Interview with Ricardo Castelhano, Bedrock: "Our goal is to position Portugal as a center for innovation in streaming technology"

This article was originally published in Portuguese by Mónica Marques on 4gnews. It has been translated and reposted here with permission.

Bedrock is one of the most prominent streaming technology companies in Europe, serving over 45 million users and actively collaborating with some of the most respected European media companies.

The company has a solid presence in the Portuguese market and aims to grow even further, sustainably. To achieve this, Bedrock plans to recruit tech professionals in Portugal this year. We interviewed Ricardo Castelhano, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Bedrock in Portugal, to get a deeper understanding of the company and its plans for the Portuguese market.

Ricardo Castelhano, Bedrock VP

What is Bedrock's mission, and how does the company position itself in the streaming market?

Our mission at Bedrock is quite simple: we want to empower major media companies to compete effectively with the global streaming giants. We do this by providing next-generation video streaming platforms. At the moment, we serve more than 45 million users across various countries.
Being part of the Bertelsmann group, one of the largest media players in Europe, gives us a unique advantage. We combine extensive media expertise with cutting-edge technology, which allows us to deliver excellent experiences in AVOD, SVOD, and hybrid models. At its core, what we do is build scalable platforms that can handle millions of concurrent users, complex data flows, and real-time content delivery.

What sets Bedrock apart in such a competitive market? What do you offer to your clients and partners?

What really sets us apart is the fact that we offer a complete solution. We have a robust technological foundation, but with the flexibility to adapt specific features to each market. Additionally, our technology works seamlessly across more than 60 devices, from iOS and Android to Smart TVs and the latest gadgets.
Another important point is our ability to support various types of content, such as audiobooks and podcasts, which adds a lot of versatility. Moreover, our partnerships with major media groups keep us one step ahead—both in terms of industry trends and meeting user expectations.

Bedrock Streaming Team

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Bedrock's development teams?

The biggest challenge is staying ahead in a sector that’s constantly evolving. We need to continually integrate new features, ensure a high-quality user experience, and maintain platform scalability.
But to be honest, that’s what makes the work interesting. These challenges give our development teams the opportunity to push boundaries, explore innovative solutions, and optimize the user experience. We tackle real-world problems, such as distributed systems performance, microservices orchestration, and edge computing for faster content delivery. It’s truly exciting.

What should developers consider when thinking about working at Bedrock?

Above all, I think it’s important to know that the work we do has a real impact. We’re talking about contributing to platforms that reach millions of users across Europe and directly influencing how people consume streaming content.
On the tech side, we work with a highly advanced stack, including cloud-native infrastructures, advanced analytics, and machine learning tools. Our teams focus on optimizing performance, reducing live-stream latency, and developing AI capabilities for smarter content recommendations.
And then there’s the work environment: it’s international, dynamic, and full of opportunities for professional growth and mobility across our European offices.

What long-term impact does Bedrock hope to have on Portugal's tech and streaming industries?

Lisbon is much more than just an office for us—it’s a true strategic tech hub. Our goal is to position Portugal as a center of innovation in streaming technology, leveraging local talent to develop solutions with a global impact.
We’re also deeply focused on building strong partnerships with universities and actively contributing to the growth of the Portuguese tech ecosystem. For those who join us, it means being part of a vibrant community and having access to continuous professional development opportunities.

Bedrock Streaming Office

Is Bedrock hiring in Portugal? If so, in what areas and how many positions are available?

Yes, we’re actively hiring! We have around 70 open positions, mainly in software engineering, but also in product management, technical support, and other areas.
We’re looking for people who are passionate about technology, eager to solve complex problems, and ready to contribute to an international team.
We value diverse experiences, so we’re open to professionals at all levels—from juniors to seniors—because we believe this mix creates stronger and more dynamic teams.

What’s the application process like for someone interested in joining Bedrock?

The process is simple. The best way to apply is through the Bedrock career page on the website or via our LinkedIn account. There, you can find all available positions in Lisbon and follow the steps to submit your application. It’s quite straightforward.

What benefits does Bedrock offer its employees, and where is the Lisbon office located?

Our Lisbon office is located at IDEA Spaces, in São Sebastião, and we work with a hybrid model.
As for benefits, we offer a comprehensive package that supports both employee well-being and professional development.
This includes a meal allowance through Coverflex, health insurance with mental health coverage, adjustable desks, and snacks at the office—such as fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea.
We also organize regular activities to strengthen team spirit, like board games and social gatherings every Thursday afternoon.
For professional growth, we host “Internal Conferences,” dedicated R&D days, and training opportunities, including participation in events like the Web Summit.
In addition, we encourage work trips and office exchanges throughout the year, creating a multicultural environment with teams in Lisbon, Paris, and Lyon.
And of course, we have Bedrock Day, an annual event that brings together colleagues from all offices for team-building activities and presentations from our management team and clients. It’s always one of the highlights of the year!

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