Scaling AI in LATAM: How Google Cloud and Google for Startups achieved top-tier leads at scale

For Google Cloud and Google for Startups, Web Summit Rio serves as a strategic platform to cement their commitment to Brazil’s rapidly expanding tech landscape and to connect with LATAM’s future unicorns.

“This is Google for Startups’ second year at Web Summit Rio. While we approached our first presence with caution, the ROI was outstanding,” explains Giulianna Domingues, the Marketing Lead for Startups at Google Cloud. “When planning our 2026 strategy, it was clear we needed to come back bigger, better, and with a much stronger narrative.”

Reaching the right founders at scale

By the second day of the event, the activation had drawn over 2,000 attendees.

For Google Cloud and Google for Startups, success on the event floor is measured by the sheer volume of top-tier connections.

“Web Summit has a highly qualified audience while maintaining the volume that we expect from these types of conferences,” highlights Giulianna.

The event provides a crucial touchpoint for Google to understand the challenges that business leaders face and a vehicle to demonstrate how it can support their growth journey.

“For us, it’s really important to connect with founders and CTOs, COOs for these startups that are going to be the next unicorns, the next big companies.”

Fábio Coelho, President Brazil & VP, Google, speaking at Center Stage of Web Summit Rio.

Web Summit’s rigorous vetting process categorizes companies into distinct groupings, from early-stage startups to high-growth scaleups. This gives partners the clarity they need to perfectly align their solutions and customize their support for founders at every phase of growth.

Hands-on AI: Demonstrating versatility and power

The Google stand allowed attendees to get hands-on with cutting-edge AI technology, putting Gemini and Google Cloud products front and center. By allowing users to test models, Google effectively showcased the speed, trust, and convenience of its offerings.

“I don’t think people fully realize how amazing our Gemini and Google Cloud products are until they try them out. It’s hard to grasp the true capability of the technology until you experience it firsthand.”

Google stand allowed attendees to get hands-on with cutting-edge AI technology.

A deep commitment to education and training

After announcing a goal in 2025 to train one million Brazilians in AI, Google returned to Center Stage to announce they had not only hit that goal but were now committing to training three million people for free.

“It was a true full-circle moment for us. Google Cloud is deeply committed to empowering Brazilians through education, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

Building the future of AI, block by block, at the Google for Startups booth.

The results speak for themselves. By the second day of the event, the activation had drawn incredible traffic, reaching over 2,000 leads.

Ready to position your brand alongside industry giants and global tech leaders? Explore Web Summit Rio partnership and exhibition opportunities today.