Macau Spin Incubator, established by the University of Saint Joseph, successfully attracted the first Portuguese startup to set up in Macau. This achievement underscores the significance of events like the Startup Innovation Meeting (SIM) held in Porto, Portugal. At last year’s SIM, Alexandre Lobo engaged with Portuguese and Brazilian startups, aiming to facilitate connections and partnerships among startups from Portuguese-speaking nations and the Greater Bay Area. Followup Global, a human resources services firm, emerged as a key collaborator from these interactions and will establish its operations at the “Macau Spin Incubator” in October, marking a milestone as the first Portuguese startup in Macau.
Followup Global, founded in Portugal in 2011, gained prominence for its innovative recruitment platform catering to high-demand professionals. The company’s success led to its selection to represent Portugal at Techarena, a prestigious technology event in Sweden. Joshua Moreira, CEO of Followup Global, credited their unique business model for this recognition, emphasizing their focus on recruiting professionals challenging to hire.
The USJ incubator is also in talks with two Brazilian companies to replicate the success of attracting startups to Macau. This collaborative approach exemplifies the potential for cross-border partnerships and the exchange of innovative ideas fostered by events like SIM.
Five Macau-based startups, including Zence Objects, Compass Health, Direch Inc, and Wujing Technology, showcased their cutting-edge technologies and business models at SIM, aiming to forge partnerships, attract investors, and explore new markets. Zence Objects stood out for its eco-friendly products made from biodegradable materials, reflecting a growing global emphasis on sustainability.
Macau’s Boardware, having transitioned beyond the startup phase, participated in the delegation to Porto alongside these innovative startups. The delegation, co-organized by various Macau entities, aimed to showcase Macau’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and explore collaboration opportunities with international partners.
Prior to SIM, a partnership agreement was signed between Macau’s AEIMCP and Portuguese incubator Nascente Value to enhance collaboration between startups and investors in both markets. This agreement underscores the commitment to facilitate the entry of Portuguese startups into the Chinese market through Macau and vice versa, promoting global growth and innovation exchange.
Marco Duarte Rizzolio from AEIMCP emphasized the importance of bridging cultural and legal gaps between markets, highlighting the benefits of leveraging Macau as a gateway to China. The exchange of experiences and the establishment of strategic networks are pivotal for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Events like SIM not only foster collaboration but also serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and networking. The participation of Macau startups in international events like SIM not only enhances their visibility but also opens doors to potential partnerships and investment opportunities on a global scale.