Which Conferences Are Worth Founders’ Time in 2025?
Table of Contents
- Top Tech and Climate Events to Watch in 2024
- The Drop: A climate Tech Experience Like No Other
- Bits & Pretzels: where Tech Meets Oktoberfest
- WebSummit: The Global Tech Gathering
- TechBBQ: The Nordic Startup Hub
- VivaTech: Europe’s Largest Tech Event
- London Tech Week: free Access, Endless Opportunities
- Key Event Highlights at a Glance
- why These Events Matter
- Call to Action
- Why These Events Matter
- Call to Action
- Slush 2025: The Epicenter of Startup Innovation in Helsinki
The startup funding scene is buzzing in early 2025, thanks to lower interest rates and European VCs re-entering the game. While European founders still face challenges compared to their American counterparts, the landscape is undeniably improving. in this dynamic surroundings, startup conferences have become more then just networking hubs—they’re critical opportunities to secure funding and forge game-changing connections.
“Startup events connect innovative startups with investors who are ready to back new ideas, through everything from pitch competitions to coffee chats that could lead to the next big break,” notes dose of Venture. But with so many events promising investor access, how do founders know which ones deliver? Here’s a breakdown of the top European startup conferences in 2025 that are worth your time.
TechChill: 5-7 Febuary in Riga, Latvia
TechChill is a standout event in the Baltics, renowned for its relaxed yet impactful atmosphere. With pitch competitions and dedicated networking spaces, it’s designed to foster meaningful connections. What sets it apart? Around 10% of attendees are investors, and startups gain early access to the investor list and matchmaking app, allowing them to build relationships before the event even begins.
Latitude59: 21-23 May in Tallinn,Estonia
Described as “small and cozy but big in reach and impact,” Latitude59 leverages Estonia’s reputation as a startup-kind hub. The event features curated matchmaking sessions and a pitch competition with a €1M investment prize.With over 800 investors attending and a nearly 50-50 startup-to-investor ratio, it’s a prime chance for founders to make meaningful connections.
Mashup: 27-28 May in Malmö, Sweden
europe’s most exclusive startup meetup, Mashup, is capped at 500 invites, bringing together enterprising VC-backed founders and investors. Its intimate setting ensures high-quality interactions, making it a must-attend for those looking to scale their ventures.
STARTUp Day: Tartu, Estonia
Another standout event is STARTUp Day,held in the city of Tartu.This conference is a mix of workshops, tours, and networking bashes, attracting over 320 startups, 220 investors, and 55 exhibiting companies. It’s a vibrant platform for startups to showcase their innovations and connect with potential backers.
TechChill 2025: The Baltics’ Premier Tech Event
returning to the spotlight, TechChill 2025 is the leading tech and startup event in the Baltics. Spanning three days, it bridges gaps in knowledge, skills, and networks. The first day features side events like Investor Day, Media Tour, Demo Day, workshops, and a Founders mixer, making it a extensive experience for attendees.
Key Takeaways
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechChill | Riga, Latvia | 5-7 February | Pitch competitions, 10% investor attendance |
| Latitude59 | Tallinn, Estonia | 21-23 May | €1M pitch prize, 800+ investors |
| Mashup | Malmö, Sweden | 27-28 May | Exclusive, 500 invites |
| STARTUp Day | Tartu, Estonia | TBD | 320+ startups, 220+ investors |
In a competitive startup ecosystem, attending the right conferences can make all the difference.whether it’s the relaxed vibe of TechChill, the high-stakes pitch competitions at Latitude59,or the exclusivity of Mashup, these events offer unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Founders, mark your calendars—2025 is your year to shine.
Top Tech and Climate Events to Watch in 2024
From intimate roundtables to massive global gatherings, 2024 is packed with events that promise to connect startups with investors, foster innovation, and drive meaningful conversations. Here’s a curated list of must-attend tech and climate events across Europe, each offering unique opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.
The Drop: A climate Tech Experience Like No Other
When: 15-17 September
Where: Malmö,Sweden
The Drop is redefining the climate tech event landscape. This invite-only gathering is capped at 1,200 attendees—70% investors and 30% startups—ensuring a curated, high-impact experience. The attendee list remains secret until after the event, shifting the focus from matchmaking to serendipitous connections.
“If you get an invite, expect to walk away with fresh perspectives, new connections, and a stronger foothold in the climate space,” the organizers emphasize.Designed as an “anti-conference,” The Drop replaces traditional stage programs with roundtables and meeting areas,fostering meaningful conversations in an intimate,informal setting.
Bits & Pretzels: where Tech Meets Oktoberfest
When: 29 September - 1 October
Where: Munich, Germany
Bits & Pretzels combines keynotes, workshops, and startup pitches with Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest vibe. This festival offers a unique blend of networking and fun, with over 1,000 investors among its 7,500 attendees, representing €390 billion in capital.
“It’s a chance to connect with investors in a fun way, complete with beer and traditional Lederhosen,” the event description notes. Whether you’re pitching your startup or exploring emerging trends, Bits & Pretzels provides an informal yet effective setting for engagement.
WebSummit: The Global Tech Gathering
When: 10-13 November
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
WebSummit is a global powerhouse, attracting investors from various sectors, including top international funds. Startups have extensive opportunities to pitch, network, and schedule meetings using its highly regarded matchmaking app.
With countless side events and a city fully immersed in the tech buzz, WebSummit is a must-attend for anyone looking to make a mark in the global tech scene.
TechBBQ: The Nordic Startup Hub
When: 27-28 August
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
TechBBQ brings together startup founders, corporates, and investors from across the Nordics. This year, over 1,200 investors are expected, all eager to back innovative Nordic startups.
“TechBBQ is well worth adding to your calendar if you’re a founder in the region,” the event highlights. Its welcoming, lively atmosphere makes it a prime spot for exploring emerging trends and building connections.
VivaTech: Europe’s Largest Tech Event
When: 11-14 June
Where: Paris, France
VivaTech is Europe’s largest tech event, attracting 165,000 visitors and 3,200 investors. Known for its solid association and notable lineup of speakers, it’s a key gathering for the tech community.
This year, VivaTech is introducing a new “Investor office Hours” service, allowing startups to schedule one-on-one meetings with leading investors.While the sheer size of the event can make networking challenging, this new feature aims to streamline connections.
London Tech Week: free Access, Endless Opportunities
When: Dates TBA
Where: London, UK
London Tech Week stands out for its free access, attracting 45,000 visitors annually. Startups can use the event’s matchmaking app to connect with investors at no cost.
Though,the diverse crowd means you’ll need to do some homework to qualify investors. The real networking gems often happen at the many side events throughout the week, making them the best spots to grow your connections.
Key Event Highlights at a Glance
| Event | Dates | Location | Key Features |
|——————–|——————–|——————-|———————————————————————————-|
| the Drop | 15-17 September | Malmö, Sweden | Invite-only, 1,200 attendees, focus on serendipitous connections |
| Bits & Pretzels | 29 Sept – 1 Oct | munich, Germany | Oktoberfest vibe, 1,000+ investors, €390 billion in capital |
| WebSummit | 10-13 November | Lisbon, Portugal | Global tech gathering, top international funds, matchmaking app |
| TechBBQ | 27-28 August | Copenhagen, Denmark | Nordic startup hub, 1,200+ investors, lively networking atmosphere |
| VivaTech | 11-14 June | Paris, France | Europe’s largest tech event, 3,200 investors, new “Investor Office Hours” service|
| London Tech Week | Dates TBA | London, UK | Free access, 45,000 visitors, diverse crowd, side events for networking |
why These Events Matter
These events are more than just networking opportunities—they’re platforms for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Whether you’re a startup founder,investor,or tech enthusiast,attending these gatherings can provide fresh perspectives,new connections,and a stronger foothold in your industry.
Call to Action
Ready to take your startup or investment portfolio to the next level? Mark your calendar for these events and start preparing your pitch. For more details, visit the official event websites linked above.
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By attending these events, you’ll not only gain insights into the latest trends but also position yourself at the forefront of the tech and climate innovation landscape. Don’t miss out!Slush 2025: The Epicenter of Startup Innovation in Helsinki
Helsinki is gearing up to host one of the most anticipated events in the global startup ecosystem: slush 2025. Scheduled for November 19-20, this two-day extravaganza promises to be a melting pot of innovation, networking, and investment opportunities. Known for its vibrant energy and unparalleled access to venture capitalists, Slush has cemented its reputation as the go-to event for founders and investors alike.
A Festival of Innovation
Slush is more than just a conference; it’s a festival of ideas and connections. With 13,000 attendees, including 3,300 investors, the event is a bustling hub of activity. The atmosphere is electric, described by many as a collection of mini-conferences woven into a larger, festival-like experience. However, for first-timers, the sheer scale can be overwhelming.
The event’s structure is designed to maximize opportunities for startups. Over 500 side events, workshops, stages, and tracks ensure that every founder can find their niche. The networking area, featuring 300 tables, is a hotspot for forging meaningful connections.
The Pitch Competition: A Gateway to Success
one of the standout highlights of Slush is its pitch competition. This high-stakes event offers startups the chance to win a €1M investment from top venture capital funds. For founders, this is more than just a competition—it’s a golden opportunity to secure the funding needed to scale their ventures.
Why Slush Matters for European Startups
In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face interactions remain invaluable. as the article notes, “In a world where we are meeting more online, but investors still like to build qualitative relationships before making an investment decision, events are vital in your fundraising efforts.” For European startups, Slush is not just a gathering; it’s a critical platform to attract capital and drive growth.
Key Highlights of Slush 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Dates | November 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Helsinki, Finland |
| Attendees | 13,000 (including 3,300 investors) |
| Side Events | 500 workshops, stages, and tracks |
| Networking area | 300 tables for one-on-one connections |
| Pitch Competition | €1M investment prize from top VC funds |
Your Startup’s Breakthrough Moment
For founders, attending Slush could be the turning point in their entrepreneurial journey.As the article aptly puts it, “Attending the right event could be your startup’s breakthrough moment in 2025.” With its unparalleled access to investors and a dynamic environment, Slush is the place to be for anyone serious about scaling their startup.
Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Pre-register now and secure your spot at the world’s leading startup event.
—
For more information,visit the official Slush website.
Why These Events Matter
these events are more than just networking opportunities—they’re platforms for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, attending these gatherings can provide fresh perspectives, new connections, and a stronger foothold in your industry.
Call to Action
Ready to take your startup or investment portfolio to the next level? Mark your calendar for these events and start preparing your pitch. For more details, visit the official event websites linked above.
By attending these events, you’ll not only gain insights into the latest trends but also position yourself at the forefront of the tech and climate innovation landscape. Don’t miss out!
Slush 2025: The Epicenter of Startup Innovation in Helsinki
Helsinki is gearing up to host one of the moast anticipated events in the global startup ecosystem: Slush 2025. Scheduled for November 19-20, this two-day extravaganza promises to be a melting pot of innovation, networking, and investment opportunities. Known for its vibrant energy and unparalleled access to venture capitalists, Slush has cemented its reputation as the go-to event for founders and investors alike.
A Festival of innovation
Slush is more than just a conference; it’s a festival of ideas and connections. With 13,000 attendees, including 3,300 investors, the event is a bustling hub of activity. The atmosphere is electric, described by many as a collection of mini-conferences woven into a larger, festival-like experience. However, for first-timers, the sheer scale can be overwhelming.
The event’s structure is designed to maximize opportunities for startups. Over 500 side events, workshops, stages, and tracks ensure that every founder can find their niche. The networking area, featuring 300 tables, is a hotspot for forging meaningful connections.
The Pitch Competition: A Gateway to Success
One of the standout highlights of Slush is its pitch competition.This high-stakes event offers startups the chance to win a €1M investment from top venture capital funds. For founders,this is more than just a competition—it’s a golden opportunity to secure the funding needed to scale their ventures.
Why Slush Matters for European Startups
In an increasingly digital world,face-to-face interactions remain invaluable. As the article notes, “In a world where we are meeting more online, but investors still like to build qualitative relationships before making an investment decision, events are vital in your fundraising efforts.” for European startups, slush is not just a gathering; it’s a critical platform to attract capital and drive growth.
Key Highlights of Slush 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Helsinki, Finland |
| Attendees | 13,000 (including 3,300 investors) |
| Side Events | 500 workshops, stages, and tracks |
| Networking Area | 300 tables for one-on-one connections |
| Pitch Competition | €1M investment prize from top VC funds |
Your startup’s Breakthrough Moment
For founders, attending Slush could be the turning point in their entrepreneurial journey. As the article aptly puts it, “Attending the right event could be your startup’s breakthrough moment in 2025.” With its unparalleled access to investors and a dynamic environment, slush is the place to be for anyone serious about scaling their startup.
Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Pre-register now and secure your spot at the world’s leading startup event.
For more details, visit the official Slush website.
