From October 7 to 10, a group of 26 Brazilian entrepreneurs and professionals from the fields of technology, media, law, and education participated in an unprecedented four-day immersion in Silicon Valley, one of the most innovative regions in the world. The event, promoted by Viva Experience, a business immersion company, provided participants with an in-depth look into the main technological development scenarios, startups, big techs, and investments in the USA.
The program included visits to cutting-edge institutions and lectures with global leaders andBrazilians working at the heart of California's technology ecosystemThe immersion began with a morning at Plug and Play, an accelerator that propelled giants like Uber, Rappi, and HubSpot. During the visit,the group witnessed the launch of a new artificial intelligence tool developed in Brazil, reinforcing the growing importance of AI for global innovation.
The immersion was structured around four axes: academic, startups, big techs, and investments and venture capital. We believe that these experiences bring not only technical knowledge but also a strategic vision on how to lead transformations in various markets, says Rodrigo Costa, partner at Viva Experience.
Academic Connection and Global Investment Vision
The program also offered participants an academic perspective, with a visit to theSkydeck, University of Berkeley's innovation center. The group was received by the director of the center,George Panagiotakopoulos, which presented an overview of innovation investments in the United States and made comparisons with Asian, European, and Latin American markets, offering a broad view of global opportunities and challenges. To facilitate understanding, the participants had simultaneous translation.
Another highlight was the class taught byFlavio FefermanBrazilian who has won the title of best professor in Berkeley twice. Feferman addressed topics such as business, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to ask questions about their own industries and specific scenarios.
The group also visited theStanford University, where they even had the luck of finding David Kelley, the creator of design thinking, by accident.
Robotic Entrepreneurship and AI Experience
During the Viva Experience immersion, the group also got to know theCircuit Launch, a world reference center in robotics and artificial intelligence. Led by the BrazilianAlex Dantas, founder of the initiative, the visit provided participants with an insight into thefuture of robotics and AI.
The center hosts around 80 startups and is at the forefront of technological innovations that will still reach the market, such as AI applications by molecules and membranes. The group was informed about the expansion plans of Circuit Launch, which will collaborate with Singularity to create a new space in Mountain View.
Insights de M&A e Venture Capital
In the field of investments, businesspeople had the chance to participate in a conversation with the lawyerAndré Thiollier, partner at the American firm Foley & Lardner, who offered insights into theSilicon Valley M&A and Venture Capital Landscape. Thiollier detailed strategies for attracting investment, in addition to discussing mergers and acquisitions trends in the American market.
The immersion also provided meetings with important executives in the technology sector.Rodrigo Vale, creator of a search engine sold to Google in 2005 and now a data engineer at the technology giantshared their experiences independently, highlighting the importance of data analysis for the future of business. Vale participated in the immersion independently and not as a representative of the big tech.
However, after the conversation with the Brazilian, the group went to Google's headquarters for a discussion with an executive who has worked at Spotify, Netflix, and is currently involved in projects at YouTube. He talked to the Viva Experience group about the behind-the-scenes of technological innovations.
At Apple Park, the visit to the apple company's headquarters was also marked by discussions about product innovation, focusing on the company's strategies to maintain its position as market leader.
Autonomy in Motion and Cinema in California
In addition to big tech, the group had a remarkable experience riding in autonomous vehicles fromWaymodemonstrating in practice the future of urban mobility. To conclude the immersion, the group participated in a conversation withJuliano Lapenda, president of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, who presented an overview of the Californian film market and its relationship with technology, and went toApex Brazilto learn about business internationalization and global opportunities.
Upcoming Classes
In addition to the Silicon Valley immersion, Viva Experience also offers programs forNova York, one focusing on the NRF and Big Apple concept stores and another focused on the financial and technology scene;Orlando, for Disney Parks and Harley Davidson, focused on entrepreneurship and experience; andBoston, where participants visit renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT and Babson, with a focus on entrepreneurship and technology.
"This was a unique opportunity for Brazilian entrepreneurs to connect with the global innovation ecosystem, returning to Brazil with a renewed vision and practical insights to implement in their own businesses," highlights Carolina Livolis, partner at Viva Experience.
Viva Experience also carries out private missions, for companies or closed groups, with a personalized program.
