In a modern echo of the bold spirit of the Portuguese navigators who once explored new worlds centuries ago, Portugal’s tech companies are proving themselves equally daring and visionary. One such example is Bandora, a cutting-edge Portuguese company specializing in smart building technology powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recently, Bandora made a significant leap in its internationalization strategy by entering the United States market.

This expansion began with a successful pilot project in New Jersey, conducted in collaboration with Lufrankton LLC, a franchise group that operates over fifty-seven restaurants on the East Coast of the U.S. Bandora’s AI-based solution was implemented in two high-traffic restaurants: Dunkin’ Donuts and Dave’s Hot Chicken. The pilot started in December 2024 and focused on measuring and optimizing the energy consumption of the buildings' heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The results were remarkable. Within the first month, Bandora’s technology enabled a 30% to 50% reduction in energy use, depending on the site. By the second month, energy savings averaged 50%, proving the solution's immediate effectiveness. These stores, which serve between 28,000 and 57,000 customers daily, achieved not only a reduced environmental footprint but also a significant cut in operating costs, an attractive value proposition for large-scale operators in hospitality and retail.

Following this early success, the company is preparing to expand its operations into other U.S. regions, including Massachusetts and Florida, and plans to enter the retail sector next. The expansion is being powered in part by a €100,000 investment from HearstLab, the venture capital arm of Hearst Corporation, a global leader in media, information, and services. This funding, via a convertible note, is part of Bandora’s broader strategy, with a full investment round planned for the last quarter of 2025.

While this marks Bandora’s first venture into the U.S., it is far from the company’s only international activity. The firm already operates in Spain, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates, and has upcoming launches planned for the Dominican Republic and Colombia. This growing global footprint underscores Bandora’s commitment to becoming a worldwide leader in smart building technology.

Bandora’s journey mirrors the legacy of the Portuguese explorers: discovering new opportunities beyond national borders and leading with courage, innovation, and strategic vision. In an era defined by sustainability and digital transformation, Bandora stands as a beacon of what Portuguese technology can offer the world.

By blending tradition with innovation, Portuguese tech firms like Bandora are proving that the country's greatest voyages of discovery are far from over, they are simply entering a new and exciting chapter.


Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes