The following overview presents a structured look at an international startup mission organized by Invest.Rio and Maravalley. The initiative will take ten Rio de Janeiro-based startups to Web Summit Lisboa 2026, providing international exposure, business connections, and a structured selection and participation process.
Mission Snapshot
• Program type: International startup mission to Web Summit Lisboa 2026
• Organizers: Invest.Rio and Maravalley
• Number of selected startups: 10 Rio de Janeiro-based startups
• Edition: Second consecutive year; the previous edition also selected 10 startups to participate in the event
• Recent international engagement: In June 2026, Maravalley also participated in VivaTech
Strategic Direction and Leadership Perspective
• The internationalization strategy is designed as a two-way initiative.
• The program aims to create more opportunities for startups from Rio de Janeiro, particularly those connected to the Maravalley ecosystem, to build international relationships and develop business opportunities outside Brazil.
• The missions are also intended to identify international startups and companies that view Rio de Janeiro as a potential gateway to the Brazilian market.
• Maravalley can support international companies through soft-landing initiatives, connecting them with the local innovation ecosystem, strategic partners, and business opportunities.
• Daniel Barros, CEO of Maravalley, emphasized that the internationalization strategy seeks both to expand opportunities for Rio-based startups abroad and to attract international companies interested in entering Brazil through Rio de Janeiro.
• Sidney Levy, president of Invest.Rio, highlighted Web Summit Lisboa as an opportunity to showcase Rio de Janeiro’s innovation ecosystem internationally, attract investment, and connect local companies with global trends, investors, and strategic partners.
Benefits for Selected Startups
• Participation in the mission extends beyond admission to the event.
• Access to Web Summit Lisboa 2026
• Pre-travel training and capacity-building activities
• Mentoring
• Technical visits
• Meetings and networking opportunities with investors
• Opportunity to showcase solutions at the Invest.Rio booth during Web Summit Lisboa 2026
Eligibility Criteria
• Startups must have been operating for less than 6 years.
• Startups must have fewer than 100 employees.
• The startup’s product, service, or solution must align with the Web Summit ALPHA or BETA startup profile.
Application and Selection Timeline
• Ten startups will be selected through an evaluation process involving Invest.Rio and Maravalley.
• Application deadline: September 27, 2026.
• Final results announcement: October 2, 2026.
• The selection process includes document review, technical evaluation, and interviews.
The Invest.Rio and Maravalley mission to Web Summit Lisboa 2026 offers Rio de Janeiro-based startups a structured opportunity to gain international visibility, connect with investors and partners, and expand their global networks. Through its two-way internationalization strategy, the initiative also supports Rio de Janeiro’s broader positioning as a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, and international business.