Invest.Rio: “Web Summit is where you find the key players who actually drive the innovation ecosystem”

Invest.Rio’s strategic partnership with Web Summit Rio enables them to connect public actors, international investors, and visionary startups to build a lasting ecosystem.

They found the most value in facilitating connections between local startups and international stakeholders. These curated interactions proved to be a valuable source of monumental investments, including securing a $550 million American fund for the new ‘Rio Energy Bay’ data center park.

Sidney Levy, President at Invest.Rio, highlighted how the organization’s objectives at the event centered on bridging crucial networking gaps and fostering high-level collaboration.

“We believe that there are several bricks that build this system and one of them is the connection between the actors that make this ecosystem work. And Web Summit is the right place, it’s the right moment, it has the right branding to make this connection,” Levy explains.

Scaling from local potential to global reach

When Invest.Rio evaluated its goals, the leadership team wanted a platform that encouraged Brazilian companies to adopt a mindset of worldwide expansion. At Web Summit Rio, they found a highly qualified environment focused entirely on business and scalable growth.

“Here, you truly have people who are looking to start companies or invest in companies, or companies that use technology. Web Summit Rio is where you find the key players who actually drive the innovation ecosystem.”

InvestRio found the most value in facilitating connections between local startups and international stakeholders. These curated interactions proved to be a valuable source of monumental investments, including securing a $550 million American fund for the new ‘Rio Energy Bay’ data center park.

Sidney Levy, President of InvestRio, speaking at the Corporate Innovation Summit.

“[Web Summit] is a favorable environment that puts the right people in the right place to exchange ideas.”

After an inspiring event at Web Summit Rio, the organization has acquired historic funding and generated success cases, like Dharma, a Brazilian artificial intelligence startup, that will support them in their goal of scaling local companies to a global audience.

From visibility to velocity on Center Stage

Beyond facilitating connections on the exhibition floor, Invest.Rio also took their mission directly to the attendees. Sidney Levy joined Maria Luísa Aldim, councillor at Lisbon’s Municipal Chamber, on Center Stage for a critical conversation titled After the spotlight: how cities turn a global moment into a lasting tech economy.

The discussion provided a grounded look at how host cities can leverage temporary global visibility to build years of long-term economic momentum. 

By sharing these strategic insights, Invest.Rio reinforced its core message: their presence at the event is not just about momentary attention, but about securing the velocity needed to drive long-term, sustainable growth.

Transforming Rio into a global tech hub

A central theme of Invest.Rio’s mission is the environment that allows it to thrive: Rio de Janeiro itself. Invest.Rio credits the city’s robust talent and capital generation as drivers of its success, and Web Summit Rio offers them a fitting environment to expose these assets to a highly educated, tech-driven audience of young opinion makers.

Showcasing Rio as the ultimate destination to live, work, and invest.

For InvestRio, the partnership with Web Summit is more than just a sponsorship, it is a catalyst for culture, innovation, and a lasting legacy for the city.

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