examples of regionally based innovation seeking internationalization[4].
In Rio de Janeiro, Invest.Rio organized the Lisbon 2025 Mission, taking ten selected Rio-based startups to connect their projects with global investors and partners, reinforcing the state's potential as a technological hub[5].
Impacts and perspectives
Brazil's presence at Web Summit Lisbon 2025 is not just a point of exposure, but a reflection of Brazil's maturation and consolidation as a benchmark for innovation in Latin America. Regional diversity, female inclusion, and the growing volume of investments point to a promising scenario that can strengthen the country in increasingly competitive global markets.
The challenge now is to maintain the growth rate, expand the internationalization of startups, and ensure that the Brazilian technology ecosystem continues to attract investors, foster job creation, and boost the national digital economy.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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