What Apex-Brasil does

ApexBrasil (Agência Brasileira de Promoção de Exportações e Investimentos) is Brazil's official government trade promotion and investment attraction agency, established pursuant to Law No. 10.668/03 and Decree No. 4.584/03 and operating under the coordination of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC). The agency's mission is to promote Brazilian exports and attract foreign direct investment by serving as a government-backed bridge between Brazilian companies and international markets — and between foreign investors and Brazilian opportunities. It operates a hybrid model that combines direct advisory, digital self-service, event-based delivery (notably Brazilian pavilions at Hannover Messe 2026, SIAL Asia, IPPE, Exponor Chile, VivaTech, Web Summit), and partner-delivered programs executed jointly with sectoral associations (ABIMAQ, ABF, CICB, ABIEC, Abimóvel, Abragames).

ApexBrasil's product portfolio spans a unified digital platform (Plataforma Brasil Exportação), AI-powered market discovery (IAra Global, a free conversational NLP tool), sector-specific internationalization programs (Brazil Machinery Solutions, Brazilian Leather, Brazilian Beef, Brazilian Furniture, Brazilian Materials, Tex Brasil, Franchising Brasil), export qualification and acceleration programs (PEIEX, Exporta Mais Brasil, Jornada Exportadora), startup internationalization tracks (Web Summit Delegations, Startups Outreach Brasil, TechMakers), bilateral partnership programs (Partnering in Business with Germany with GIZ), market intelligence (Websérie Direto do Mercado), and trade-fair programs at scale. Distribution is global through a network of offices in Brasília, New Delhi, Moscow, Paris, and Beijing, plus partner-led programs covering ~14 countries.

The business model is institutional rather than commercial. As an autonomous social service governed by private law, ApexBrasil is primarily funded through government budget allocations and provides the vast majority of its services free of charge to Brazilian companies. Some premium offerings (customized trade intelligence studies, structured internationalization programs, and bilateral immersion missions) operate under formal Offer agreements with defined values, and certain programs require participants to cover international travel. In 2025 the agency served 23,386 companies (a historical high, with 51% being micro and small enterprises) and supported USD 10 billion in announced investments. The agency is LGPD-compliant with a designated Data Protection Officer, and was recognized as a WTPO winner in 2024.

Name

Apex-Brasil

Legal name

Autonomous Social Service Brazilian Trade Promotion Agency

Website

https://apexbrasil.com.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

ApexBrasil is Brazil's official government trade promotion and investment attraction agency, established under federal law and coordinated by MDIC. It provides free market intelligence, training, trade missions, and matchmaking services to help Brazilian companies export and to attract foreign direct investment into strategic sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Promotion Services

NAICS

International Affairs (92812)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Investment Promotion & FDI Facilitation (BPADAMAD)

Keywords

• Trade promotion services
• Export facilitation
• Foreign investment attraction
• International market entry
• Business matchmaking

Headquarters

HQ city

Brasília

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Institutional Government Funding: ApexBrasil is an autonomous social service (Serviço Social Autônomo) governed by private law, established under Brazilian law. It is primarily funded through institutional budget allocations and government programs. Services are generally provided free of charge to Brazilian companies. ApexBrasil also generates revenue through partnership agreements with private sector entities and international organizations.
2. Trade Promotion Services (Fee-based for Premium Offerings): Some services, such as customized business promotion activities, trade intelligence studies, mentoring programs, and internationalization programs, are rendered under formal Offer agreements with defined values. Certain activities involve participant co-funding (e.g., the Partnering in Business with Germany program requires participants to cover international flights while accommodation, meals, health insurance, and internal transport in Germany are covered by the program).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ApexBrasil (Agência Brasileira de Promoção de Exportações e Investimentos) is Brazil's official government trade promotion and investment attraction agency. It provides market intelligence, business matchmaking, internationalization training, trade missions, trade fair participation, and investment facilitation services to Brazilian companies seeking to export and to foreign investors seeking opportunities in Brazil. Most services are delivered free of charge and supported by a global network of international offices across six regional groupings.

Product overview

ApexBrasil (Agência Brasileira de Promoção de Exportações e Investimentos) is Brazil's national trade promotion and investment attraction agency, acting as a unified platform connecting Brazilian businesses to global markets. The agency's portfolio spans multiple layers: a core digital platform (Plataforma Brasil Exportação) that consolidates intelligence, tools, and training for exporters; sector-specific projects (Brazil Machinery Solutions, Brazilian Leather, Brazilian Beef, Brazilian Furniture); AI-powered market discovery tools (IAra Global); structured export programs (Exporta Mais Brasil, PEIEX, Jornada Exportadora); startup internationalization initiatives (Web Summit Delegations, Startups Outreach Brasil, TechMakers); bilateral partnership programs (Partnering in Business with Germany); market intelligence offerings (Websérie Direto do Mercado, trade studies, market profiles); and large-scale trade fair programs (Hannover Messe, VivaTech, BIO International Convention). The agency also manages investment attraction platforms such as the Brazil Investment Forum. Together, these products and programs form a comprehensive trade promotion ecosystem supporting Brazilian companies across all stages of internationalization, from first export to global expansion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Brazil Machinery Solutions: Program of promotion of Brazilian exports of machinery and equipment, conducted by ABIMAQ in partnership with ApexBrasil.
• Brazilian Leather
• Brazilian Furniture
• Brazilian Beef
• Brazilian Materials
• Tex Brasil
• Franchising Brasil
• Gender Pledge Initiative
• Plataforma Brasil Exportação
• IAra Global
• Exporta Mais Brasil
• Mulheres e Negócios Internacionais
• Elas Exportam
• Brasil Feito à Mão

Products and services

• Plataforma Brasil Exportação Unified digital platform that aggregates events calendar, business matchmaking tools, training resources, and a directory of export service providers for Brazilian exporters.
• IAra Global AI-powered conversational tool that helps Brazilian companies identify export market opportunities through natural language queries. Free and available to Brazilian exporters.
• Brazil Machinery Solutions Export promotion program for Brazilian machinery and equipment conducted by ABIMAQ in partnership with ApexBrasil. Supports Brazilian capital goods exports globally including at Hannover Messe 2026 and IPPE.
• Brazilian Leather (Projeto Brazilian Leather) Sectoral internationalization project for Brazilian leather, conducted by CICB in partnership with ApexBrasil. Promotes Brazilian leather in international markets through trade shows and business missions.
• Brazilian Beef Sectoral project in partnership with ABIEC to strengthen the image of Brazilian beef internationally, improve quality perception in importing countries, and expand Brazil's share of the global meat market.
• PEIEX (Programa de Qualificação para Exportação) Export qualification program preparing Brazilian companies to start exporting or expand international operations through training, market analysis, and customized advisory services.
• Exporta Mais Brasil Structured export promotion program supporting Brazilian companies at various stages of internationalization through capacity building, trade missions, buyer projects, and participation in international trade fairs.
• Jornada Exportadora Comprehensive export acceleration program that moves companies through the internationalization journey, from initial export preparation to consolidated international operations. Generated over R$55 million in deals in 2025.
• Partnering in Business with Germany Bilateral partnership program conducted with GIZ (Germany's International Cooperation Agency) and MDIC. Enables small and medium Brazilian companies to establish partnerships with German firms through three-week immersive missions, technical visits, and matchmaking sessions.
• Brazil Investment Forum Investment attraction event platform organized by ApexBrasil to connect foreign investors with Brazilian business opportunities, featuring business rounds, presentations, and networking sessions focused on strategic sectors for foreign direct investment.
• Brazil at Hannover Messe Coordinated program supporting Brazilian industry participation at Hannover Messe, the world's leading industrial trade fair. Brazil served as the Official Partner Country in 2026 with 140 exhibitors and 59 startups showcasing advanced manufacturing, green energy, digital technology, and sustainable industry solutions.
• Websérie Direto do Mercado Market intelligence webinar series created by ApexBrasil's Competitiveness Management to present potential export markets and assist companies in market prioritization. Covers market performance, business environment, trade barriers, and competition.
• Web Summit Delegation Program Program supporting Brazilian startups to participate in Web Summit (Rio and Lisbon editions), including pitch training, mentorship, business rounds, and access to international investors. Supported 100 startups at Web Summit Rio 2024 and plans 250 startups at Web Summit Lisboa 2026.
• Brazil at VivaTech Program supporting Brazilian startups and tech companies at VivaTech in Paris, one of the world's leading technology innovation events. Presents solutions in AI, healthtech, climate tech, biotech, and industrial transformation, including the Brazil Tech Awards pitch competition.
• Brazil at BIO International Convention

Quantifiable outcome

• 23,386 companies served in 2025 (historical high), with 51% being micro and small enterprises
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IBRAM (Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026IBRAM, Brazil's primary mining industry association, partnered with ApexBrasil, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and TMX Group (Toronto Stock Exchange operator) to present selected Brazilian mining projects at PDAC 2026 in Toronto. The initiative targets early-stage mining projects requiring $5-50 million in initial funding, focusing on lithium, rare earths, and fertilizer minerals for EV and energy storage supply chains.
• TMX Group (Toronto Stock Exchange operator)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026TMX Group, operator of the Toronto Stock Exchange, partnered with IBRAM and ApexBrasil to create a direct pathway for international capital deployment into Brazil's critical minerals sector through PDAC 2026 project presentations at TSX headquarters.
• Ministry of Mines and Energy (Brazil)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy partnered with IBRAM and ApexBrasil for the PDAC 2026 initiative to showcase Brazilian critical minerals projects to international investors.
• ABF (Associação Brasileira de Franchising) — Franchising BrasilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2025Franchising Brasil is a sectoral program jointly conducted by ABF (Brazilian Franchising Association) and ApexBrasil to internationalize Brazilian franchise brands. The 2025 Portugal Trade Mission generated US$2,342,510 in new business prospects for 16 Brazilian franchise brands, demonstrating the program's effectiveness.
• FICCI India (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring President Lula's February 2026 state visit to India, an MoU was signed between FICCI India and ApexBrasil to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between India and Brazil.
• Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with ApexBrasil for the 'Direto do Mercado — Canada 2026' webinar, sharing expertise on the Canadian market for Brazilian exporters.
• Consulado-Geral do Brasil em TorontominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with ApexBrasil for the Canada-focused Direto do Mercado webinar, providing consular-level market intelligence and connections.
• Sindipeças (National Syndicate of the Vehicle Parts Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSindipeças partnered with ApexBrasil for the 4th edition of the Eurasia Auto Parts Online Business Round (October 2026), connecting Brazilian auto parts manufacturers with distributors in Russia and CIS countries. This is the fourth edition specifically for auto parts, with a track record of 16 rounds since 2020.
• BMS — Brazil Machinery Solutions (ABIMAQ + ApexBrasil program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazil Machinery Solutions is a sectoral export promotion program conducted by ABIMAQ (Brazilian Association of Machinery and Equipment Industry) in partnership with ApexBrasil. It organized 140 exhibitors at Hannover Messe 2026 and projected USD 32 million in business at IPPE 2026.
• ABIMAQ (Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Máquinas e Equipamentos)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABIMAQ partners with ApexBrasil through the Brazil Machinery Solutions program to promote Brazilian machinery and equipment exports globally, including at Hannover Messe 2026 and IPPE.
• Sebrae (Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSebrae partnered with ApexBrasil for Web Summit Rio 2024 and 2026, helping select, support, and prepare Brazilian startups for international pitching and business development at the event.
• MRE (Ministério das Relações Exteriores / Itamaraty)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs partnered with ApexBrasil for Web Summit Rio 2024, contributing to the selection and preparation of startups for international exposure.
• MDIC (Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDIC partnered with ApexBrasil for Web Summit Rio 2024, supporting the Brazilian startup delegation.
• MCTI (Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCTI partnered with ApexBrasil for Web Summit Rio 2024, contributing to the Brazilian innovation and technology delegation.
• Anprotec (Associação Nacional de Entidades Promotoras de Empreendimentos Inovadores)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnprotec partnered with ApexBrasil for Web Summit Rio 2024, supporting the Brazilian startup ecosystem delegation.
• GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — German Agency for International Cooperation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIZ partners with ApexBrasil and MDIC on the 'Partnering in Business with Germany' program, providing online training modules and facilitating the German immersion experience for selected Brazilian companies. Funded by Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
• MDIC (Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDIC partners with Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, implemented by ApexBrasil and GIZ, for the Partnering in Business with Germany program targeting Brazilian SME exporters.
• Abimóvel (Associação Brasileira das Indústrias do Mobiliário)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbimóvel partners with ApexBrasil on the Brazilian Furniture sectoral program, promoting Brazilian furniture design internationally including at Salone del Mobile/Milano.
• EmbraercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmbraer partnered with Adani Defence and Aerospace for an E175 aircraft final assembly line in India during President Lula's February 2026 state visit, facilitated by ApexBrasil's New Delhi office opening.
• Brazilian Leather (CICB + ApexBrasil program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian Leather is a sectoral internationalization program conducted by CICB (Centro das Indústrias de Curtumes do Brasil) in partnership with ApexBrasil. Supports leather tanneries at international fairs including Lineapelle NY and Inspiramais.
• CICB (Centro das Indústrias de Curtumes do Brasil)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCICB partners with ApexBrasil through the Brazilian Leather program to promote Brazilian leather and footwear components internationally.
• Abragames (Brazilian Game Developers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbragames, the Brazilian game developers trade body representing ~1,100 studios and 13,000 professionals, works with ApexBrasil to support the international positioning of Brazil's video game industry, including through income tax rebates and lobbying for public fund mechanisms.
• Embaixada do Brasil em Paris / SECOM and SECTECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian Embassy in Paris, through its Trade Promotion (SECOM) and Science, Technology and Innovation (SECTEC) sectors, coordinates with ApexBrasil for Brazilian participation at VivaTech, including startup delegations since 2019.
• CUFA (Central Única das Favelas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUFA organized the 'Brazil Innovation Party' at VivaTech 2026 with ApexBrasil's support, at Le Village by CA, as a space dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and Franco-Brazilian cultural and technological exchange.
• EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe concluded EU-Mercosur trade agreement is being leveraged by ApexBrasil to attract technology partnerships and investment opportunities in green hydrogen, AI, and data centers, particularly at events like Hannover Messe 2026.
• ESCAP and FDI Center (Gender Pledge Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApexBrasil signed the Gender Pledge alongside five other investment promotion agencies (Invest Lithuania, Invest Estonia, PROCOMER, FIPA Tunisia, Uganda Investment Authority), committing to advance gender equity in foreign direct investment across six continents.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Enterprise Singapore: Singapore's government agency driving enterprise development and internationalization, with comparable mandate to help domestic companies access global markets and attract foreign investment.
• Business France: France's national agency for international business development, supporting French companies abroad and attracting foreign investment. Direct peer with overlapping programs in export qualification, sectoral promotion, and international trade fair organization.
• KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): South Korea's national trade promotion and investment attraction agency, operating globally with comparable services including market intelligence, trade missions, and business matchmaking—closely paralleling ApexBrasil's portfolio.
• ProChile: Chile's export promotion bureau under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Comparable in regional scope, sectoral brand approach, and focus on diversification beyond commodities.
• Invest India: India's national investment promotion and facilitation agency. Now a direct counterparty to ApexBrasil following the February 2026 New Delhi office inauguration and Lula state visit, and structurally the most comparable agency on the Indian side.
• Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI): Germany's federal agency for international trade and investment promotion, providing market intelligence and facilitating German export and FDI activity. Direct peer that already partners with ApexBrasil through the GIZ 'Partnering in Business with Germany' program.
• CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade): China's official foreign trade promotion body, organizing trade missions, fairs, and bilateral business forums worldwide. Comparable in scale and government-affiliated status, though operating under different political-economy conditions.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Japan's official government trade and investment promotion agency, with global office network and a mandate similar to ApexBrasil's for promoting Japanese exports and attracting foreign investment. Highly comparable in mission, structure, and government-affiliated status.
• ProColombia: Colombia's official trade promotion agency, with similar mandate to promote non-traditional exports, attract FDI, and run sectoral brand programs (e.g., Colombian Coffee). Highly comparable emerging-market Latin American peer.
• Department for Business and Trade (DBT, UK): The UK government's department for promoting British trade and investment, encompassing trade fair support, market access programs, and FDI attraction—an analogous national trade promotion function in a G7 economy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/apexbrasil
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ApexBrasil
• Facebookfacebook.com/apexbrasil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/apex-brasil
• Instagraminstagram.com/apexbrasil

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Apex-Brasil