The 2025 DealBook Summit brought together leaders from business, technology, finance, politics, and culture — offering an unfiltered look at the issues reshaping the global economy. From debates over tariffs and the future of trade, to urgent conversations about artificial intelligence, social media, crypto, and political leadership, the day’s dialogue reflected the complexity companies must navigate as they make decisions about growth.

As a Contributing Sponsor, Invest Puerto Rico was on the ground at the Summit, connecting with attendees and hosting a Puerto Rican coffee activation in the networking lounge — a small taste of the island’s culture that opened the door to deeper conversations about Puerto Rico as a strategic business destination. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from executives, investors, and innovators about the trends driving their industries and to share how Puerto Rico fits into that broader landscape.

Below are the themes that defined this year’s Summit — and where Puerto Rico stands in relation to each.

1. AI Is Transforming Every Industry — and Demands New Infrastructure

AI dominated the Summit. Leaders like Dario Amodei (Anthropic) and Alex Karp (Palantir) spoke candidly about the massive capital investments flowing into data centers, the risks of scaling too aggressively, and the national-security implications of ensuring democracies stay ahead in advanced AI capabilities.

These discussions reinforce the notion that as AI becomes more powerful, companies will need to find places that offer a combination of talent, regulatory certainty, and operational resilience.

Why Puerto Rico Fits into This Future

Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of assets that support AI-driven growth. The island has a steady pipeline of bilingual STEM talent and a growing innovation ecosystem anchored by universities and research institutions. Operating costs remain competitive, especially for support teams, R&D functions, and AI-adjacent operations. As a U.S. jurisdiction, Puerto Rico offers companies the regulatory alignment, IP protection, and national security compatibility that AI firms increasingly require.

In short, Puerto Rico provides AI companies with a stable and cost-effective environment to build, scale, and operate in the long term.

2. Manufacturing, Mobility, and Supply Chains Are Being Rewritten

In conversations led by Mary Barra (GM) and others, it was clear that global manufacturing is at a turning point. Whether navigating EV adoption, tariff pressures, or new expectations around fuel efficiency and cost, companies face intense decisions about where and how to produce.

With complex supply chains and rising global competition, many companies are reevaluating the benefits of operating closer to the U.S. market.

Why Puerto Rico Is a Strategic Manufacturing Base

Puerto Rico boasts decades of experience in regulated, high-precision manufacturing, spanning pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices. The island offers operating costs significantly lower than the mainland U.S., paired with exceptional engineering, quality, and regulatory talent. Its geographic position provides direct access to U.S. and Latin American markets, creating logistical efficiencies. And its incentive framework, including a 4% corporate tax rate for eligible firms, offers long-term certainty that few jurisdictions can match.

For companies seeking resilience, cost efficiency, and U.S.-aligned operations, Puerto Rico is not just an option — it’s an advantage.

3. Global Trade and Geopolitics Highlight the Need for Stability

Geopolitical tensions were a recurring theme. A conversation with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te revealed escalating military pressure from China, while remarks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the ongoing complexity of global diplomacy. Tariff debates, shifting alliances, and regional instability also surfaced repeatedly.

For many companies, these dynamics elevate a core strategic priority: stability.

Why Puerto Rico Offers the Stability Global Companies Need

Operating in Puerto Rico means operating within the U.S. legal and financial system — an enormous advantage in a volatile world. Companies benefit from strong IP protections, reliable regulatory frameworks, and the certainty of the U.S. dollar. Puerto Rico’s connectivity to major shipping routes and air cargo hubs enhances that stability, while continued public and private investment is strengthening the island’s resilience.

In a world defined by geopolitical uncertainty, Puerto Rico provides the reassurance of U.S. jurisdiction with the flexibility of global reach.

4. Digital Assets and Fintech Are Entering a More Mature Phase

In a conversation between Brian Armstrong (Coinbase) and Larry Fink (BlackRock), it became clear that digital assets have turned a corner. Discussions focused less on hype and more on infrastructure, compliance, tokenization, and long-term adoption pathways — signaling a maturation of the fintech landscape.

Companies entering this next phase will need environments that support innovation while maintaining regulatory credibility.

Why Puerto Rico Is Emerging as a Fintech Hub

Puerto Rico’s alignment with U.S. regulatory standards gives fintech companies a trustworthy foundation for compliance and growth. Coupled with competitive incentives for export services, a rising community of software and compliance professionals, and a strategic location bridging U.S. and Latin American markets, the island is increasingly appealing for fintech firms seeking both innovation capacity and operational rigor.

Puerto Rico offers a rare combination: a pro-business environment, U.S. oversight, and cost structures that support scalable growth.

5. Culture, Communication, and Influence Shape Business Strategy

Cultural voices added depth to the Summit’s agenda. Halle Berry connected personal experience to purpose-driven business building. MrBeast explored how trust and scale in the creator economy are reshaping industries. Erika Kirk spoke about leadership, communication, and navigating public life during moments of intense division.

These discussions highlighted that business today sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and societal context.

Why Puerto Rico’s Cultural Capital Matters to Companies

Puerto Rico’s global cultural influence — from music and entertainment to digital content and design — gives the island distinctive brand power. Companies based on the island benefit not only from operational strength but also from the ability to tap into authentic cultural identity and a creative workforce that can support global storytelling.

In a world where culture drives relevance, Puerto Rico brings depth and dimension to the companies that operate here.

6. Leadership in a Fast-Changing World

Speakers across politics and business acknowledged the challenges leaders face amid polarization, rapid technological change, and shifting public expectations. Gov. Gavin Newsom discussed cultural alignment and communication, while others spoke about balancing innovation with responsibility or leading through volatility.

The takeaway was clear: companies need supportive environments to navigate this complexity.

Why Puerto Rico Is a Partner in Long-Term Leadership

Puerto Rico offers the advantages of a stable democratic environment, strong institutions, and a collaborative business culture. Companies expanding to the island gain not just operational benefits but also a supportive ecosystem — including a dedicated economic development organization — focused on long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

In a global landscape defined by change, Puerto Rico provides a grounded and strategic place to build.

Why Puerto Rico, Why Now

Taken together, the themes from the 2025 DealBook Summit point toward a future where companies must optimize for:

• Resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical volatility
• Talent capable of competing in advanced, AI-driven industries
• Cost efficiency without sacrificing regulatory quality
• Stability within strong legal frameworks
• Speed to scale in emerging sectors
• Global connectivity paired with local predictability

Puerto Rico excels across all these dimensions — driven by a pro-business environment, a competitive incentive structure, a proven advanced manufacturing legacy, and an innovation ecosystem that is growing across AI, biotech, aerospace, fintech, and the creative industries.

As global leaders adjust to a new era of risk and opportunity, Puerto Rico stands ready as a strategic base for investment, innovation, and long-term growth.

Ready to Explore What Puerto Rico Can Offer?

As global business enters a new era of innovation and transformation, Puerto Rico stands ready to be part of your next chapter.

Connect with Invest Puerto Rico to discover what’s possible.