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Brazil leads delegation at the largest global technology event.
Between November 10th and 13th, 2025, Lisbon transformed into the world epicenter of innovation and technology with the Web Summit, one of the largest global events in the sector. Brazil made a historic appearance with a record delegation of approximately 380 startups, the largest ever sent by the country to the event, according to data from ApexBrasil and Sebrae.
Expansion and diversity of the Brazilian ecosystem
The growth of Brazilian startups is remarkable: the country recently surpassed the mark of 20,000 active innovative companies, with an increase of over 301,000 startups in just one year, according to a survey by the Sebrae Startups Observatory. This expansion reflects the decentralization of innovation, with companies emerging in various regions, including the North and Northeast, traditionally less represented in the technological landscape.
Economic impact and international opportunities
Brazilian participation in the Web Summit has yielded concrete results. In 2024, the delegation secured business deals exceeding 15 million euros. The event attracts over 70,000 participants, including 2,500 startups, 1,066 investors, and 953 speakers, among them leaders from tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and IBM, who discuss critical topics such as artificial intelligence, governance, and sustainability.
The investment potential in artificial intelligence startups is estimated at US$380 billion by 2025, and could reach US$500 billion by 2026, putting pressure on the market to seek quality, governance, and social impact, according to experts present.
Initiatives and innovation in strategic sectors
Tourism, an important sector of the Brazilian economy, gained prominence with the presence of eight startups selected by Embratur, which present solutions focused on sustainability, data, and new experiences to modernize the segment. Projects supported by EmbraturLAB and partnerships with giants like Google and TikTok reinforce the commitment to the digital transformation of tourism.
Furthermore, public programs focused on training, assisted microcredit, and debt resolution are being implemented to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the startup ecosystem in the country.
Representation and the future of innovation
The event also highlighted the diversity and leading role of women in the sector: in 2024, 441 of the startups present were founded by women, who represented 421 of the participants and 371 of the speakers, record numbers for the event. This plurality reinforces the maturity and potential of the Brazilian ecosystem.
Through collaboration between ApexBrasil, Sebrae, Embratur, and other institutions, Brazil is consolidating its position in the global innovation landscape, attracting investors and reinforcing its image as a country that combines creativity, market scale, and public policies to drive technology.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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