Entrepreneurs migrate to Floripa, coming from the biggest cities in Brazil
Florianópolis has stood out as one of the main housing destinations for entrepreneurs in Brazil. The story of entrepreneurs in report published by fDi Intelligence magazine, part of the Financial Times group, presents the scenario of attracting business to the city in the south of the country. Entrepreneurs, authorities and agents from the Florianópolis innovation ecosystem present a scenario of opportunities and challenges
The decision to set up his company in Florianópolis by Pedro Marton Pereira, CEO of epHealth, opens the report. And it reports on the startup's connection with the local innovation ecosystem through ACATE. The business established in the capital of Santa Catarina developed with the graduation from MIDITEC incubator, achieved investments and approach to national customers.
The city's maturing tech scene has attracted a new wave of talent and entrepreneurs from across the country. In this way, this phenomenon is driven not only by the vibrant local technology community, but also by the unique lifestyle that the island offers.
Decisions made by many entrepreneurs that change lives
Pedro Marton Fereira made a life-changing decision in November 2015. He was about to launch a health technology startup in his hometown of São Paulo, Brazil's commercial capital, when he ran into Gabriel Sant'Ana, an old friend from his time studying at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
Sant’Ana, que é diretor-executivo da Associação Catarinense de Tecnologia (Acate), convenceu Marton a estabelecer sua empresa em Florianópolis. Acabou sendo uma das melhores decisões que o Marton já tomou. Após se mudar para FloripaMarton joined an incubator. He also raised capital from angel investors and developed relationships with the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital. As a result, one of the largest in Latin America is now a client.
For years, students and entrepreneurs have been abandoning Brazil's polluted and unsafe megacities and moving to Floripa. Currently, the city is home to over 500,000 people and is situated on a 53km-long island, with lush tropical forests, hiking trails, lagoons, and beaches popular with surfers.
The largest concentration of technology companies in Brazil is in Florianópolis
Although venture capital investment in Floripa is lower than in larger cities like Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba. According to data from PitchBook, it stands out. A 2021 Acate survey showed that the city has a higher concentration of technology companies—7.4 per thousand inhabitants—than any other capital in Brazil's 26 states.
A Growing Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Florianópolis' technological ecosystem dates back to the 1960s, with the establishment of the Federal University of Santa Catarina and its laboratories and research groups. Since then, the city has witnessed the emergence of technology incubators. Like Celta, in 1986, followed by several technology parks and incubators spread across the city.
Tax Benefit: Greater Attraction of Talents and More Technology Companies
The Florianópolis city council's decision in 2003 to reduce the Service Tax (ISS) rate for technology companies from 5% to 2% was a crucial milestone in attracting technology companies to the city. This encouraged many technology companies to move to Florianópolis, coming from other cities, such as São Paulo, where the ISS rate is still 5%.
Collaboration between Public and Private Sector
One of the unique features of Floripa is the collaboration between the public and private sectors to support entrepreneurs. This cooperation has been fundamental to the growth of the city's technology ecosystem, providing a favorable environment for the flourishing of new companies and innovative ideas.
Topázio Neto, mayor of Florianópolis, states that this initiative has enabled the technology industry to significantly improve the city's economy and the services sector. He says technology is the biggest contributor to local taxes, helping to raise the standard of living, promote real estate development and diversify the city away from seasonal tourism.
Several exits—when an entrepreneur sells part or all of their business—prove that their focus on technology is paying off. Large companies that have entered Floripa through acquisitions include e-commerce giant Mercado Livre and Brazilian software company Totvs, which in 2021 bought marketing startup RD Station for $370 million.
The possibility of living in a city closer to nature
Today, a network of innovation hubs, including Sapiens Park, home to major Brazilian companies like Softplan, attracts tech startups and talent to the city. As the tech ecosystem Floripa has matured, it has also attracted more experienced entrepreneurs, says Marcos Mueller, CEO of Darwin Startups, an accelerator and venture capital firm.
Among them is Raony Bourscheidt Rosseti, former financial executive and CEO of Melver, a financial education startup he founded in 2021. “After years of living in big cities like São Paulo and New York, my wife and I decided to move to a city closer to nature, reminiscent of our childhood,” he says, adding that, as a kayaker, he was “captivated” by the Conceição Lagoon, a lagoon in the heart of the city.
Attracting Talents and Investments
The quality of life in Floripa, combined with the favorable business environment, has attracted not only local talent, but also investors and entrepreneurs from across Brazil and beyond. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern infrastructure and business opportunities that make it an attractive destination for those seeking success in the world of technology.
Cacupé: Entrepreneurs’ favorite neighborhood
Entrepreneurs choose Cacupé as a destination to live with the family, taking advantage of the exuberant nature of Florianópolis. The neighborhood offers tranquility and security, as well as stunning landscapes. With complete infrastructure, it is ideal for raising children in a healthy environment.
Cacupé proporciona uma atmosfera única para quem busca qualidade de vida. Com praia paradisíaca e trilhas ecológicas, é um refúgio para os amantes da natureza. Além disso, a proximidade com o center facilita o acesso a serviços e comodidades essenciais. Bem como, a proximidade com todo o ecossistema tech de Florianópolis, a 10 minutos de distância.
Real estate appreciation in Cacupé makes investment in the region even more attractive. With a welcoming community and diverse leisure options, it is the perfect place to build a home. In short, Cacupé It is the ideal neighborhood for entrepreneurs looking for a balance between work, family and nature.
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