InvestPorto News

InvestPorto News

Porto Leading Investors: driving sustainable economic impact


The impact of consistent investment strategies in attracting major companies to Porto is undeniable and backed by concrete evidence. The findings of a study on Porto Leading Investors, a program uniting companies and investors shaping the city's economy, demonstrate its role as a potent driver for economic and social progress in the country.

Over the past four years, this initiative has yielded 26,000 new jobs and attracted €222 million in investments to Porto, with further growth on the horizon.

Talent, technology, and tolerance stand out as key factors in drawing foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Porto region, according to the City Councillor for Economy, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, Ricardo Valente.

Explore more key insights from this study.


Explore the possibilities and get the right support for your business in Porto.

InvestPorto works within the Municipality of Porto, together with other public entities and our network of local experts, to support companies and investors doing business in Porto.

  • Market insights
  • Offices and workspaces
  • Networking
  • Municipal licensing
  • Talent
  • Business incentives


Volkswagen Digital Solutions (VWDS) made the strategic decision to expand its tech center to Porto, driven by the city's highly skilled talent

Jürgen Reimann, VWDS's managing director, noted: "Our initial target was to have 500 employees in Portugal. However, we have since decided to increase this number and are even exploring the possibility of further expansion with the group's other brands. This underscores our firm commitment to digital transformation."

Ricardo Valente, representing the City Council for Economy, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, sees VWDS's presence in Porto as a clear indication of the city's successful investment attraction strategy.

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Porto's tech companies open doors to neurodivergent talent

Critical Software and Critical Techworks, both Porto Leading Investors, hosted the 4th edition of the "Neurodiversity Open Days" in early April. This initiative aimed to introduce a recruitment program tailored for neurodivergent youth.

Through the Neurodiversity Program, these companies recruit, train, and integrate young people with autism spectrum disorders into their software engineering teams. To date, the program has successfully hired 22 individuals across both companies.

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Porto hosts the Geek Girls Portugal Conference

The Geek Girls Portugal Conference, a celebration of women in technology, was held in Porto on April 13th. Returning with lectures, workshops, and job opportunities, the event, hosted at Porto Business School, aimed to celebrate and empower women in the tech sector. The event provided a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and access to career opportunities and mentorship.

Featuring discussions on cybersecurity, social networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and management strategies to enhance team autonomy, the event brought together a diverse panel of speakers, including professionals from both Portuguese and international tech companies and universities.

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Porto is the top Erasmus destination for 2024

Porto has been awarded the title of the best Erasmus destination for 2024 at the Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM) held in Seville, Spain. This recognition, announced by the Erasmus Student Network Porto on social media, highlights Porto's dedication to offering an outstanding experience for international students.

Vitor Bizarro, president of ESN Porto, expressed "We want all international students to feel at home, to continue choosing our Porto, and to take back to their countries all the wonderful memories the city provides them".

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We're here to support investors and companies in building the future of Porto together



Thomas Gomes Pereira Prete, Adv.

Commerce, Partnerships, Trade Finance, Investment Lawyer in Europe

7mo

I would say excellent and opportune initiative - many thanks InvestPorto

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