In the megalopolis of São Paulo, the preferred method of transport is the car – there are more than 5.6 million on the city’s roads. Calls for more cycle lanes have provoked bitter rows both in the streets and in the courts, but start-up Ciclomidia is defying this resistance, carving out a bigger space for cyclists.

The ongoing recession in Brazil is taking a toll on consumers, and looks set to hit the luxury and travel sectors in particular. With Brazilians looking to cut back on their spending, premium brands are getting people to trade up by focusing on healthiness rather than pure indulgence.

Every January, many people rush to the gym - but by February, lack of interest means they give up. Creating a community around exercise, Fitmob is a fitness programme that’s redefining what it means to be truly committed to getting fit.

Two British expats are helping non-locals find their way around Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Olympics with the Rio Companion app. But rather than just focusing on pleasure, it also seeks to address a specific issue – safety. And it's got athletes at the centre of its offering.