With a population of 200 million, Brazil is one of the biggest internet markets in the world, hosting scores of companies devoted to social media, digital advertising, e-commerce and other online businesses. But when it comes to finding tech-talent, the country falls short.

Airbnb might have recently been valued at $25.5 billion, but in Brazil a different start-up is dominating the accommodation game. Hotel Urbano is a hotel and search platform, and one of Brazil’s fastest growing start-ups. Boasting over 30 million users, its popularity is only set to grow.

Three small, Brazilian food producers in Rio de Janeiro have come up with an idea to bring an assortment of homemade products to the local community. The three friends have been hosting Junta Local – a fortnightly food fair offering people the chance to obtain tasty locally-sourced food.

Lavish costumes, oversized animal floats and raucous partying – Carnival season in Brazil is renowned for its extravagance. But as it kicks off in Rio, many fear the 2015 festivities may not meet the exuberance of previous years, despite their predicted draw of a million tourists.