Podcast about the subject Listen on Spotify
Brazil in the international spotlight while grappling with a digital security deficit.
The week ending this Thursday (November 13th) marks a turning point for the Brazilian startup and innovation ecosystem. While ten companies from São Paulo participate in the Web Summit Lisbon — one of the largest technology events on the planet, with 70,000 participants — the country reveals structural weaknesses in cybersecurity that threaten precisely this growth.
Accelerated internationalization
The SP Global Tech program, from the São Paulo State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with Invest SP, is carrying out its second international mission, taking selected startups to the Web Summit Lisbon (November 10-13). The event brings together more than a thousand speakers and a highly qualified audience composed of CEOs, founders, investors, researchers and global leaders from the sectors of artificial intelligence, fintech, digital marketing, sustainability and venture capital.[1]
It's not just São Paulo that's knocking on the door of the international market. Startups from Paraíba are also gaining visibility in Portugal during the same event, highlighting the partnership with the local government and Sebrae.[7] Simultaneously, Dynadok is participating in the 4CIO 2025 Mission in Porto de Galinhas (PE), connecting Brazilian companies to the American IT market between November 12 and 16. The event brings together more than 70 foreign companies, including Sumitomo Chemical America, Scotiabank USA and New York Life Insurance. Willian Valadão, partner and co-founder of Dynadok, will present innovative solutions with plans for international expansion in 2026.[1]
The Brazilian paradox: growth without security.
While startups are advancing globally, a national report reveals the ecosystem's Achilles' heel: only 35% of companies involve security teams in the development of new products. The data, from the first National Cybersecurity Report launched by Cyber Economy Brazil, indicates that most organizations still do not adopt the principle of "security by design".[2]
The study surveyed approximately 350 professionals and assessed ten dimensions of digital security — governance, culture, technology, business continuity, and innovation. The result shows that the country operates at an intermediate level of cybersecurity maturity, with a national average of 60%. The main bottlenecks are in the areas of leadership, strategy, and organizational culture.[2]
Technically, the scenario is mixed. 87% of companies have active firewalls and 52% use multifactor authentication in critical systems. However, the gap is evident: 43% still do not apply Artificial Intelligence in a practical way, although 68% recognize its strategic value. Another worrying fact: 59% of companies do not translate cyber risks into language understandable to senior management, and 57% lack clarity about their own risk appetite.[2]
The talent market is hot, but uneven.
Brazil leads Latin America in compensation for technology professionals, according to Deel's The State of Global Compensation 2025 report, which analyzed more than 1 million contracts in 150 countries. Brazilian engineers and data scientists receive, on average, US$$ 67,000 per year.[3]
However, there is significant internal disparity. While technical areas have competitive salaries, professionals in sales, marketing, product and design are still far from the standards of the major powers. In Engineering and Data, men earn US$$ 88,000 compared to US$$ 62,000 for women. In Product and Design, the difference is smaller (US$110,000 for men, US$$ 96,000 for women), but still present.[3]
One phenomenon stands out: 84% of technology contracts are for freelancers (ICs — Independent Contractors), especially in Engineering and Data. In Product and Design, the rate is 79%, while in Sales and Marketing, it is 55%. This practice allows companies to reduce costs and gain agility, but it brings regulatory challenges and the risk of precarious employment.[3]
Innovation with purpose at COP30
In Belém, during COP30, Brazil is showcasing socio-environmental impact initiatives. The Impacta Brasil Portal, the first virtual showcase for connecting national and international investors, launched with 351 businesses focused on climate solutions. The platform is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) with the Alliance for Impact and Climate Ventures, with partnerships from Caixa Econômica Federal, Apex Brasil, BNDES, Quintessa and Impact Hub.[5]
Finep announced three new public calls, including the Pró-Amazônia call, which allocates R$ 150 million for research infrastructure in the Legal Amazon. Between 2023 and now, more than 400 startups have been supported by programs such as Tecnova, Centelha, Inovacred and direct economic subsidies.[6]
Banco do Brasil has signed a letter of intent with the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) to raise 350 million euros to support women entrepreneurs and the implementation of clean energy in the Legal Amazon.[4]
What changes for you?
The scenario reveals a crossroads: Brazil exports talent and innovation at an accelerated pace, but imports increasing cyber risks. Startups that conquer global markets need to simultaneously solve digital security issues that are not yet mature internally. For investors, the message is clear: growth without governance is a trap. For professionals, the window of opportunity in AI and data is real, but precarious work through freelancing is a reality that demands regulatory attention.
The shift in mindset is happening: more than 601,300 companies recognize cybersecurity as a competitive advantage. But recognizing it isn't the same as doing it. The next step is to transform this awareness into practice, before weaknesses compromise the leading role Brazil has achieved on the international stage.
Photo by Mario Gogh on Unsplash
English