Overview
Web Summit Rio
Schedule
Opening Night - Limited capacity
Opening Night of Web Summit Rio takes place on Sunday, April 27, at the Riocentro exhibition and convention centre.
From earth to orbit: Forging a sustainable space future
The space industry is booming, with advancements ranging from moon landings to asteroid mining, making the future of space exploration more attainable than ever. But how can we leverage space technology to address Earth's most pressing environmental challenges? Join this session as Sara Sabry, astronaut and founder of Deep Space Initiative, shares how her new company STRIVE aims to use space exploration to develop innovative solutions for climate change, as well as her mission to make space accessible for all.
The fight for eyeballs: what’s next for broadcasting?
n an era defined by mobile-first consumption, the dominance of ad-driven social media, increasing political pressures, and the overwhelming competition from streaming giants, the future of traditional broadcasting becomes pivotal. Head of Globo Studios and Globo TV Amauri Soares will dissect the multifaceted challenges facing established players and explore critical strategies for maintaining leadership within the industry.
Breakout Startups
Get ready to witness a showcase of tomorrow's industry leaders, as innovative startups pitch their disruptive ideas and cutting-edge technologies. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy session filled with groundbreaking concepts, from revolutionary AI applications to sustainable solutions, all vying for your attention and potential investment.
The secret to startup hyper growth
While global VC investment has cooled, some startups are defying the trend—and growing fast. Kicking off our event in Rio, this high-energy session brings together founders from three breakout companies in diverse industries, all on hyper-growth trajectories. What’s fueling their momentum? Let's find out.
Agentic AI - the next quantum leap in artificial intelligence
Move over generative AI it's time for Agentic AI. This next breakthrough promises to be better, smarter and faster. What is it, and what will it mean for you? Join this session with Nvidia to learn more.
Let’s talk TikTok: the creator playbook for 2025
Creator marketing has never been more important for your business. A recent study by Influencer Marketing Hub found that 63% of consumers trust influencers more than brands. So how do you build an effective creator marketing strategy in 2025? And how can brands and creators collaborate effectively and adapt to the changing content landscape? Join this session to learn the winning creator strategies for the world’s most popular platform.
The state of LatAm VC in 2025
LatAm's VC landscape is evolving fast—startup funding has stabilised but is still far behind the record highs a few years ago. Join top investors as they unpack key trends, emerging opportunities, and the future of startup funding in the region.
Creators: The next gen of small business
The rise of the creator economy offers an incredible opportunity for individuals to utilize their talents for income, and for companies to capture their share of a large and dynamic opportunity. The next generation of small business owners, driven by Gen Z and young Millennials, are reshaping the business landscape with their innovative use of social channels and digital tools. It's time to revolutionize the financial system and empower the creators who are driving the future of business.
From Twitter to the White House: Elon Musk’s play for power
Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter was just the beginning. In this session, the authors of Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter explore how Musk has expanded his influence to the highest office in the Western world. Discover the strategies he’s carried over from his Twitter reign to his unprecedented role in the White House—and what it means for the future of power, politics, and technology.
From Brazil to the world: A new era of global banking
Learn from Jeeves Co-founder & CEO Dileep Thazhmon how Brazilian businesses are going global with innovative banking solutions, creating new opportunities, and transforming financial landscapes worldwide.
Scale or sale: What next for your startup?
Will 2025 see a revival in startup exits? Explore the key trends influencing exit strategies, from IPOs to M&A activity and startup-buying-startups.
Breakout Startups
Get ready to witness a showcase of tomorrow's industry leaders, as innovative startups pitch their disruptive ideas and cutting-edge technologies. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy session filled with groundbreaking concepts, from revolutionary AI applications to sustainable solutions, all vying for your attention and potential investment.
TikTok and the power of discovery: Ivete Sangalo's viral journey
TikTok is redefining how we discover, connect, and engage with content. From humorous videos to science hacks, the platform has transformed how we connect, learn, and explore. In this session, we’ll dive into the phenomenon of discovery on TikTok through the lens of Ivete Sangalo’s experience during Carnival. Learn how Ivete leveraged TikTok’s unique power of reaching new audiences and creating cultural moments to elevate her brand.
Forecasting COP30
World Climate Foundation CEO Jens Nielsen and activist Nathalie Kelley unpack what’s at stake at COP30—from tech’s role to global policy shifts—in their forecast of the road ahead.
Wake me up before AI takes over
Join artist Aloe Blacc and founder Kayvan Nikjou as they explore AI’s evolving role in creative industries. What makes human creativity unique in an AI-driven world? Who owns AI-generated content, and how does it impact originality?
Collaborative innovation in banking and telecom
Claro and Nubank are transforming their industries by redefining customer control through digital innovation. In a world where simplicity and autonomy are essential, the two companies joined forces to create solutions that put the user at the center of the experience. NuCel is a powerful example of what happens when two giants break industry silos, merging connectivity and financial services into a seamless, customer-first proposition. This panel will explore how technology and a collaborative mindset can challenge the status quo and unlock new value for consumers.
AGI: How soon is now?
Luis Silva, CEO of CloudWalk, predicts Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will emerge sooner than we think, revolutionizing industries and reshaping human potential.
The strategy behind streaming in Brazil
As competition in the streaming industry heats up, how are platforms attracting and retaining audiences in Brazil? This session explores the biggest challenges in engaging viewers, the evolution of streaming business models, and the role of advertising in driving growth from two of the biggest players in the market.
Let's chat about the power of conversations with Giovanna Antonelli
Drawing from her own journey — from actress to entrepreneur and mentor — Giovanna Antonelli shares how she has always prioritized listening, interacting, and creating authentic connections. She explores how social media has amplified our ability to connect deeply with our audiences. In this chat, she’ll show how, with creativity and a personal touch, even the most automated messages can become powerful bridges for real relationships.
Scamdemic: Fintechs fight against fraud
Every fraudster has one thing in common, a bank account. In this session, our panel explores the challenges facing both consumers and fintechs, and how fintechs are fighting back
Behind the headlines: A new era of storytelling
Join Danilo Luiz, professional footballer for Brazil’s national team & CR Flamengo, and co-founder of Voz Futura, Pedro Pirim Rodrigues, as they explore how purpose-driven content can reshape the future of media, shifting the focus from negativity to narratives that inspire and drive change. They discuss how Voz Futura is leveraging education, entertainment, and technology to redefine storytelling, influence societal discourse, and build a more positive and impactful media landscape.
Breakout Startups
Get ready to witness a showcase of tomorrow's industry leaders, as innovative startups pitch their disruptive ideas and cutting-edge technologies. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy session filled with groundbreaking concepts, from revolutionary AI applications to sustainable solutions, all vying for your attention and potential investment.
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks with Web Summit's own Ricardo Lima
Agents as allies: Essential skills for working alongside AI agents
As AI agents move beyond simple prompts to become autonomous collaborators, the workforce is on the brink of a major transformation. This panel will explore how employees and students can future-proof their skills, how businesses should adapt to an AI-augmented workplace, and what seamless human-AI collaboration will look like. Join industry leaders as they discuss the strategies needed to thrive in an AI agent-enabled world.
A tale of two cities: The great divide in venture capital
Venture capital is increasingly divided—AI vs. everything else, growth vs. profitability, seed vs. later stages. Investor and entrepreneur Hernan Kazah unpacks these divides and how they’re shaping the future of funding.
The AI foods you never knew you needed
From a ‘no pee’ hydrating lollipop to the most indulgent chocolate brownie without cocoa, AI is redefining what’s possible in food innovation. NotCo’s AI platform, Giuseppe, is transforming how brands develop one-of-a-kind food and beverage products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of taste, indulgence, and quality. But this isn’t just about novelty—it’s about solving real industry challenges while delivering exquisite, premium experiences consumers crave.
The promise and peril of fintech
Can fintechs really deliver on their promise of financial inclusion, or are they just another form of disruption? This talk will dive into how fintechs are helping reshape the financial landscape, offering essential services to underserved populations while challenging traditional banking models.
The tech playbook for building beloved brands
The relationship between technology and brand building is stronger than you think. Join this panel of agency and marketing leaders to explore how brands are using tech to discover new audiences, create compelling narratives, and power storytelling on a global scale.
Opening Remarks
Microsoft's bet on Brazil
President of Microsoft Brazil shares insights on the company’s largest investment in Brazil in 36 years—advancing AI and cloud infrastructure while upskilling the workforce to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Scaling impact from São Paulo to Siberia
From São Paulo to Yakutsk, Alessio Silva Alionçoand (Pipefy) and Arsen Tomsky (inDrive) are building global tech platforms that prioritize fairness, transparency, and local empowerment. In this conversation, we explore how innovation outside Silicon Valley is reshaping the rules of growth — and what the next generation of capitalism might look like.
Putting the AI in to audit
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionise all industries, the key challenge for professionals and businesses alike is to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape. In this session, Vidya will explain how her company uses AI to augment the auditors job but not replace it.
Tech, truth, and the constitution
In a time of global disruption and digital dominance, how do democracies hold the line? Supreme Court President Luís Roberto Barroso joins Ronaldo Lemos for a wide-ranging conversation on truth, technology, and the evolving role of institutions in the age of Big Tech.
The AI catalyst: Redefining labor
AI is rapidly reshaping economic models by automating human-driven processes, unlocking unprecedented profitability, and enabling businesses to enter new markets and serve customers in innovative ways. Nowhere is this disruption more apparent than in sectors reliant on repetitive and manual work. This conversation examines how forward-thinking companies can strategically harness AI, embrace a full-stack approach to automation, and redefine their competitive edge in an AI-driven era.
Is there a future for journalism?
As an era of censorship, fear, and silence sweeps through legacy media in some of the world’s most powerful democracies, new voices are emerging, breaking away from traditional channels. Against the odds, a key question arises: How can independent journalists and news organizations ensure that reliable information reaches audiences and keeps the public informed—no matter how hard those in power try to control the narrative?
Owning your own data
Our personal data fuels the entire digital economy—yet most of us see none of the value it generates. Here in Brazil, that’s about to change. In this session, we’ll explore how new technologies and policies are creating a future where Brazilians can take ownership of their data and finally benefit from how it’s used. From digital rights to data dividends, discover what’s next in the movement to turn data into personal capital.
The AI-built future: A roadmap by Google Cloud
Brazilian and a technology leader at Google, Patrícia Florissi invites you to a candid conversation about the future of Artificial Intelligence. Discover firsthand, with the perspective of someone behind the scenes, the evolution of cognitive AI, from Agentic AI to the power of reasoning, and how Google Cloud is driving innovation in areas like marketing, science, and beyond. Prepare for practical insights and an inspiring vision of what we can build together
PITCH semi-final
10 group-round winners take to Centre Stage for the semi-final of PITCH, our startup competition.
Breakout Startups
Tapping into Brazil's dev culture
Social media moves fast, but a strong personal brand stands the test of time. In this session, Brazilian entrepreneurs and content creators Jade Picón and Hugo Gloss share their journeys beyond the feed—how to build an authentic, lasting brand that grows with you in the ever-changing digital world.
Marketing trends in 2025
In an ever-evolving digital landscape; what are the key marketing trends of the year? Join this talk to discover the strategies and tools you need to keep your marketing innovative, personalized, and impactful in 2025.
Redefining Brazilian beauty in the creator era
The beauty industry holds immense power in shaping perceptions of beauty. Join L'Oréal Groupe in Brazil CEO Marcelo Zimet and actress/activist Taís Araújo as they discuss the industry's role in fostering a more inclusive landscape.
Leveling up the creator economy
Explore the evolution of the creator economy and its impact on gaming, entertainment, and business with Bruno Playhard, CEO of LOUD, and Victor 'Coringa' Augusto, Gaming Creator & Co-owner of LOUD. This session covers strategies for building sustainable brands, fostering community engagement, and balancing authenticity with business opportunities in the digital age.
PITCH final
Our three finalists battle it out to see who will be crowned winner of the greatest pitch competition in the world.
AI for all: Creating opportunity for everyone
From open-source foundational models to consumer products, Meta is creating AI opportunities for every person, every business and every community in the world. Join this session to hear why democratizing access to artificial intelligence benefits everyone.
The network effect
Two of Brazil's most successful unicorns are built on networks. Frete.com must cover point-to-point freight transportation for every corner of the world's fifth-largest country. iFood is the largest food delivery service on the continent but got there by innovating and tailoring its product, one neighbourhood at a time. Learn about the importance of networks on a micro and macro scale and how two of Brazils most successful startups will navigate the new world order of tariffs and trade wars.
Stories from the Amazon
Join us as singer Gaby Amarantos and photographer Bob Wolfenson tell us about how, in collaboration with Africa Creative and Vale, they are telling stories from the Amazon to advance dialogue about sustainability and the culture of the Amazon.
The changing face of crypto
President Trump signed an Executive Order for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve on March 6. Yet since then, more than 5 US states have rejected bills to invest in digital assets. So just how realistic are these national stockpiles? And are they contrary to the spirit of cryptocurrencies?
PITCH winner announcement
The next wave of entrepreneurship
In a region shaped by resilience and innovation, a new generation of entrepreneurs is redefining the future of business in Latin America. This conversation explores how founders are navigating economic shifts, leveraging community, and building impactful ventures in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Closing remarks
Beyond the feed: Building a personal brand that lasts
Social media moves fast, but a strong personal brand stands the test of time. In this session, Brazilian entrepreneurs and content creators Jade Picón and Hugo Gloss share their journeys beyond the feed—how to build an authentic, lasting brand that grows with you in the ever-changing digital world.
Opening Night - Limited capacity
Opening Night of Web Summit Rio takes place on Sunday, April 27, at the Riocentro exhibition and convention centre.