Which conferences are worth founders’ time in 2025?
The startup funding scene has been looking up in early 2025, thanks to lower interest rates and European VCs getting back in the game. While European founders still have to work harder than their American counterparts, things are finally starting to look brighter.
In today’s market, startup conferences are way more than just places to swap business cards. They’re actually make-or-break opportunities to get in front of investors for your next round of funding. These events are where the magic happens – connecting innovative startups with investors who are ready to back new ideas, through everything from pitch competitions to coffee chats that could lead to your next big break.
But not all events deliver. Many promise investors, but what’s their quality? And how easy is it to actually connect with them?
As an investor who’s attended countless startup events, here’s my take on the hottest ones in Europe for 2025 and however they are worth your time:
TechChill 5-7 February in Riga, Latvia
TechChill is a standout event in the Baltics, known for connecting investors and startups in meaningful ways. It features pitch competitions and dedicated networking spaces, all set in a relaxed, “chill” atmosphere that lives up to its name. What sets it apart? Around 10% of attendees are investors, and as a startup, you’ll get early access to the investor list and matchmaking app—allowing you to start building connections ahead of the event.
Latitude59 21-23 May in Tallinn, Estonia
Latitude59 describes itself as small and cozy but big in reach and impact. Held in the digitally savvy city of Tallinn, it leverages Estonia’s reputation as a startup-friendly hub. The event offers curated matchmaking sessions and a pitch competition with a €1M investment prize, all designed with startups and investors in mind. With over 800 investors attending and a nearly 50-50 startup-to-investor ratio, it’s a prime opportunity for meaningful connections.
Mashup 27-28 May in Malmö, Sweden
This is Europe’s most exclusive startup meetup capped at 500 invites, bringing together ambitious VC-backed founders, and VCs. Designed as an “anti-conference,” it replaces traditional stage programs with roundtables and meeting areas to encourage meaningful conversations in an intimate, informal setting. If you’re lucky enough to snag an invite, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. With investors making up half the attendees, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect. The event offers a matchmaking app so you can prepare ahead but also includes spaces for spontaneous connections at roundtables, dinners or drinks.
London Tech Week is a massive conference that attracts 45,000 visitors annually and stands out for its free access. You can sign up and use the matchmaking app to connect with investors at no cost. That said, free tickets mean a diverse crowd, so 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.
VivaTech 11-14 June in Paris, France
This is Europe’s largest tech event, attracting 165,000 visitors. Known for its solid organization and impressive lineup of speakers, it’s a key gathering for the tech community. But, with such a large crowd, connecting with the 3,200 investors in attendance is challenging. However, this year, VivaTech is introducing a new “Investor Office Hours” service, allowing startups to schedule one-on-one meetings with leading investors—making connections a bit easier.
TechBBQ 27-28 August in Copenhagen, Denmark
TechBBQ brings together startup founders, corporates, and investors from across the Nordics. It’s a space to connect with innovative startups, explore emerging trends, and network in a welcoming, lively atmosphere. This year, over 1,200 investors are expected, all keen on backing Nordic startups. TechBBQ is well worth adding to your calendar if you’re a founder in the region.
The Drop 15-17 September in Malmö, Sweden
The Drop is a climate tech event that does things differently. It’s invite-only, capped at 1,200 carefully chosen attendees (70% investors, 30% startups). The attendee list stays secret until after, shifting the focus from matchmaking to serendipitous meetings. If you get an invite, expect to walk away with fresh perspectives, new connections, and a stronger foothold in the climate space. If you’re building a startup in the climate space, this is an event you need to include in your calendar.
Bits & Pretzels 29 September – 1 October in Munich, Germany
This festival blends keynotes, workshops, and startup pitches with Munich’s unique Oktoberfest networking experience. It offers an informal yet effective setting for startups to engage with investors. Among the 7,500 attendees, over 1,000 are investors, representing €390 billion in capital. It’s a chance to connect with investors in a fun way, complete with beer and traditional Lederhosen.
WebSummit 10-13 November in Lisbon, Portugal
Web Summit in Lisbon is globally recognized for 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, chance meetings, and a city fully immersed in startup culture, the event feels like a collection of mini-conferences woven into a larger festival atmosphere. However, from people who have been, I’m getting the impression that the event is quite overwhelming.
Slush 19-20 November in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s Slush is celebrated for its vibrant energy and the high caliber of venture capitalists it attracts from around the world. The event is large, with 13,000 attendees, including 3,300 investors. With so many founders competing for attention, a strong pitch is essential to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with investors during the two-day event, with 500 side events, workshops, stages, and tracks, as well as a networking area featuring over 300 tables. The pitch competition, a standout highlight, offers startups the chance to win a €1M investment from top VC funds.
For startup founders in Europe, these conferences are more than just gatherings; they’re crucial opportunities to secure the capital needed to drive growth. 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. Attending the right event could be your startup’s breakthrough moment in 2025.
