Between the 1^st and the 4^th of May 2023, all eyes are set on Rio de Janeiro. For the first time since it was created, Web Summit is heading outside Europe towards Latin America – one of the biggest hot points in today’s technology market.

The passion for technology and the desire to invest in pioneering technologies is one of PrimeIT’s mottos. The ambition to always be one step ahead leads us to cross the Atlantic and be present at the next edition of Web Summit, with a stage set in Brazil.

Web Summit: where the future is born 

Created in 2009 by Paddy Cosgrave, David Kelly and Daire Hickey, the world’s biggest technology event brings together some of the greatest names in technology, attracting tech enthusiasts, start-ups, and public and political figures.

The technology conference has transformed the Portuguese capital into one of the largest technology hubs in Europe and welcomed almost 70,000 people in its last edition in Lisbon. The same magic can now be replicated in Rio de Janeiro: Web Summit Rio will be the first edition of the event outside Europe and promises to bring 15,000 people to the Brazilian city.

Why Brazil?

For a long time, Latin America has had a thriving tech ecosystem and impressive growth across the region. Although a number of enthusiasts found the choice of the Cidade Maravilhosa odd, Web Summit has chosen Brazil as its new global stage to showcase the best in technology.

Latin America is a hot point for technology and Brazil is possibly the hottest country right now, full of top IT professionals. According to Paddy Cosgrave, co-founder of the event, Brazil is the only country in Latin America among the top ten markets with unicorns and has been building up an international reputation.

Brazil is considered a “sleeping giant” that is gaining ground in the technological field thanks to its rapid evolution, investments, and a record number of unicorns. Besides having 21 unicorns, the IT sector showed a 300% growth in 2022 compared to the previous year. Thus, the time has come for Brazil to have its own global reunion of the technology community.

What is expected from Web Summit Rio: in the eyes of Brazil and PrimeIT

Web Summit generated over 200 million euros in the Portuguese economy during the week it took place and contributed to world-renowned companies deepening operations in Portugal, creating over three thousand new jobs. Brazil now expects the same result with this edition of the technology conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The expectations for Web Summit Rio are getting higher and higher and it is hoped that the conference will help the Brazilian city not only become a global innovation hub but also a more technological and sustainable city. One of the main aims of the event is to showcase the best that Brazil has to offer, encouraging investment in the country through potential international partners and clients.

Web Summit Rio intends to act as a bridge to reach several world markets – one of the benefits that PrimeIT pays attention to in this edition in Latin America. Through Prime Nearshore, a global partner present in over 50 cities worldwide, PrimeIT expects Web Summit Rio to be the ideal opportunity to find new clients with interesting projects and growth potential.

Brazil is seen as a chance for us to grow globally, not only because of its presence in the Latin market but also because of its proximity to the United States – a point of maximum interest for the expansion of our technological market.

A short guide to Rio

Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant and culturally rich city and one of the most visited destinations in the world. The Cidade Maravilhosa, as it is popularly known, is a true paradise of football, samba, carnival, beaches, heat, and delicious food.

If traveling to Rio de Janeiro in May is part of your plans, the best tip is to plan your days to get the most out of your trip. Web Summit days are going to be quite busy with thousands of people gathering in one place over the four-day event. Even so, you should try to save a few hours of your day to explore the city.

In case you haven’t planned your itinerary yet, we leave you some suggestions of what you can’t miss:

• Christ the Redeemer: one of the 7 Wonders of the World
• Copacabana and Ipanema beach: the most famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro
• Pão de Açucar Mountain: an unmatched view of the city
• Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow): a reference in technology and sustainability

As for what to try while you are there, the options in Brazilian gastronomy are endless. However, do not leave the city without tasting one of these delicacies:

• Feijoada: one of the most typical dishes of Brazilian cuisine
• Cheese bread: the Brazilian recipe that conquered the world
• Coxinhas de frango: the king of Brazilian savouries
• Brigadeiro: the key dessert at the Brazilian table
• Caipirinha: the official Brazilian cocktail

Between the 1^st and the 4^th of May 2023, take the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds: technology and a rich Latin American culture. In case you are curious to know more about our project presented at Web Summit Rio, talk to us ou pay us a visit at the stand E111 at Web Summit!