Technology that inspires tomorrow

The transformations I have seen in the Construction Industry and Real Estate Market since the 1970s, when I was studying Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, to the present day are impressive. In recent years, the sector has undergone significant innovations in management and technology, driven by the need to increase efficiency, the quality so demanded by customers, sustainability and competitiveness. From the drawing board to the future: technological transformations and digitalization in the construction industry Since my graduation in 1982, as a Civil Engineer, the changes in the sector have been incredible. Planning, elaboration and execution of projects relied heavily on analog processes. I remember long nights spent hunched over a drawing board, with a programmable calculator, a mechanical pencil, tracing paper and India ink as my main tools, while working on the design and elaboration of structural projects for civil works. After this phase, the great challenge was to reconcile the projects, analyze interferences, prepare budgets and, subsequently, plan and monitor the execution of the work. When I first started my career as a civil engineer, these tasks were extremely manual and required a huge effort to ensure accuracy and coordination between the various stages of the project. Paper-based documentation also made communication between teams very difficult, often leading to rework and inefficiencies. Today, digitalization has radically transformed these processes. Technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) have made integrated project management possible, from design to maintenance of buildings. In addition, cloud solutions and mobile computing have revolutionized the way companies manage their operations on construction sites, providing a complete view of the value chain and significantly improving collaboration between the stakeholders involved. Our contribution: the development of Sienge In 1990, together with my partners Ilson Stabile and Carlos Augusto de Matos, we developed the first version of Sienge, a management software specifically aimed at the construction industry. At that time, the market was beginning to take its first steps towards a technological revolution that would profoundly transform this industry. Our initial goal with the Sienge, back in the 90s, was to modernize and professionalize the management of construction and development companies. Over more than three decades, the Sienge has evolved and become the most widely used management software platform in Brazil for the construction industry, reflecting our significant contribution to the advancement of technology and digitalization in the sector. Throughout its history, the Group Softplan expanded its portfolio of solutions for this important vertical of the economy. With the integration of several solutions, today the Sienge The platform covers the most significant processes, from the design of a project to post-construction maintenance, as well as all processes involving a development or construction company. The integration of these technologies facilitates collaboration between all stakeholders in the construction industry, promotes transparency and significantly improves the results of projects and allows society to deliver better quality projects at a lower cost. The adoption of digital technologies such as BIM, artificial intelligence and process automation has radically revolutionized the way engineering projects are designed, planned and executed. Automation and robotics, for example, not only increase productivity by up to 25% but also significantly improve safety on construction sites, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. Studies by Dodge Data & Analytics suggest that the use of BIM can reduce construction costs by up to 20% and reduce project completion times by around 30%. Impacts of technological innovations and their benefits for society In addition to operational advances, these innovations offer substantial benefits for society. The construction of more sustainable and efficient buildings contributes significantly to reducing the consumption of natural resources and carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that the use of green technologies can reduce energy consumption in new buildings by up to 40%, generating substantial economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable practices and technological innovations can reduce energy consumption in buildings by up to 50%, resulting in significant savings for residents and significant reductions in carbon emissions, which directly contributes to the mitigation of climate change. These transformations not only reinforce the efficiency and profitability of the sector, but also drive significant improvements in quality of life by providing safer, more efficient and affordable housing. Increased efficiency in the execution of civil works projects can generate savings of up to 15% in the total cost of the works, making properties more accessible to the population. The construction sector, vital to the global economy, is responsible for approximately 13% of the world's GDP according to McKinsey & Company, generates millions of direct and indirect jobs, and is fundamental for sustainable and orderly urban development. Future trends and collaboration Looking ahead, innovations such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing prototyping, advanced automation and modular construction are expected to continue to evolve, driving further efficiency and sustainability in the sector. Building a community based on knowledge sharing and innovation will be the foundation for the future of the construction industry and real estate market, transforming entire cities and benefiting society as a whole. These innovations, when widely adopted, have the power to profoundly transform the urban landscape, promoting more orderly and sustainable development. The importance of events like Construsummit Construsummit 2024, the largest management and technology event focused on the construction industry, will be held on September 4th and 5th at CentroSul, in Florianópolis. This event is an essential platform for the exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of innovations in the sector, bringing together professionals from different areas to discuss the main trends and challenges in the construction and real estate markets. With the participation of renowned speakers and industry leaders, Construsummit offers an environment conducive to networking, learning and the creation of strategic partnerships, making it indispensable for those who want to be at the forefront of the transformations that are shaping the future of construction in Brazil. In addition to its central role in the dissemination of innovations and best practices, Construsummit is vital in building a vibrant and collaborative community. Softplan For the Construction Industry, “creating a space where professionals can exchange ideas and share experiences is crucial for the development of the sector.” This collaborative environment is essential to ensure that innovations continue to be developed and implemented effectively, benefiting both companies and society as a whole. I am deeply proud of the impact our solutions have had on the construction industry. And Construsummit, as a platform, symbolizes decades of hard work, innovation and partnership. I invite all professionals and companies in the construction sector to participate in this transformative event. Come explore the possibilities that technology can offer and join us on this journey to build a more efficient, sustainable and connected future for the construction industry. To secure your place and check out the full schedule, visit the official Construsummit website. See you there!

In the business world, any movement is relevant, and the launch of a product is no exception. A good go-to-market (GTM) strategy increases the chances of a successful market presentation and lays the foundation for continued and sustainable business growth. In fact, launching a new product or service requires a lot of effort, for several reasons. Tight deadlines, fierce competition and limited resources are complexities involved in this process. Going to market addresses these issues and requires a structured roadmap that guides the launch and revitalization of an existing brand. To define the best GTM strategies, it is essential to consider factors such as the target market, the value proposition of the product/service and the customer journey, thus ensuring an approach aligned with the company’s objectives. In the context of SaaS companies, this dynamic presents extra challenges due to the peculiarities of this business model. One of the main things is to keep the product updated and, in parallel, meet customer expectations. In SaaS, you have to deal with a customer base that probably already uses a solution. Therefore, it is crucial that the GTM strategy emphasizes the improvements and innovations of this service over other options. The market is growing, but some companies are falling behind The digital advertising and marketing industry is growing by leaps and bounds, with projections of a market worth almost 1 trillion dollars by 2027. When we talk about the software as a service market, we have even more impactful information: according to the Gitnux Marketdata Report 2024, 99% of global companies use one or more SaaS solutions. Software providers and companies in general are eager for a slice of this pie, but the reality is that the vast majority of them do not survive — according to data from Investopedia, 90% of new businesses do not prosper. Why? Often, one of the problems lies in the approach: focusing only on product development and forgetting about the market entry strategy. This statistic points to the pressing need for a solid go-to-market strategy, which goes far beyond a conventional marketing plan. The true essence of a go-to-market strategy lies in its ability to go beyond launching a product or service. The secret is to outline the steps for its effective adoption by the target market. This includes everything from identifying the most effective communication channels to defining a coherent and persuasive marketing message. In SaaS, we go a little further: identifying and communicating clearly and assertively how your product solves a problem is the difference for conversion. In fact, companies that have a well-defined launch process are more likely to achieve success, according to data from State of go-to-market 2023. According to the report, they have, on average, 10% higher success rates. Revenue from these businesses also tends to be three times higher compared to companies without defined launch processes. By focusing efforts exclusively on developing the next product, companies risk losing sight of the critical importance of how it will actually be adopted by customers. A well-designed go-to-market strategy is not just restricted to tangible aspects, such as communication channels and strategies. It also covers intangible items, such as precise market segmentation, strategic brand positioning and competitive differentiation. Value needs to be created - but how? Placing a new product or service on the market is no easy task. To ensure success, you need a solid and effective plan. But how do you build a GTM strategy that really works? Well, avoid the trap of false hope! In other words, don’t assume that your product will be an instant success. Set realistic sales goals based on solid forecasts, taking into account marketing, sales and development costs. It's better to be positively surprised than to be deeply disappointed. Another important point is, before launching your product, to be clear about what it offers that is unique and valuable to the market. Answer questions like: Why are you being cast? What problem does it solve? What value does it add for the customer? To achieve this, it is essential to know your audience for the success of GTM. Understand your ideal customer's pain points, needs, and behavior. This will enable your actions and messages to be effective. Remember that each new product may attract a different audience, requiring adjustments to your sales funnels. Take time to research the market, create new marketing strategies, and optimize the conversion process to maximize results. In the SaaS market, these strategies must be even more precise and aligned with the specificities of this model. To do this, it is important to consider: TAM (total addressable market): demand for your product or service; SAM (specific addressable market): focuses on the part of the market that you can reasonably reach; SOM (specific available market): represents the market segment that you can serve immediately, based on your current resources. Also don’t forget that sales activities must accompany the customer on their journey. Deliver the right message at the right time, from awareness to loyalty. Adapt your strategies according to the stage of the purchasing journey each customer is at. Finally, finalize all changes and optimizations in your sales cycle before launching the product. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process, avoiding bottlenecks during the launch. Softplan Our starting point is a framework based on Gartner's GTM Matrix - a tool for directing product launch strategy. Measure to manage After the launch itself, measuring the results of go-to-market strategies is essential to understand the impact of your actions and adjust the course as necessary. There are smart ways to carry out this assessment. Before diving into the data, it's crucial to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your go-to-market strategy. To do this, set smart goals (SMART) — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and limited in time. Raise awareness, generate leads, convert sales, increase revenue, reduce churn or improve customer retention: these objectives must be aligned with the needs of your market and the overall objectives of your business. After that, select the relevant metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the progress of your campaigns. Metrics are individual measures of aspects of your go-to-market activities and provide raw data about what's happening. Website traffic, email open rates, and social media engagement are some of them. On the other hand, KPIs combine metrics to assess progress towards the company's strategic objectives. They tell you if you are on the right path to achieving what you want. Examples include cost per customer acquisition, conversion rate from leads to actual customers, and customer satisfaction after purchase. Use marketing automation and CRM tools to collect and analyze your go-to-market data. This will help you understand how your strategy is performing and identify areas for improvement. Segment and filter your data by different criteria such as product, market or channel to gain deeper insights and identify patterns. Based on data analysis, optimize your strategy and use the insights you gain to adjust your tactics, add or remove features, expand your market reach, or experiment with new channels. Monitor the impact of these changes on your metrics and KPIs and repeat the optimization process as needed to ensure consistent, positive results. Entering a competitive market and conquering your space requires more than just a good product. A well-structured go-to-market strategy is fundamental to the success of your business. This article has covered the essentials for building a solid foundation for your planning, but this is just the beginning. To delve deeper into the GTM universe and learn from practical cases, an essential reading tip is the e-book "Growth and go-to-market strategies for B2B SaaS". In it, you will find lessons from the MultiSaaS ecosystem of Softplan to scale your company!

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global UN response to contemporary challenges, succeeding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Launched in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda, the 17 SDGs cover critical areas for sustainable development, such as eradicating poverty, environmental protection, promoting quality education, gender equality and climate action. These goals aim to guarantee global peace, prosperity and well-being by 2030. The relevance of the SDGs transcends governments, encompassing companies, organizations and individuals, providing clear guidance for the implementation of sustainable and integrated actions globally. SDGs in the Corporate Context In the corporate context, the integration of the SDGs into business strategies is essential to face current challenges. Companies that adopt international frameworks, such as the SDGs, are able to align their initiatives with global demands, promoting transparency and comparability. Additionally, the SDGs serve as a guide for organizations looking to maximize their positive impact but don't yet know where to start. Incorporating them into strategic planning strengthens the brand's positioning and helps attract and retain talent. This integration also: Improves corporate reputation; Opens new market opportunities; Ensures long-term sustainability; Responds to the needs and expectations of key stakeholders. Linking the SDGs to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) programs allows companies to address critical issues with a direct impact on the SDGs. This ensures operations and strategies that significantly contribute to sustainable and inclusive development. The relationship between the SDGs and ESG programs is direct, as both share the promotion of sustainable and responsible business practices. The adoption of a well-structured ESG program allows companies to address critical issues related to their operations, with an impact on the SDGs. SDG and ESG in Softplan   Na Softplan, our ESG program in the structuring process is based on three pillars: Innovative Solutions, Transformative Relationships and Reliable Operations. All of them are directly correlated to the SDGs and were structured based on international guidelines and methodologies, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Global Compact and national guidelines such as the Ethos Institute and the B3 Corporate Sustainability Index. The fundamental objective of this process is to define the organization's material themes, that is, the areas or themes that generate the most significant impacts (positive or negative) that the company causes (or can or could cause) on its most relevant stakeholders. Based on the material themes that emerged from our listening and engagement process with stakeholders, we identified the impacted SDGs, which led to positioning in the strategic pillars: Innovative Solutions: we use technology to accelerate business efficiency and propose solutions that promote innovation and positive impacts for customers, society and the environment (SDGs 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16); Transformative Relationships: we believe in the transformative power of knowledge, which is why we foster an ecosystem that promotes the development and inclusion of employees and communities (SDGs 3, 4, 5 and 8); Reliable Operations: we continually focus on the accurate, safe and ethical execution of all activities, ensuring reliability and consistency in each process (SDG 16). How to measure and account for We are committed to measuring and accounting for our impacts, recognizing the importance of indicators and criteria that make sense for the Softplan and our stakeholders. This process is essential to ensure transparency and maximize the positive impact of our actions. Through continuous engagement with customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders, we seek to constantly improve our evaluation methods, ensuring that our initiatives effectively and genuinely contribute to the SDGs. A Softplan is in a privileged situation in terms of its potential to generate positive impacts. In the public sector, we have 9 Digital Transformation solutions that work directly to expand and qualify the provision of public services to society. In other words, greater efficiency and quality translate into greater well-being and social justice. In civil construction, we have an ecosystem that currently has 7 solutions. This sector, due to its nature of activity, is a large emitter of greenhouse gases. This means that reduced waste and greater efficiency can mean less pollution. Civil construction is also a sector that induces economic growth. According to ABRAINC, the civil construction chain involves 62 economic activities, which together represent 8% of GDP, that is, double the direct impact. ​ According to data from IBGE, in the Contínua PNAD, in 2023 7,244 million people worked in civil construction. Of these, 2,748 million formally. In other words, there is potential to formalize 4,5 million workers. How we do it Measuring this impact appropriately is the first step to starting the virtuous cycle of continuous improvement. In the case of our public sector solutions, with the Customer stakeholder in mind, we created the ESG Indicator Center. It is a tool that directly contributes to the accountability of the results obtained to society and customers in a clear and transparent way. Another advantage is promoting continuous strategic discussion with stakeholders about how our solutions can maximize their positive impacts and eventually avoid, minimize, mitigate or remedy negative ones. Thinking about our solutions for the Public Sector, more specifically for Courts of Justice, we have the SAJ (Justice Automation System). The digital judicial process, which eliminates the need for paper consumption, resulted in savings of 2023 thousand tons of greenhouse gases in 68 (this is equivalent to a fleet of almost 60 thousand vehicles traveling on the streets in one year), which is directly related to SDG 13 - Action against global climate change. The question remains (and consequently the objective and action plans): for 2024, how can we further reduce this volume of emissions? Another example. Still in 2023, the Departments of Roads and Highways and State Infrastructure Secretariats, which use the Sider, it took an average of 23 hours to approve contract measurements, which represents a gain of 45% compared to 2022. Faster measurement contributes to greater agility in construction processes and inspection of public works, which in turn facilitate directly with SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Still, for 2024, how can we support our customers to further reduce the approval period? SDG 16, for example, which deals with Peace, Justice and Effective Institutions, is practically the reason for the entire SAJ suite of solutions, serving the Courts of Justice, Public Ministries, Public Defenders and Prosecutors' Offices. Our work in civil construction also has an organic and direct impact. A recent article by the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Developers correlated the construction chain with 9 different SDGs. A study by the Green Building Council from 2019 is even more educational in presenting the relationship between the SDGs and the construction chain: The SDGs represent a milestone in the search for a fairer, more equitable and sustainable future. Through the 2030 Agenda, the UN not only offers a comprehensive plan of action to address the biggest global challenges, but also provides a universal framework that can be adopted by governments, businesses and individuals. At the corporate level, the integration of the SDGs into business strategies is a matter of social responsibility and an opportunity for innovation and sustainable growth. The relationship between the SDGs and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) programs highlights the importance of responsible business practices that directly impact global goals. Adopting well-structured ESG principles allows companies to meaningfully contribute to the SDGs by addressing critical issues related to the environment, society and governance. At Softplan, the commitment to sustainability is reflected in our three pillars: Innovative Solutions, Transformative Relationships and Trustworthy Operations, each related to the specific purposes of the SDGs. Measurement and accountability are essential to ensure transparency and maximize the positive impact of our actions. When developing solutions for the public sector and civil construction, we also seek to promote social well-being and reduce environmental impacts. Tools such as the ESG Indicator Center and initiatives such as SAJ (Justice Automation System) exemplify our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Goodbye papers, drawers and huge cabinets: much more than saving physical space and paper, cloud computing has transformed the way we store files and modified several business processes. Today, it is not necessary to be physically at the company to have access to important data and information. With a Wi-Fi signal and a login, wherever you are, you can consult, download files and send them in a few seconds. Cloud computing concerns the storage and processing of data online, that is, it does not require physical hosting devices and allows access in real time and remotely. This applies not just to accessing that folder on Google Drive or the PDF in your email. Bank transfers, remote monitoring and streaming platforms are other applications of cloud computing. It is very likely that you are already experiencing such changes in your daily life. In this article, we delve deeper into the impacts of cloud computing on digital transformation. Check out relevant analyzes and research on the topic. Good reading! photo: Dino How cloud computing impacts innovation The adoption of cloud computing directly impacts companies' ability to innovate, as it offers flexibility in accessing data and transcends limitations imposed by traditional infrastructures. The agility and speed of cloud computing optimize companies' innovation process, allowing them to become more competitive. In practice, this means that businesses can more quickly take advantage of technological resources, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI. After all, it is necessary to have access and storage of data on a large scale to apply machine learning - teaching a “robot” how to answer the most common questions in a company's support sector, for example. Global collaboration and mobility are also enhanced. With a large volume of processed data, the exchange of knowledge worldwide is stimulated, which directly favors innovation. An example is open source companies, which make their system codes available on the internet to be downloaded and used by any developer. Another example is the cloud's pay-as-you-go payment model, which reduces financial barriers traditionally associated with innovation. By eliminating the need for large capital investments, companies can allocate resources more efficiently, directing them towards research and development. This financial flexibility not only encourages continuous innovation, but also allows businesses to experiment and take risks more strategically. In practice, the adoption of cloud technology is a revolution in business models. Eliminating the need for local infrastructure and costs associated with server maintenance allows companies to optimize budgets, in addition to ensuring data security. Another important gain is also related to storing and sharing information. Now, these processes are carried out online, streamlining operational tasks and promoting a data-driven culture. source: Cisco Impact of Cloud Computing on customer experience The rise of cloud computing triggers a revolution in the way organizations interact and connect with their customers. The convergence of accessibility, personalization, real-time engagement and 24/7 scalability drive consumer loyalty and satisfaction. Offering a unified experience to customers contributes to increased satisfaction and, consequently, customer loyalty. Furthermore, customization is also taken to a new level. Collecting and analyzing large volumes of customer data becomes more efficient and accessible, enabling companies to deliver more relevant and personalized offers and experiences. The ability to understand consumers' individual preferences results in more meaningful interactions, creating an environment where they feel truly recognized and valued. Ultimately, real-time engagement emerges as a driving force in consumer interaction. Cloud-based solutions facilitate instant interactions through intelligent chatbots, AI-driven recommendations, and instant support. This immediate response capacity meets the growing demand for real-time interactions, providing a more dynamic and satisfying experience and, thus, increasing customer retention - as shown in a study carried out by Salesforce, where 71% of customers made purchasing decisions with based on the quality of customer service. source: Salesforce 2022 Cloud computing is a driving force in the digital transformation journey, especially in companies. This not only positively affects customer behavior, but also fuels innovation, serving as a catalyst for change. The ability to transform operations, reduce costs and develop competitive advantages makes cloud technology an essential component in business strategies.

A Softplan has just made its 11th acquisition, with the aim of further consolidating its portfolio and remaining one of the largest SaaS and digital transformation business ecosystems in the country. The company acquired Deep Legal, a digital platform focused on legal intelligence, with the capacity to monitor and analyze data and information. The Group's new company Softplan operates in the legal and financial sector of the country's major litigants and offers more opportunities for success in civil and labor processes through the development of data-driven solutions, helping to boost the strategy of the Legal Tech vertical and strengthen the SaaS ecosystem. With this movement, the Group Softplan intends to expand its strength in the legal sector, making this vertical more robust and complete for its clients. Check out more details in the exclusive article with CEO Eduardo Smith

The global economic scenario has been marked by turbulence since 2023. Several events, such as crises in the credit market, the slowdown in inflation and the delay in reducing basic interest rates, impacted expectations and speculation in local and global economies. Faced with these challenges, growth and financing strategies require review and adaptation. To better understand this context and find out how companies can chart a safe path amid an uncertain outlook, Portal Visão spoke with André Tavares, CFO of Softplan. He shared his perspectives on the impact of economic turmoil and offered insights for businesses looking to thrive amid market volatility. Persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainties impact global economic growth The year 2024 presents a challenging global economic outlook, marked by slowing growth, persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainties. IMF (International Monetary Fund) projections, published in the World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, indicate that, despite the resilience observed to date, the world economy faces significant risks. In the geopolitical scenario, conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine intensify uncertainties, impacting the global context, as André highlights: "We still don't have a full understanding of whether these conflicts will weaken or worsen. In any case, In this way, they continue to influence economic flows, energy generation and the prices of commodities such as oil". For the CFO of Softplan, these wars have direct implications on global markets, affecting not only the economies directly involved, but creating ripples of impact throughout the international economic system. “Increased geopolitical tensions could lead to significant changes in investments and economic policies in different regions”, he comments. Data from the World Bank reveals that trade growth in 2023 was the slowest in half a century, excluding periods of recession. This performance reflects the contraction in merchandise trade, with global industrial production also showing weakness. Although there are optimistic projections for 2024, with global trade expected to grow at around 2,3%, experts highlight that this recovery is still modest. This perspective gains relevance when we consider that, after a global recession, the recovery period between 2021 and 2024 is seen as the weakest in decades. Reflections of the economic dynamics of great powers In addition to geopolitical issues, André also highlights the economic scenario in the United States and its ripple effect: "In the United States, we have a very persistent inflation scenario. The American Central Bank had to increase interest rates, which is a significant change compared to recent years. This directly influences investments, especially in companies, startups and innovation projects." The World Bank's outlook is that American growth will decline to 1,6% this year, with a reduction in savings and still high interest rates. Labor shortages and economic and political uncertainties are also expected to affect business investment. André explains that “the rise in interest rates in the US has a global impact, affecting the domestic investment environment and influencing the decisions of investors and companies around the world”. For him, the difficulty in accessing capital at lower rates can restrict economic growth and innovation in several sectors. He highlights the interconnection between the global and Brazilian economies: "If the American interest rate does not fall, the Brazilian interest rate cannot fall either, due to the interest rate differential between the economies. This is reflected in companies and harms the investment environment, resulting in fewer projects and financing." Technology remains attractive for investments, but it is important to evaluate case by case When discussing investment opportunities, André emphasizes the importance of evaluating not only specific sectors, but the individual characteristics of companies. He highlights that “companies with high debt represent a greater risk in periods of less economic dynamism, where a significant portion of their results are directed to interest payments”. On the other hand, he explains that businesses that generate cash and maintain low debt are seen as interesting opportunities. In this context, André notes that some sectors, such as healthcare, face significant growth challenges due to high debt. “Operators, health plans, insurance companies and hospitals are among the companies facing these difficulties”, he states. However, he highlights the technology sector, especially software companies, as one of the most promising. “Companies in general are undergoing an intense digital transformation, reflecting a global trend of digitalization, which has positively impacted their growth and cash generation potential”, he explains. For him, software companies that generate cash and that can show good growth rates are the best investments today. However, he warns that it is essential to distinguish between technology companies that grow and generate cash from those that, despite growing rapidly, consume more resources. This last group will face additional challenges due to the increasingly tight financing environment. Artificial intelligence continues to rise Another point raised by André is that we are experiencing a significant boom in the area of ​​artificial intelligence — in his words, “a moment of euphoria in which everyone is watching the impact that AI will have on business”. Data collected by Sling Hub contextualizes this scenario. According to the data intelligence platform, in the first half of this year alone, Brazilian startups with AI in their solutions raised more than US$110 million in investments. André notes that AI companies are growing impressively, but warns about the possibility that we are in a phase of high speculative growth, where these businesses may be overvalued. “Although it is a strong growth scenario, this may not be the best time to invest in this sector due to the potential bubble”, he warns. Furthermore, he highlights the transformation of the job market driven by AI, highlighting the increase in home working and the fluidity in work relationships. André sees these changes not just as trends, but as realities that will continue to bring significant transformations to the world stage. Moment requires caution and strategic planning from companies This context, marked by high interest rates and a retraction in economic activity, requires caution and strategic planning from companies, especially for those that are in debt, as André warns. For him, in a time of instability, efficient cash management becomes crucial for the company's survival. "Generally, managers are looking too much at accounting results, such as EBITDA, and forget about cash management. Prioritizing cash flow guarantees the necessary liquidity to honor commitments and avoid collapse", he explains. André reinforces that debt, although undesirable, is a reality for many companies. He emphasizes that the key to dealing with this situation lies in strategic debt management. "If you are in debt, it's time to look inside the company, see what opportunities there are for extracting and generating internal value so that you can reduce the level of leverage", he advises. Another point raised by André is that for companies with good financial health, the moment can present unique investment opportunities. "If you are a company that is growing, that is well capitalized, I would say that this is the time to look at good investment opportunities", he advises. He adds that “strategic acquisitions at advantageous prices can drive growth and strengthen market position.” According to André, the current economic context, although challenging, also offers opportunities for companies that prove resilient and adaptable. "There is no prospect in the short and medium term for interest rates to reduce much. So, companies that know how to navigate this crisis with intelligence and strategic planning will emerge stronger and ready to prosper in the future", he concludes. Asked about the outlook for the coming months, André foresees the continuation of a challenging scenario, characterized by high interest rates and economic difficulties. He also points to the importance of closely monitoring developments in 2024, including events such as the United States election, which could significantly impact economic and investment decisions.