By: Erick Feltron
The hospitality landscape in Brazil is undergoing a significant transformation, with technology taking center stage in an industry traditionally dominated by luxury resorts and established hotel chains. At the forefront of this revolution is Fernando Pereira, the CEO of Seazone, a tech-driven startup that is redefining how short-term rentals operate in Brazil.
Pereira’s journey to becoming a key player in the Brazilian rental market is anything but conventional. Unlike many tech entrepreneurs who began their careers in urban startup ecosystems, Pereira’s professional life started in the oil fields of Chad, Africa. It was here, amidst the challenges of remote work and frequent travel, that Pereira first encountered the world of short-term rentals.
“I was traveling a lot, using Airbnb and other platforms to book my stays, and I got to experience the world of short-term rentals firsthand,” Pereira recalled in a recent interview. His extensive travel experiences not only opened his eyes to the potential of short-term rentals but also inspired the vision behind Seazone. “It wasn’t just about finding a place to sleep; it was about maximizing every experience—getting the most value for the money spent, and enjoying the comforts of home even when miles away from it.”
Returning to Brazil with a wealth of international experience, Pereira began to apply his insights to the local real estate market, focusing on short-term rentals. “That’s how I started investing in Brazil,” Pereira explained. His early ventures in property management were not just business experiments but the foundation for what would become Seazone—a company that seamlessly integrates technology with real estate to optimize rental processes.
Seazone’s approach to short-term rentals goes beyond traditional property management. The company leverages advanced technology to create a streamlined and efficient experience for both property owners and guests.
Three core technological innovations underpin Seazone’s success. First, the company utilizes a data-driven approach to the real estate market. “We have a system like a crawler that captures data from the market, giving us market intelligence and insight into the real estate business in Brazil,” Pereira explained. This allows Seazone to make strategic decisions about property investments and operations.
The second innovation is Seazone’s proprietary platform, which not only lists properties but also generates revenue through direct bookings. Pereira emphasized the importance of having a self-sufficient platform: “We have our own platform, using our own technology.” This in-house system enables Seazone to control the rental process from start to finish.
The third technological pillar is SAPRON, a management system that allows franchisees to oversee all reservations in a single location. “SAPRON is just the beginning of a larger platform or ecosystem that Seazone aims to create in Brazil,” Pereira noted. This system is designed to integrate the various stakeholders in the short-term rental market—property owners, hosts, and guests—into one cohesive network.
Seazone’s innovative approach has allowed it to carve out a unique niche in a competitive market. While global hotel chains and local players vie for dominance, Seazone offers something different: the familiarity of a home combined with the consistency of a hotel. “Our primary differentiator is technology, which allows us to provide a consistent experience across all our properties,” Pereira said. This consistent experience, coupled with an extensive and strategically located portfolio of properties, gives Seazone a competitive edge.
Adapting to Brazil’s fluctuating economic conditions has been another key to Seazone’s growth. Pereira highlighted the company’s resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic as a defining moment. “We shifted towards a franchise model to ensure survival,” he explained. This ability to pivot and adapt has been crucial in maintaining business stability and driving growth.
Looking to the future, Seazone has ambitious plans for both domestic and international expansion. Pereira detailed the company’s strategy, which includes focusing on key regions within Brazil—such as the northeast, winter tourist destinations, and major cities—before expanding into neighboring countries like Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. “The size of our market is very large, and no one else is really there yet,” Pereira noted, expressing excitement about the untapped potential of the region.
Sustainability also plays a central role in Seazone’s vision for the future. Pereira discussed the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, including projects like Vistas Denita, which uses modular construction methods, and the integration of solar energy across all Seazone properties. “We’re offering solar energy by installing solar panels on all the buildings,” Pereira explained, highlighting Seazone’s efforts to lead in sustainability.
For entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of the Latin American tech sector, Pereira offered straightforward advice: “The main advice is to never give up.” His own journey, marked by resilience and innovation, is a testament to this mindset.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
