Brazilian Startups Gear Up for Web Summit in Lisbon While Local Markets Boost Small Businesses

On November 8, Brazilian entrepreneurs gathered in Lisbon to rehearse their pitches ahead of the Web Summit 2026, which runs from November 9 to 12. Eighteen startups, selected to present at the Brazilian Pavilion in an international mission coordinated by Sebrae and ApexBrasil, practiced under the guidance of consultant Roberto Machado to refine their presentations and ease the stress of such a major global event. Cristina Mieko, head of startups at Sebrae, emphasized the importance of this preparation as part of a structured internationalization effort that began well in advance with online support. Participating startups include Budd.ie, focused on mental health innovation, whose founder Ana Quiroz shared how practicing improved her public speaking skills, and TrindAI, which uses AI to evaluate tech job candidates and looks to attract European clients. Overall, around 300 Brazilian startups spanning sectors like AI, health, energy, and sustainability will showcase their innovations, aiming to foster connections with international investors. This event follows a successful 2025 Web Summit, which generated $2.6 million in closed deals and $16 million in future opportunities for Brazilian companies.

Meanwhile, back in Brazil, the city of Várzea Grande hosted the penultimate edition of Feira da Família on November 5. Held monthly at the Paço Municipal, the event promotes local entrepreneurs and family farmers by providing a venue to sell their products directly to the community. Offers ranged from cheeses and sweets to traditional Brazilian dishes like chicken stroganoff and pork ribs, serving not only as a commercial boost but also a social gathering for public servants and residents. Secretary Ricardo Amorim praised the initiative's role in supporting small business owners and pledged full attendance through the year, hinting at a special program for December's final fair. Together, these initiatives highlight how Brazilian startups and local businesses are stepping up their visibility and economic opportunities both internationally and at home.