# João Brognoli

> João Brognoli is the Brazilian founder and CEO of Grupo Duoˣ, which grew from Duo Studio, founded in Caxias do Sul in 2013, into a group of digital marketing businesses. His activities also include BRAIN Mentoria, Agency Club, the Muda Tudo podcast, business books and Ambience Private Equity.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Grupo Duoˣ
- **Organizations:** Grupo Duoˣ, Duo Studio, BRAIN Mentoria, Agency Club, Mentoring League Society, Ambience Private Equity, RD Station
- **Nationality:** Brazilian
- **Education:** Postgraduate study in Design Management, Faculdade da Serra Gaúcha (FSG), Executive education in innovation and strategy, Harvard University
- **Known for:** Built Duo from its 2013 founding into a group of marketing businesses operating across several Brazilian states., Led Duo during its 2022, 2023 and 2024 RD Station Agency of the Year wins., Created BRAIN Mentoria and co-founded Agency Club.

## Career timeline

- **2013** — Founded Duo Studio in Caxias do Sul; identifies September 10 as the company’s Day One.
- **2014** — His brother Luís Otávio Brognoli became a partner, according to the 2021 Letteris interview.
- **2017** — Duo opened an office in São Paulo.
- **2021** — Duo established a corporate governance council and occupied a 1,200-square-metre headquarters with 120 employees.
- **2022-2024** — Duo received RD Station’s Agency of the Year award in three consecutive years.
- **2023** — Duo&Co partnered with Natalia Beauty to launch Let’s Flow; the group reported R$30 million revenue for 2023.
- **2024** — Group acquisition of Start BI was announced in February.
- **2025** — Duo&Co received Agency of the Year at the EWI Global Awards in Switzerland.
- **2026** — Launched Ambience Private Equity and disclosed a minority investment in Grex.

## Achievements

- Built Duo from its 2013 founding into a group of marketing businesses operating across several Brazilian states.
- Led Duo during its 2022, 2023 and 2024 RD Station Agency of the Year wins.
- Created BRAIN Mentoria and co-founded Agency Club.
- Author of O Ambiente Muda Tudo and coauthor of Não Existe Plano B.
- Founder and chairman of Ambience Private Equity.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Published a Mundo do Marketing essay arguing that connections and time away from day-to-day execution support business growth.
- **2026-08** — Described a planned 700-square-metre São Paulo space with events and podcast facilities, and a round of presentations by 10 entrepreneurs to his investment group.
- **2026-06** — Announced the June 16 Caxias do Sul launch of Não Existe Plano B and described newer podcast formats including visits to businesses.
- **2026-05** — Announced Rappi as a Grupo Duoˣ client and discussed his investment for a 20% stake in Grex.

## Links

- Website: https://bio.link/joaobrognoli
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joao-brognoli/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Conexao_Duo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joaobrognoli/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/joao-brognoli
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20