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Brazilian companies accumulate R$156 billion in debt and break default record in October, reveals Serasa Experian

October saw 7.0 million companies in default, the highest number inhistorical series do Serasa Experian Corporate Default Indicator, the first and largest datatech in Brazil. This total represents 32.3% of the existing companies in Brazil. The total amount of debts, when combined, reached the unprecedented mark of R$ 156.1 billion.On average, each CNPJ had about 7.4 negative accounts during the period. Check below the data from the last 24 months (amounts and value of debts)

“This increase in defaults can be attributed, in large part, to the rise in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the cost of credit for companies also increases, making it more expensive and difficult for them to obtain financing. This directly affects the ability of companies to manage their cash flow and meet their financial obligations. In addition, rising interest rates can reduce demand for products and services, since consumers and other companies also face higher credit costs, resulting in lower revenue for companies. This scenario creates a vicious cycle, where difficulty in accessing credit and reduced revenue lead to an increase in defaults, negatively impacting the financial health of companies,” comments Serasa Experian economist Luiz Rabi.

“Services” sector led default rate in October

The "Services" sector accounted for the majority of companies with negative commitments (56.2%). Next was "Commerce" (35.4%), followed by "Industries" (7.3%), "Primary" (0.8%), and the "Others" category (0.3%), which includes the Financial segment and the Third Sector. Regarding the debt sector, the "Services" category accounted for the largest portion (31.0%), followed by "Banks and Cards" (21.1%). See below for the details of this excerpt:

Maranhão led the ranking of companies with overdue accounts

In October, the analysis of the Federal Units revealed that Maranhão had the highest delinquency rate in the country, with 43.0% of companies in the state having a red CNPJ. Next, Alagoas (42.3%) and Amapá (40.8%) also stood out among the states with the most companies facing financial issues. See the full information in the graph below

Of the 7.0 million companies with negative records in October, 6.5 million were micro and small-sized. Together, these companies accumulated 46.5 million in debts, with a total amount of R$ 134.1 billion. On average, each delinquent company had 7.1 overdue accounts. See below the breakdown by states:

To check more information and the historical series of the indicator,Click here.

Methodology

The Serasa Experian Business Default Indicator measures the number of Brazilian companies that are in default, meaning they have at least one overdue and unpaid obligation, recorded on the last day of the reference month. The indicator is segmented by state, size, and sector.

Expert advises on precautions when accepting job offers abroad

The case of Brazilians Phelipe Ferreira and Luckas Viana, who became victims of a human trafficking scheme after false job offers, reinforces the need to adopt a cautious and well-informed stance when considering job offers abroad. Giulia Lorena Mandri, an HR specialist at Wyser, the executive recruitment unit of the multinational Gi Group Holding, says that situations like this highlight the importance of adopting a careful approach throughout the entire selection process.

"THErecruitment process follows a clear structure, with stages that include initial approach by HR, interviews with managers, and often videoconferences. Be wary of processes that do not include at least one video interview, especially for overseas positions. Serious companies are concerned with getting to know the candidate better and providing transparency about the position," explains Giulia.

The expert emphasizes thatprior research on the recruiting companyis essential. Before applying, the interested party should research the organization's history and reputation, whether it is the direct employer or a third-party consultancy. Official websites, searches on internet search engines, and even reviews on career platforms can provide important clues about the company's credibility.

“Another point to pay attention to is the salary issue. Although working abroad offers financial advantages, be wary of salaries that are excessively high for the position offered. Use reliable platforms to compare the average salary in the country and in the specific currency,” Giulia emphasizes.

Furthermore, the process oflegitimate international recruitment tends to be longer, since it involves issuing documents for visas, housing, and other legal requirements. The specialist highlights that, in their experience, the entire process—from the initial approach to starting the new position—takes about three months.

offer letter or hiring proposalis another essential element. "No serious company fails to provide a detailed document containing salary, benefits, and location. Never accept an opportunity without this formalization," he warns.

Finally, Giulia recommends paying attention tolanguage used in communications. “Grammatical errors or commanding words can indicate fraud, even in English. Use translators or artificial intelligence tools to evaluate the text if the language is unfamiliar,” he advises.

Growing desire for international opportunities

Oneglobal survey conducted by the Ipsos institute in partnership with Gi Group HoldingIt reveals an increase in Brazilians' desire to seek professional experiences abroad. According to the study, 70% of respondents expressed interest in working outside Brazil, while 63% find the idea of establishing an international career attractive. These numbers reflect growth compared to 2021, when the rates were 60% and 59%, respectively.

“These data show how essential it is for professionals to be well-guided and prepared to take advantage of international opportunities safely and successfully,” highlights Giulia.

4 tips to make the most of TikTok in your online sales

Entrepreneurs have already understood that they need to establish a presence on social media and other platforms to connect with their audience and increase sales, and an excellent way to do this is through TikTok. To give an idea of the platform's power, a 2025 consumer trend report by Coefficient Capital and journalist Dan Frommer, from the newsletter The New Consumer, indicated that TikTok Shopsurpassedretail giants such as Shein and Sephora are preferred by consumers in the US.

This year, TikTok tripled the performance achieved in Black Friday 2023. According to the study, the platform has already attracted over 500,000 sellers in the US and reached $100 million in sales on the day considered the busiest of the year.

"There are several companies, of different sizes, that have consolidated and multiplied their revenue thanks to TikTok. All with strategies much simpler than it may seem," emphasizes Ana Clara Magalhães, senior acquisition manager at Ecommerce na Prática, the world's largest e-commerce school.

She explains that people are used to the idea of starting a business and only then entering social media to attract customers. However, TikTok's reach power makes it possible to already establish an audience and generate desire for your product even before the store opens, with low investment.

“You can bet on showing the store creation process, the behind-the-scenes of the business and the products you will sell, so that you can connect with the community even before the launch. And, although it is not mandatory, you can still enhance this using TikTok Ads, while creating a warm base for your performance strategy”, says Magalhães.

Next, she gives other tips to start using the tool for the benefit of your business. Check it out

1. Get to know the platform

Each media platform has a different operating profile, and TikTok is quite unique in its reach potential because it values the story being told rather than the author and their number of followers. With astorytellingWell targeted, it is possible to attract consumers and advocates for your brand organically. This happens because content delivery is different from other social networks, which rely more on your connections.

2. Find your community

TikTok was designed to understand signals of interest and distribute content to groups of people who share these preferences. There, these groups are known as "communities," such as the one on BookTok, for example. They do not always have a specific name, but all of them have behaviors and content models that are more consumed by people interested in that topic. Therefore, understanding your community will be essential to boost your sales on the platform.

To understand how your niche behaves within the platform, research content and communities using the keywords most related to your business. This strategy will help you understand what your potential customers and brand advocates are consuming, engaging with, and talking about in the universe where your brand is embedded.

3. Create native content

One of the biggest mistakes brands can make is simply reusing content from other platforms without considering the unique features of TikTok. To create effective content on TikTok, it is essential to understand the platform's culture, which values authenticity and spontaneity. Forget the highly produced videos and bet on the simple and genuine – behind-the-scenes videos that narrate your business's daily life can be very well received, for example.Additionally, focus on speaking the community's language, capturing attention quickly, and being engaging from start to finish.

4. Invest in influencer marketing

It's not mandatory, but working in partnership with content creators in your niche and complementary niches is a strategy that yields results. They act as the voice of your brand, expanding your reach, showcasing your product, and generating a desire to buy among your followers. And this doesn't just mean betting on big personalities; you can also partner with smaller creators who are relevant within your niche, like UTAN store and Belas Garden do.

With over 23 years of global experience, Vinicius Picollo is the new CSO of US Media

US Media, media solutions hub, has just announced the hiring of Vinicius Picollo for the position of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). With 23 years of international experience, the reinforcement arrives not only to boost the company's presence in the Latin American territory but also to lead its expansion into the global market.

The executive has held various leadership positions in both B2C and B2B, working for global companies such as Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) and Superside, several agencies like iProspect, BETC/Havas, Fbiz, Dentsu, ID/TBWA, as well as consulting for major brands and startups. Vinicius has extensive experience in creative strategy, digital marketing (including offline and performance media), digital transformation, building and refining departments, revenue generation with measurable results, among other areas.

Picollo also lived in different countries throughout his journey, which made him fall in love with interculturality and the possibilities of a global perspective. For him, this experience will be extremely useful in helping the company establish partnerships in Latin America and prospect clients in various countries.

"A company with the potential of US Media has the chance to do business not only in Latin America but worldwide," says the new CSO. I believe that a large part of the countries still do not see the media opportunities that exist in the region, beyond the similarities we have with other countries "to the south" of the globe in their digital consumption habits, amplified by the rapid adoption of mobile media. It is this promising connection between markets and cultures that we will work on building together from now on," he concludes.

3 tips for companies to adapt to sustainability standards in 2025

With the worsening of the climate crisis, environmental regulations are becoming more stringent. Resolution 193/2023 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), for example, requires companies listed on B3 to publish sustainability reports in 2026, based on 2025 processes. Furthermore, the regulation of the carbon market was recently sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), establishing the Brazilian System for the Trade of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (SBCE). The system follows the cap-and-trade model, in which the government sets an emissions cap and distributes corresponding allowances. It is expected that around 5,000 companies will join the regulated market in Brazil.

Faced with this scenario, Isabela Basso, founder ofWillGreentech, which develops and simplifies the calculation of environmental impact for companies, reinforces the need to adapt to these standards. "The temperatures are rising, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to increase, and many companies are still not taking action as they should. Sustainability must be treated as a top priority, both for the good of business and the planet," he says.

To help organizations adapt to regulations and avoid the risk of financial penalties and loss of credibility in the market, the expert listed three essential tips for companies to start their decarbonization journeys through the development of their Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Confira: 

  • Customize emissions inventory

A GHG inventory is the diagnosis of a company's emissions. Nele, the main sources of emissions, whether direct or indirect, related to the company's business are evident. Consequently, the great opportunities and priorities for action to reduce emissions also become evident.

However, not all emission categories apply to certain companies, which creates the need for each to adapt the document to their reality."It is important to understand what makes sense for your business, customizing the inventory based on real operations and avoiding irrelevant data," advises Isabela.

According to the specialist, analyzing the existing categories and identifying those that are truly present in the organization's daily life is essential to produce an efficient form. "Stationary combustion, which refers to fixed equipment such as furnaces and boilers, for example, may not be as significant in your company. This type of initial 'cleaning,' customized according to the emission profile, simplifies the process and helps you focus your efforts where it truly matters," he adds.

  • Engage all areas to collect data

Data collection is a process that many companies face difficulties with. In this way, it is essential to segment responsibilities and raise awareness among each team about the impact of their activities on the environment.

"Logistics, HR, facilities, all areas need to become agents of change within the organization, driving the pursuit of more sustainable solutions," emphasizes the co-founder of Zaya. "The people responsible for sustainability initiatives need to explain to the members of these areas the meaning of the information they are collecting, showing that they are not just numbers, but rather representative of the company's emissions," he adds.

The specialist also emphasizes that this awareness promotes a change in mindset, encouraging employees to actively participate in this aspect. "When each team understands its role in the company's sustainability and decarbonization journey, they begin to question processes, identify opportunities, and feel part of the solution spontaneously," he emphasizes.

  • Monthly monitoring for quick adjustments

The monthly monitoring of sustainability reports helps companies quickly detect negative trends. In this way, it is possible to continuously and regularly adjust processes, enabling the identification of emission peaks, the analysis of their causes, and the implementation of swift corrective measures.

“Waiting an entire year to consolidate data can prevent necessary changes from being made in a timely manner, so the idea of implementing a continuous approach is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the year,” highlights Isabela.

Beyond 2025
Finally, the specialist warns that these tips are not just "simple trends," as sustainability is a practical and continuous process. "In times of greenwashing, it is common to see companies promoting actions that, in practice, do not change their environmental impact at all. True change should be reflected in the numbers. That is why, at Zaya, we help organizations focus on what matters and generate effective results for the planet and the business," he concludes.

What paths should sustainable transformation take in 2025?

Sustainable transformation is a topic that is becoming increasingly urgent and relevant in the current scenario. In 2025, I believe that awareness will be the foundation for us to advance in this process.

The more people are aware of the consequences of their actions on the environment and society, the easier it will be for all of us to walk the path of sustainability. And this does not apply only to large companies or governments, but to each of us in our daily lives.

Reflecting on this theme, I see that awareness is, without a doubt, the key to this transformation. When we understand the impact of our choices, whether in consumption, work, or daily interactions, we become more likely to adopt sustainable practices.

It is an immeasurable benefit not only for the planet but also because it has a direct effect on businesses. Companies that make sustainability a genuine value tend to attract consumers who share these same principles, creating a relationship of trust and loyalty.

It's like I usually say: the impact starts with the individual, but it's the sum of these attitudes that makes the difference for the collective.

Trends for 2025

In 2025, sustainable investments, or ESG (environmental, social, and governance), will gain even more momentum – after all, the planet is calling for help. Investors are increasingly aligning their resources with causes that promote a positive impact on the world, and the circular economy stands out as a growing trend.

In my opinion, it is a model that, in addition to helping reduce waste, creates new opportunities for companies that care about sustainability, attracting an audience that values conscious consumption. Sustainable infrastructure, in turn, will be shaped by innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting greater efficiency.

There will be increasing use of recycled materials, renewable energies, modular construction, and the concept of smart cities—trends that are also expected to transform the way we live and work starting from 2025. Still in this context, we cannot forget the fundamental role of governments, which need to continue creating and improving public policies, providing tax incentives to accelerate immediate changes.

What did we learn from COP29?

At COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, significant progress was made, but it also showed that there are still challenges to overcome. The $300 billion annual climate finance target by 2035, for example, sparked discussions among experts who considered it below expectations; however, the event highlighted the importance of a global effort to address the climate crisis – and I am optimistic that Brazil will be able to influence the COP30 agenda, in November 2025, regarding the urgencies that should be prioritized.

What I see as essential for 2025 (and beyond) is the unification of efforts among companies, governments, and individuals. We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable future. I believe that education and awareness are the foundation of this transformation. It's not about grand gestures or empty speeches, but about consistent daily actions that, when combined, create great transformations.

If we manage to put these values and attitudes into practice, we can create a more "alive" and just world for future generations. After all, transformation begins with each of us, in our daily choices, and it is this commitment to the collective that will truly generate the positive impact we so desperately need.

As I heard from a Brazilian ESG expert, COP30 “does NOT have to be an option for us Brazilians, but rather a DUTY”.

Research points to radio as the absolute leader in the workplace

A recent Edison Research survey showed AM/FM radio as the top choice for entertainment and information in the workplace. According to the study, 64% of people prefer radio to follow their professional daily life, highlighting its practicality and diversity of content. Secondly, podcasts appear, chosen by 23% of the respondents.

For Roberto Cervo Melão, president of SindiRádio, the Sindicato das Empresas de Rádio e TV do Rio Grande do Sul, these numbers reinforce the relevance of radio in different contexts. Radio continues to play a fundamental role in the daily lives of Brazilians, especially in the workplace, where people seek up-to-date information and programming that keeps them connected and productive. This leadership is the result of radio's ability to reinvent itself and offer accessible, quality content.

The survey also highlights radio as a reliable and easily accessible means of communication, adapted to the needs of those seeking information, entertainment and company during working hours.

SindiRádio highlights that radio's performance is the result of a continuous effort to maintain its relevance, integrating new formats and digital platforms without losing the essence that captivates listeners.The radio is plural, democratic, and always within everyone's reach. It is this connection that maintains its leadership and importance in people's daily lives“, adds Melão.

Eitri changes the e-commerce market and reaches R$90 million in GMV

Eitri, a SaaS (Software as a Service) company founded in 2024, aims to simplify app creation. Focusing on economy and quality, the company is transforming digital commerce by enabling Brazilian e-commerce businesses to develop mobile solutions with three times more productivity and one-third of the cost. Among its clients are prominent retailers such as C&A and Toymania. By November, the company had already achieved over R$ 90 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).

The growing interest in mobile e-commerce solutions and the need for accelerated digitalization during and after the pandemic created many opportunities. The expectation is that revenue by the end of the year will be R$ 1.5 million and, in 2025, R$ 4 million.  

Their co-founders, Guilherme Martins, Daniel Zupo, and João Machado, have extensive experience in the technology universe for digital commerce. The professionals worked for years in e-commerce companies such as Americanas, Submarino, and Shoptime. Together, they thought of an innovative alternative that differentiates itself from its competitors by allowing the app development to be done in a simpler, scalable, flexible, agile, secure, modular, and customized way.

How is the work developed? 

The company transforms the development of e-commerce applications into a more agile, efficient, and accessible process. Using languages like Javascript and Typescript, the solution allows a single codebase to be used for iOS and Android platforms, eliminating the need for parallel projects. With the help of a proprietary design system, interfaces are created quickly, and the compilation occurs in the cloud, ensuring frictionless and accessible development from any device. For those in need of integrationbackend the structureserverlessIt's a practical option. Furthermore, thedeployIt is immediate, without going through the traditional app store approval process, offering teams autonomy to manage the entire app lifecycle with independence and agility. In practical terms, Eitri provides the platform, while the client implements and customizes the application based on predefined verticals or starting from scratch.

The autonomy ofsquadsIt is a central point. Each team works on its ownworkspace, with isolated codes, ensuring that potential errors from one team do not affect the others. This approach allowsdeploysfrequent and independent, eliminating the “release train"traditional and aligning with the fast pace of business demands." The Eitri Manager also reduces barriers for business and quality areas, offering features such as tests via QR Code and full control of users and permissions. With just one click, it is possible to performdeploysorrollbacks, ensuring greater control and flexibility to deliver fast, high-quality results.

“We came to the market with the purpose of simplifying the lives of brands that need a quality mobile digital presence, especially e-commerce. Our mission is to help companies, in partnership with their agencies and suppliers, to develop native applications in a more accessible and efficient way. With our own technology, we accelerate the creation process, making it simple, agile, modern and fully customizable. We want to transform this process into a practical and uncomplicated experience, allowing everything to be done quickly and efficiently, resulting in applications that engage users and are differentiated for brands”, says Guilherme Martins, co-founder of Eitri.

Symbolism of the name 

The company's name is the same as that of the dwarf from Norse mythology who forgedMjolnirand other magical artifacts for the gods, demonstrating exceptional skills as a blacksmith and builder. This archetypal connection with the reference of Norse mythology establishes an analogy with the fact that building apps through Eitri is so fast and practical that it almost seems magical.

4 steps to turn your idea into a business

Transforming an idea into a business may seem complicated, but with planning and organization, it is possible to structure projects that make a difference. Junior companies play an essential role in this process by connecting academic knowledge with real market demands and supporting young entrepreneurs in their first steps.

These organizations, managed by university students, offer services such as market research, strategic planning, and technological solution development. With more than 1,450 companies spread across Brazil, they carried out 24,000 projects in 2024, according to Brasil Júnior, the federation that coordinates the movement.

Elias Gabriel, Executive President of Brasil Júnior, explains how those who want to start a business can be inspired by the junior enterprise model and follow fundamental steps to transform ideas into reality:

  1. Structure the ideaEvery business begins with a clear purpose. Identify the problem you want to solve, who will benefit, and how your solution can work. These responses help guide the next steps and align expectations.
  2. Understanding the marketResearch the competitors and the needs of the audience you want to serve. This analysis allows creating a competitive advantage and adjusting the model to meet the real demands of the market.
  3. Seek specialized supportHaving guidance makes all the difference at the beginning. Junior companies, formed by university students, offer affordable consulting services that help entrepreneurs validate their ideas. These organizations operate within universities, connecting academic learning with market challenges.
  4. Test and adjustBefore investing significant resources, test your idea on a smaller scale and gather feedback. This stage allows for correcting flaws and refining the proposal, which increases the chances of success. In addition to supporting entrepreneurs, junior companies prepare students for the job market. It is a two-way street. Entrepreneurs receive affordable and quality solutions, while students apply their knowledge to real projects, develop practical skills, and become better prepared for the job market.

DM and Chilli Beans sign partnership to offer Pix installments

Chilli Beans network, a company specializing in glasses and accessories, partnered with DM, a financial services group focused on credit management, to offer DM Pag, a payment method similar to BNPL (buy now pay later), popularly known as divided Pix. The operations should begin covering 1100 points of sale, including stores, kiosks, and flagships. The expectation is that the modality will strengthen customer loyalty and bring a 10% increase in sales by next year.

According to Ariane Bete, Commercial Director of DM, the partnership emphasizes the importance of diversifying payment methods in the current market. Brazilians are already accustomed to shopping on credit, but there is still a segment of the population that does not have access to proper financial services. DM Pag is a product that allows consumers to make purchases even if they do not have a credit card. Very quickly, directly at the checkout, they can request credit and be evaluated instantly. With the credit approved, they pay the first installment via Pix and then pay the remaining installments month by month.

“Chilli Beans is driven by innovation. We love bringing new technologies to our ecosystem. We are excited about the possibility of offering Pix in installments to our customers. Having DM as our partner at this time helps us bring this difference with excellence and quality”, says Caito Maia, CEO and founder of Chilli Beans.

Chilli Beans started its activities in the late 90s, and today it is the companytop of mind in the eyewear and accessories sector in Latin America. The brand is present in more than 20 countries around the world. According to Ariane Bete, the expectation is to strengthen the partnership with the network soon. "We are in dialogue to offer more payment methods for Chilli Beans customers, increasing their purchasing power and ensuring they have a good experience in the stores," concludes Ariane Bete.

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