Many investment promotion agencies are just as keen to court start-ups as they are large multinationals, but their approach to attracting these smaller, more fragile companies may benefit from being more hands off than with their larger, established counterparts.

Mipim, an international real estate show hosted every year in Cannes, France, brings together thousands of developers and architects, as well as city and country officials eager to court potential investors. At this year's event, Michal Kaczmarski asked representatives from Brabant, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Liverpool, Montenegro and the Chechen Republic what sets their locations apart from other destinations.

The discovery of oil off the coast of Marica has transformed the Brazilian city. Keen to ensure this economic good fortune lasts, the city's officials have sought investment in other areas – including tourism and infrastructure – as part of a long-term plan.

The successful pursuit of foreign investment to Macedonia in recent years is in no small part down to prime minister Nikola Gruevski's businesslike approach to running his country. He tells Michal Kaczmarski how this approach – combined with a worldwide talent search – is reaping rewards.

The Dutch region of Brabant has been punching above its weight in recent years when it comes to attracting investment, particularly in innovative or knowledge-based industries. Michal Kaczmarski takes a look at the secrets behind the province's success.