AI Salon Rio de Janeiro #10
Rio Is Building Its Stock Exchange: Trading in the Age of AI
Rio’s stock exchange was Brazil’s second (Salvador 1st) and went on to become the country’s most important.
Then came coffee (shifted power to SP), hyperinflation, and Naji Nahas (read about this man! He delivered the final blow to our exchange in 1989).
For years now, Brazil has operated with a single equities exchange in São Paulo.
Now, Rio wants back in.
And this time, in the age of AI (read: a faster and cheaper exchange).
In our first AI Salon Rio of 2026, we’re hosting the man leading this move: Claudio Pracownik, CEO of Base Exchange, a new stock exchange headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, designed to compete directly with B3.
Base Exchange is awaiting authorization from the CVM and the Central Bank. If approved, it will mark the return of a stock exchange Made in Rio.
AGENDA
18:30 | Check-in & Networking
19:00 | Welcome Remarks
19:10 | Startup Pitches:
Startup #1; open slot
Tá no Bolso; co-founder Fábio Rito
Startup #3; open slot
19:20 | Meet EqSeed: Accessing Startup Equity Without Being a VC
Brian Begnoche, Founding Partner at EqSeed, joins us to share how Brazil’s first online platform for startup investing is expanding access to private markets. EqSeed has helped raise more than R$80 million across 40+ startups in three years, with 6 exits. They also secured an exclusivity partnership with Itaú.
19:30 | Rio Is Building Its Stock Exchange: A Finance Renaissance in the Age of AI
Claudio Pracownik; CEO at Base Exchange [former Genial Investimentos; Flamengo's Head of Finance]
Also, meet our host: Luana Helsinger (ex-private equity turned AI creator, between Silicon Valley & Rio).
20:30 | Networking with Beer & Snacks
Founding Partners:
Visagio: a global consulting firm born in Rio de Janeiro and now with 1,000+ professionals worldwide, six offices, and 500+ projects delivered per year across 50+ countries. They are experts in solving complex technology challenges, with a strong focus on AI and analytics.
There wouldn’t be food, drinks, or functioning Wi-Fi without our incredible sponsors:
AWS Startups: supporting 280,000+ startups worldwide, AWS helps founders bring their world-changing ideas to life—whether they’re building an MVP or scaling towards an IPO. Learn more at AWS Startups.
Instituto 12: where business meets innovation in Rio. With striking architecture and a mission to accelerate Rio’s innovation ecosystem, Instituto 12 is a landmark for the city’s future.
Join Our Private Group on LinkedIn
AI Salon Rio is not an event, it's a movement. Join our private group here. Need to live in Rio de Janeiro to be part of it!
Interested in pitching at AI Salon?
Please send us a short blurb about your startup.
Include a presentation to showcase your work.
Email: [email protected]