March 07, 2025

Events for Founders - a B4i selection (2025 edition)

Thanks in part to the significant turnaround of Startup Europe, with innovation and entrepreneurship becoming key priorities on the European Commission's agenda, 2025 is set to be a pivotal moment for startups and technological innovation, bringing together founders, investors and industry leaders from around the world. 

The tech landscape is characterized by groundbreaking advancements, and major events such as Start Summit, EU-Startups Summit, VivaTech, Slush, Italian Tech Week and Web Summit serve as critical platforms for networking, knowledge exchange and investment opportunities

In this article, we present a curated selection of the most impactful events of 2025, focusing on those that offer high-value networking and strategic growth opportunities both for early-stage startups and fast-growing scaleups. 
 
Updated: March 2025


Start Summit 2025 

The Start Summit brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. It offers an ideal environment for networking and knowledge sharing. Why attend? A unique chance to meet investors, exchange knowledge, and participate in workshops designed to help startups scale. 

  • Date: March 20-21, 2025 

  • Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland 

  • Read more here 

EU-Startups Summit 2025 

A key event for the European startup ecosystem, offering a stage for innovative startups to connect with investors and showcase their ideas. Why attend? An exclusive opportunity to meet European investors and pitch your startup to a curated audience. 

  • Date: March 24-25, 2025 

  • Location: La Valletta, Malta 

  • Read more here 

ViennaUP - The Startup Festival

A citywide festival dedicated to startups and innovation, featuring multiple events across Vienna to foster connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. Why attend? A fully immersive experience in the Viennese startup ecosystem, with global networking opportunities. 

Podim 

One of the leading tech and startup events in the CEE region, bridging startups, investors, and innovative companies. Why attend? A premier event for networking with investors mainly from Central and Eastern Europe and forming strategic partnerships. 

Gitex

A major technology event focused on cutting-edge innovations, bringing together tech leaders, startups, and enterprises to explore emerging trends. Why attend? A prime opportunity to explore breakthrough technologies and connect with global tech giants. 

Dublin Tech Summit 

A global gathering of tech leaders, exploring the future of technology and innovation through expert-led sessions and networking. Why attend? A must-attend event for tech enthusiasts looking to engage with world-class speakers and investors. 

We Make Future 

A festival of digital and tech innovation, bringing together startups and established companies to discuss emerging trends. Why attend? A unique event for Italian and international startups to showcase their innovations and connect with investors. 

South Summit Madrid 

A leading startup and investment event, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world to discuss emerging market trends. Why attend? A premier opportunity for startups to pitch and gain visibility within the Spanish and European ecosystems. 

VivaTech 

One of the largest global tech events, connecting startups, corporations, and investors to accelerate technological innovation. Why attend? The ultimate destination to engage with tech leaders and cutting-edge innovations

TNW Conference 

A leading European technology conference, bringing together top executives, startup founders, and investors to discuss the future of tech. Why attend? A chance to connect with global tech decision-makers and gain insights into the latest digital innovations. 

  • Date: June 19-20, 2025 

  • Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands 

  • Read more here 

Italian Tech Week

Italy’s premier technology event, featuring international speakers, startup showcases, and investor panels. A must-attend for those shaping the future of technology in Italy and beyond. 
 
Why attend? A rare opportunity to connect with Italy’s leading tech founders, investors, and global industry leaders while gaining insights into the future of innovation in the country. 

Sifted Summit 

A high-profile startup event showcasing European innovation and connecting founders, investors, and industry expertsWhy attend? A unique occasion to gain insights into the European startup landscape and form valuable connections. 

Stage Two 

An event focused on startup growth and scaleup development, providing opportunities for founders to build partnerships and access funding. Why attend? A dedicated space for startup founders looking to scale and attract key investors

  • Date: October 28-30, 2025 

  • Location: Berlin, Germany 

  • Read more here 

Web Summit

One of the largest global tech conferences, gathering over 70,000 attendees, including startups, enterprises, and media, to explore trends in AI, fintech and digital transformationWhy attend? The perfect venue for networking with global investors, tech giants, and media while discovering the latest industry trends shaping the future of technology.  

  • Date: November 10-13, 2025 

  • Location: Lisbon, Portugal 

  • Read more here 

Slush 

The leading event for investors and venture capitalists, Slush is the world’s largest startup-investor gathering, focusing on early-stage funding and global startup accelerationWhy attend? The most investor-focused event globally, offering unparalleled access to top-tier VCs, business angels, and startup ecosystem leaders.  

  • Date: November 19-20, 2025 

  • Location: Helsinki, Finland 

  • Read more here