Porto Alegre, Brazil is preparing to host a monumental gathering of innovation in 2026. The South Summit, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to the future of business and technology, will bring together visionaries and disruptors from across the globe.
The fifth edition, scheduled for March 25-27, promises an extraordinary lineup of leaders. Among those confirmed are Hernan Kazah, a co-founder of the e-commerce giant Mercado Libre, and Kim Farrell, the Global Head of Creators at TikTok.
Arturo Núñez, formerly of Nubank’s marketing leadership, will also share his insights. This convergence of international expertise signals a powerful commitment to fostering growth within the Brazilian tech ecosystem.
The summit will unfold within the historic Cais Mauá port district, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for startups, established corporations, and crucial investment funds. It’s designed to be a catalyst for connection and collaboration.
This ambitious event is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Spain Startup and 4all, alongside the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and IE University. Their combined resources aim to create an unparalleled platform for innovation.
Brazil’s own business titans will also be prominently featured. Priscyla Laham, CEO of Microsoft Brazil, will be present, alongside Alexandre Baldy, Head of BYD Brazil.
Guilherme Horn, leading WhatsApp’s operations in Brazil, India, and Indonesia, and Francisco Mattos, Executive Director of Formula 1, are also confirmed attendees. This demonstrates the summit’s broad appeal across diverse industries.
Milton Beck, LinkedIn’s General Director for Latin America and Africa, and Tonny Martins, President of IBM Latin America, will contribute their perspectives. Their presence underscores the event’s significance on a continental scale.
The summit isn’t just for established companies; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of Latin American innovators. Founders of some of the region’s most successful startups – those valued at over $1 billion – will be sharing their journeys.
Gaston Taratuta of Aleph, André Penha from Quinto Andar, and João Pedro Resende, founder of Hotmart, will be among those speaking. Their experiences offer invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Robson Privado, co-founder of MadeiraMadeira, Mauricio Chamati of Mercado Bitcoin, and Luciano Freitas from Facily will also be present. This gathering of unicorn founders represents a unique opportunity for networking and mentorship.
Last year’s South Summit was a resounding success, attracting 23,000 attendees from 62 countries within a sprawling 38,000-square-meter venue. The energy and exchange of ideas were palpable.
The event hosted 3,000 startups, 800 speakers, 200 sponsors, and 130 investment funds – including 38 international firms. These investors collectively manage an astounding $215 billion in assets.
The South Summit has already facilitated a remarkable $14 billion in funding for participating startups through its competition. This demonstrates the event’s tangible impact on the startup ecosystem.
