I was born in Lisbon to a Brazilian mother and a Portuguese father, and from a young age, I was imbued with the rich cultural heritages of both nations. Portugal, known for its age of exploration, has a long history of sailors and merchants who set out into the unknown, driven by a thirst for discovery and trade. Figures like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan exemplify the adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit that is a part of Portugals legacy. This sense of adventure and curiosity seems to be woven into my very DNA. Growing up, I was always a rebel. It didnt matter what the orders were; I simply didnt like following them. I had an immense need for freedom and a boundless energy that I struggled to control. This need for freedom and boundless energy might have come from my Brazilian blood. Brazil, my mothers homeland, has a history marked by its struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule, a struggle driven by a deep desire for self-determination and autonomy. Just as Brazil fought to forge its own path and break free from external constraints, I too have always sought to carve out my own path, unbound by the expectations and directives of others. The combination of these influences—the adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit of Portugal and the fierce independence of Brazil—has undoubtedly shaped me into the person I am today. After I started exercising regularly at the gym, I found that my mind became clearer, and I was able to focus more. The immense energy I once struggled to control turned into a powerful force, allowing me to work for long hours, sometimes 12 to 13 hours a day. With this background, becoming an entrepreneur was inevitable for me, driving me to explore new opportunities and make a lasting impact in the world of business.

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When I moved to Norway, I was introduced to a new world full of opportunities. The education system in Norway is renowned for its emphasis on fostering independence and critical thinking, offering students the freedom to explore their interests. This environment was a stark contrast to what I had experienced in Portugal, where education was often more rigid and constraining. In Norway, this focus allowed me to thrive both academically and personally. Norways history is rich with stories of the Vikings—fierce warriors, skilled navigators, and ambitious traders who were known for their expeditions across the seas. The Vikings werent just conquerors; they were also explorers and merchants who connected different parts of the world through trade. Living in Norway, I couldnt help but feel a connection to this heritage. The spirit of exploration that characterized the Vikings complemented my Portuguese DNA, making my drive to explore the unknown unstoppable. As I immersed myself in my studies, I found that the modern Norwegian work culture, with its emphasis on professionalism, quality, and a balanced approach to life, profoundly influenced my approach to everything I did. In Norway, there is a strong focus on doing things the right way, with precision, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence. This cultural mindset shaped my work ethic, driving me to achieve the highest standards in my work.Norway also deepened my love for travel. The stunning landscapes and the freedom to explore them reinforced my desire to see the world and experience new cultures. The Norwegian way of life, which balances work and leisure, inspired me to pursue a career that would allow me to combine my passion for travel with my professional ambitions. With the controlled energy I gained from my physical discipline, I was able to focus on my goals with even greater intensity, setting the stage for my future success as an entrepreneur.

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One of the most pivotal moments in my university journey was participating in Trondheims largest student-organized hackathon, Start Code, from October 27th to 29th, 2023. Despite finding out about the event only a week before it started, I managed to form a team by reaching out to my teaching assistant coworkers, Torgrim Thorsen and Martin Hegnum Johannessen, who both joined me along with Martins classmate, Kjetil Indrehus. Our challenge was to create a mobile application for Food Manager AS that featured a voice assistant, AI-generated meal suggestions, and a receipt-scanning feature using OCR to extract groceries bought. Despite the tough competition, we were thrilled to be announced as the winners of the case during the after-party. This victory was a testament to our teamwork and determination. As a prize, we received tickets to participate in START Globals Start Hack, Europes Most Entrepreneurial Hackathon. Unfortunately, Kjetil and Martin were unable to attend, so Ulrik Hesmyr and Teemu Johannes Vikøren joined the team for Start Hack in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Start Hack was on a completely different scale, with 600 hackers and 36 hours to create a solution for one of the nine case partners. Ultimately, we chose the United Nations G20 Global Land Initiative case, focusing on locating and managing wildfires in Brazil. This decision unified our team, leading us to win the case competition. Presenting our solution on the main stage of Start Summit to over 5000 people was a challenging but rewarding experience that taught me invaluable lessons in public speaking and leadership.

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After my enriching experiences in Norway and the success in various university projects and hackathons, I felt ready to take on a new challenge. The next pivotal moment came when I decided to attend Collision Conference 2024 in Toronto, Canada—a decision that would change the course of my life. Originally, I had planned to return to Norway after the conference to continue working as a teaching assistant during the summer, but the possibility of starting my own business in Canada during the summer was too compelling to pass up. Starting my business in North America was an opportunity I couldnt ignore. I quickly acted on this decision, applying for a work visa through the International Experience Canada program, which allows young people from 18 to 35 to work in Canada. To complete the process, I traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to have my fingerprints taken at a Canadian VAC center. Once my visa was approved, I informed my employer in Norway of my plans and found a place to stay in Toronto. Fast forward a month, and I had already fallen in love with Toronto. The citys towering skyscrapers and vibrant tech scene were unlike anything I had ever experienced. The energy of the city fueled my ambition and solidified my decision to move there and build something meaningful. The transition wasnt easy, but it was worth every challenge. Moving to a new country, navigating the visa process, and adjusting to a new city while starting a business was daunting. However, I was fortunate to make great friends during the Collision Conference who played a crucial role in my journey. Their unwavering support and guidance provided me with the strength and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of starting a business in a new environment. Their insights and connections were instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles, shaping my resilience and adaptability—qualities that have become the backbone of my entrepreneurial journey.

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Founding Brito Partners marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter in my life. Before arriving in Toronto, I had explored various startup ideas, including Learnel, an education and entertainment platform aimed at making learning more engaging for students. However, after valuable feedback at Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon, I realized that to make a meaningful impact, I needed to start with something more focused and practical. This led to the creation of Brito Partners, a company dedicated to providing software development, website development, and mobile app development tailored to the needs of businesses. Incorporating the company in Toronto was a bold decision, especially as I was still adjusting to a new country and city. However, I believed that this venture would lay a strong foundation for future innovations and help me gain the necessary experience to tackle more ambitious projects later on. Launching Brito Partners came with its challenges. Balancing technical expertise with an understanding of business dynamics and client needs required a steep learning curve. Yet, these challenges also brought immense growth. Building a company from the ground up, managing a team, and delivering real value to clients has been a transformative experience, reinforcing my entrepreneurial spirit and shaping my approach to business. In retrospect, the founding of Brito Partners represents the merging of my technical skills with my entrepreneurial vision. Its the start of a journey that I hope will not only change my life but also positively impact the businesses I work with. This venture is just the beginning, and I am eager to see where it will lead, knowing that the lessons Ive learned will guide me in future endeavors.

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