The Startup Ecosystem of Brazil

To further advance its startup economy, Brazil can benefit from improvements in several areas. To name a few, reducing high interest rates, improving the level of English proficiency, and executing much-needed business reforms will pave the way to unlocking the country’s potential. It’s encouraging to see the Central Bank of Brazil has reduced interest rates, however they are still relatively high on a global level. Public policy initiatives include InovAtiva Brasil, StartOut Brasil, and Capital Empreendedor, as well as new legal frameworks for startups that are aimed at supporting and promoting startup expansion. Brazil also boasts a number of government organizations, such as Invest.Rio, Invest São Paulo, and Agência Curitiba de Desenvolvimento e Inovação that are involved in promoting the startup ecosystem and attracting investment. Additionally, Brazil’s engagement with the global business community is evident as it hosts international events such as the South Summit Porto Alegre and Startup20 Macapa, the latter being an event linked to the G20 that took place this year in Brazil.

For Brazil to maintain its startup ecosystem development and encourage more startups, public institutions should keep focusing on promoting the country to foreign investors and entrepreneurs. In 2025, Brazil will host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), an event that will significantly enhance the branding of its startup ecosystem by showcasing the country’s strengths in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and carbon credits. Scheduled to take place in the Amazonas region, this area has seen rapid development, particularly in cities like Manaus, Macapa, and Belem. Companies such as Navegam and Proesc highlight the region’s innovative ecosystem, further positioning Brazil as a leader in sustainable development. Considering the vast potential of the market and a population of more than 200 million people, Brazil’s tech ecosystem meets all the prerequisites for rapid growth. This is demonstrated by a growing number of unicorns, most of which cater to the local market. As the country has vast areas of arable land, startups in the agricultural industry are gaining more traction. The government supports this sector, and initiatives such as Radar AgTech Brasil provide insights into recent development. We can only hope the pro-business climate endures while Brazil maintains, protects, and leverages the unique natural resources of this beautiful country to expand the reach of its startups beyond the local market.