A Chat with Bernardo Saraiva, Co-Founder and Director at World Talents

Tell us about World Talents.

 

World Talents is a pioneering platform that connects world-class entrepreneurs and businesses with local universities and startup ecosystems. We’ve redefined talent mobility by moving beyond traditional migration models to create programs that generate meaningful economic and social impact.

Through our innovative talent mobility programs and initiatives, we unlock opportunities for growth, expansion, and innovation. We don’t just facilitate movement—we create strategic connections that bring expertise, networks, and knowledge to transform entire innovation ecosystems.

 

How did you come up with the idea for the company?

 

We saw early on that the world was becoming increasingly borderless, and entrepreneurs were increasingly focused on impact-driven mobility. Yet, the challenges of establishing oneself internationally—navigating legal, financial, and cultural complexities—remained significant, and there was a lack of true integration of talent.

That’s when the idea for World Talents began to take shape. Together with Tim, the founder of World Talents, whose deep expertise in investment migration laid the strategic foundation, we identified a clear opportunity: to create programs that help entrepreneurs not just establish themselves in a particular jurisdiction, but thrive and make a meaningful impact wherever they go. A key milestone was the launch of the Global Talent Portugal program, which brought remarkable entrepreneurs to the country. Their presence has been transformative for the local ecosystem, contributing through investment, mentorship, and the creation of new ventures.

 

 

What do you think makes World Talents unique?

 

World Talents recognized early that talent mobility shifted from a purely financial play to an impact and expertise-driven model. We integrate entrepreneurs into thriving ecosystems, leveraging their knowledge to create lasting economic and social value.

We’ve launched pioneering talent mobility programs such as Global Talent Portugal, where seasoned entrepreneurs fuel local innovation, mentorship, and startup investments. By bridging startups, universities, and global entrepreneurs, we’re reshaping migration to drive long-term economic growth.

We’re building a movement that unlocks human capital globally—proving that global talent is about knowledge transfer, innovation, and sustainable impact, not just wealth.

 

What is your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

 

Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. Clarity comes from action. The entrepreneurial path is rarely linear, so be ready to pivot, learn, and adapt. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Focus on solving real problems with integrity and purpose. Also, think long-term: build something that matters not just financially, but also socially and culturally. Most importantly, enjoy the ride. The journey of entrepreneurship can be incredibly fulfilling when driven by meaning and curiosity, not just the end result.

 

What most excites you about World Talents?

 

We’re creating a transformative ripple effect by building the foundation for a more connected world—one where entrepreneurs can thrive anywhere, and every community benefits from global expertise. Every entrepreneur becomes a catalyst for innovation, mentorship, and economic growth in their new ecosystem. We’re witnessing firsthand how breaking down barriers to talent mobility unlocks human potential on a global scale.

 

How has the company evolved over the last couple of years, and with the launch of the Global Talent Portugal?

 

World Talents began as a bold vision to redefine how global talent integrates into local ecosystems. With the launch of Global Talent Portugal, that vision became tangible. In just a couple of years, we’ve established institutional partnerships with leading Portuguese universities, onboarded clients from over a dozen countries, and built a trusted legal and academic framework. What began as a niche solution has become a structured, scalable program that drives real economic and social impact.

We’ve evolved into a platform that not only facilitates migration but reshapes it around entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term ecosystem growth.

 

What can we hope to see from World Talents in the future?

 

In the short term, we’ll expand our network of partnerships with universities and relevant institutions, strengthening collaborative processes between academia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We recently announced partnerships with the University of Évora, ISTEC, Politécnico da Guarda, and many others, and we’re working to establish new strategic collaborations that will result in research and innovation projects, as well as capital allocated to startups.

Looking ahead, World Talents aims to expand its presence in diverse markets, replicating the success of initiatives like Global Talent Portugal. Our main focus will be promoting talent mobility as a fundamental driver for inclusive and sustainable innovation and economic growth through stronger partnerships with universities, governments, and private entities.