Samba, Scale, and 27 Portuguese Startups in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, June 8 to 11, 2026

Web Summit Rio is back, and Portugal is heading across the Atlantic once again. From June 8 to 11, a Portuguese delegation of 27 startups will take part in one of Brazil’s leading technology and innovation events, with the support of Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisboa.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisboa are present at the event, supporting Portuguese startups as they explore one of the most relevant international markets for companies looking to scale beyond Europe.

The startups selected by both entities are travelling to Rio de Janeiro through Startup Portugal’s Business Abroad program, which supports the presence of Portuguese startups at major global technology events, as well as through Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s internationalization support programs.

Why Brazil, why now

For Portuguese startups, Brazil remains a strategic market. Its size, dynamic ecosystem, and cultural proximity create a strong foundation for companies looking to accelerate their international expansion, build partnerships, and access new growth opportunities.

This year’s delegation brings together companies from several sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Human Resources, Health Tech, and Defence. Together, these startups employ 269 people across Lisbon, Funchal, Aveiro, and Mirandela, and have raised more than €20 million in investment.

Business Abroad spotlight

At Web Summit Rio, the Portuguese delegation will have the opportunity to connect with investors, companies, ecosystem players, and potential partners in Brazil and beyond.

The Portuguese delegation at Web Summit Rio includes:

• Good Casting – Digital platform that connects talent with brands and production companies, helping manage casting and selection processes in the media and entertainment industry.
• ambi. – Recruitment and employer branding platform that supports companies in attracting talent through content strategies and digital positioning.
• sheerME – App that helps consumers find, book, and pay for beauty and wellness services, with cashback and additional benefits.
• Drivenly – AI-based growth consultancy that helps companies scale through the automation and integration of marketing, sales, and operations.
• Minve – Marketplace for buying, optimizing, and reselling businesses, especially designed for non-professional buyers.
• iTRecruiter – Recruitment platform that uses AI and automation to find technology professionals on a global scale.
• TIMEPLACEME – AI-based platform that connects places and experiences, transforming unused availability into discovery opportunities.
• CyberX – Cybersecurity startup developing services such as penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and social engineering to protect systems and applications.
• Enline – Develops AI-based digital twins for electrical grids, helping optimize assets, predict failures, and improve energy efficiency.
• Nearsoft – Technology company developing digital solutions and software platforms to support the digital transformation of organizations.
• coalex.ai – AI governance platform that works as a “decision firewall”, blocking high-risk decisions and ensuring auditable records for regulatory compliance.
• e-Security.BIO – Cybersecurity and digital trust platform that combines AI, biometrics, cryptography, and blockchain to authenticate and verify documents and communications.
• DIG-IN – Data platform for the restaurant sector that uses technology and AI to analyse the market and support decision-making.
• B10SEC – Cybersecurity company focused on identifying vulnerabilities and protecting digital infrastructure and data.
• Deeploy – AI-driven community platform specialized in UX/UI design recruitment and outsourcing.
• Agrophenols – Develops high-value compounds from agricultural and food waste.
• AiVA – Platform to publish and discover AI agents, creating a single space to create, distribute, and use them.
• Autonurture AI – Provides advanced AI-based virtual agent solutions designed to help companies optimize and scale their operations.
• GreenCheck – Redefines ESG certification through Artificial Intelligence and blockchain, making sustainability compliance faster, more accessible, and transparent.
• Fluid HR – AI agent platform that automates operational and analytical tasks, including sourcing, screening, qualification, and onboarding follow-up.
• Q-LIRI – Accessible AI assistant based on agents that complements daily work and supports healthcare professionals’ workflows.
• Vibbe – Vibbe Hub simplifies how entrepreneurs structure and grow their businesses by integrating accounting, legal, and strategy into a single platform.
• Draiven – Uses Generative Artificial Intelligence to enhance the use of business data, ensuring its integration with ERP systems and databases.
• SmileIn – Facial recognition access control platform designed for institutions of any type or size.
• MyCareforce – Platform that connects nurses and caregivers to available shifts, making resource management in the healthcare sector easier.
• Tamarin – Premium clinical and behavioural health platform focused on solving the main financial bottleneck in modern weight loss: treatment adherence.
• Swonkie – Social media management platform focused on digital agencies, centralizing scheduling, analytics, competitor monitoring, community management, and social listening in one place.

Building bridges between Portugal and Brazil

By joining Web Summit Rio, Portuguese startups gain access to one of the most important technology stages in Brazil, while strengthening the connection between the Portuguese and Brazilian innovation ecosystems.

With a shared language, close cultural ties, and growing collaboration between both markets, Rio is once again a natural destination for Portuguese founders looking to expand internationally.

Want to learn more about the program and upcoming missions? Explore Business Abroad.