Start-ups: solução para a crise económica?

Depois de uma reportagem publicada pela Reuters  [ A Q U I ], as empresas start-up portuguesas estão a ser alvo de grande destaque na imprensa internacional pelos esforços e sucesso alcançado em tempos de crise.

Few things encapsulate Portugal better than its bakeries, where people from all walks of life mingle over coffee and cake. So when a whole new chain emerges in the depths of an economic crisis, it sends a glimmer of hope.

"It's almost like a hideout from the crisis. I was really happy to learn that they are opening more stores, it dispels the gloom a bit," said Ana Justina, a freelance designer and a regular at two of the 12 cosy outlets of A Padaria Portuguesa (The Portuguese Bakery) in Lisbon.

With unemployment at record highs, empty stores and "for rent" signs on cafes are far more common than prospering new businesses after a 40 percent jump in insolvencies this year.

Still, the bakery chain is just one example of how a bold business concept can defy the worst economic slump since the 1970s, a smothering tax burden imposed under an international bailout, record-low business morale and a lack of bank loans.

Although not numerous, other startups in areas from farming to computer technologies and biomedicine, including in the all-important export sector, are jumping into action.

"There's an urge to change and do business better," said Daniela Couto, co-founder of Cell2B biomedical startup that raised about 1 million euros earlier this year, mostly from private investors in Portugal, Spain and the United States....