RIO DE JANEIRO — Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology conferences, has signed a new five-year partnership with the city of Rio de Janeiro, securing its presence in Brazil until at least 2030.
The announcement was made during the opening night of Web Summit Rio 2025 by Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave, alongside key Brazilian officials including Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro.
“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Rio de Janeiro for another five years following the extraordinary success of our first three years,” Cosgrave stated. “From our very first conversations, Rio has shown that it has the long-term vision needed to help ensure it continues to grow its technology ecosystem, supporting its aim to become the main technology hub of the entire region.”
Cosgrave also framed the decision in a broader geopolitical context. “Amid growing global political uncertainty and the dismantling of existing trade relationships, Rio is also determined to enhance its global trading partnerships. Web Summit has an unrivaled track record here, not just bringing the world’s biggest firms and investors to the city, but helping make the meaningful connections which lead directly to trade agreements, inward investment and internationalizing startup success,” stated Cosgrave.
The new agreement extends Web Summit’s stay in Rio through 2030, building on its initial multi-year deal that began with the first Web Summit Rio in 2023. Now in its third edition in Rio de Janeiro, Web Summit 2025 is expected to generate over $30 million in economic impact for the city.
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Web Summit Rio has rapidly become South America’s largest technology event, gathering 34,552 attendees from 102 countries this week, April 27-30, with a record 1,397 startups from 43 countries participating, a 31% increase from the previous year.
The 2025 edition saw 657 investors from 26 countries and significant deal-making. In addition, women-founded startups made up 45% of participants in 2025, reflecting Web Summit’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in tech. There were also 516 speakers who spoke over the four days of the event.
Startups and investors attending Web Summit Rio have the opportunity to connect with 171 partners, including Google Cloud, Salesforce, SAP, Senac, Itaú, JP Morgan, Greenpeace, and Mastercard Brasil, as well as 23 trade delegations from countries such as Finland, Germany, Austria, Canada, Portugal and Chile.
The event is credited with turbocharging Rio’s tech ecosystem, attracting global business leaders, investors, and technology firms, and helping position Rio as a major tech hub in Latin America.
“This new agreement is further proof that we are on the right path to becoming the innovation capital of Latin America. The event connects us with global companies, top talent, and investors to discuss the future of the sector. In addition to several major projects related to this area, we have a natural vocation for hosting the world’s biggest events, and we’re proud to secure the Web Summit in Rio through 2030,” Mayor Eduardo Paes stated.
Reach Web Summit at info@websummit.com
