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Managing & Leading
16 min read

23 Startup Conferences to Help You Innovate

Katie Sanders
By
Katie Sanders
Katie Sanders Senior Editor

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 14 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with expert insights and practical advice through Q&As, Thought Leadership, Ebooks, etc.

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QUICK SUMMARY

Running a startup means navigating relentless challenges—whether it’s finding the right investors or scaling your product. These startup conferences offer technical leaders a unique opportunity to connect with industry experts, refine growth strategies, and gain the tools needed to solve their most pressing problems.

Startup conferences generic best of

Launching and growing a startup isn’t for the faint of heart. From securing funding and building a product that scales to navigating talent shortages and fast-paced tech landscapes, startup founders and technical leaders face no shortage of challenges.

The pressure to innovate while juggling resource constraints can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from stepping out of the daily grind and into rooms full of people who truly understand your pain points. Startup conferences can do just that.

Startup conferences are powerful accelerators that offer technical leaders a chance to hear from experts, connect with investors, and workshop real-world solutions to problems. Whether you’re aiming to crack product-market fit, recruit top-tier talent, or future-proof your tech stack, the conferences on this list are designed to help you innovate, collaborate, and take your startup to the next level.

Best Startup Conferences Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best startup conferences I think are worth attending in 2024 and 2025: 

  1. Web Summit - Lisbon, Portugal (November 2024)
  2. Slush - Helsinki, Finland (November 2024)
  3. CES - Las Vegas, NV (January 2025)
  4. TechChill - Riga, Latvia (February 2025)
  5. Step Conference - Dubai, UAE (February 2025)
  6. Techarena - Stockholm, Sweden (February 2025)
  7. 4YFN - Barcelona, Spain (March 2025)
  8. Global Summit - Paris, France (March 2025)
  9. Tech.eu Summit London - London, UK (March 2025)
  10. Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 2025)
  11. The Business Show - Multiple locations and dates
  12. ViennaUP - Vienna, Austria (May 2025)
  13. SaaStr Annual - SF Bay Area, CA (May 2025)
  14. Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 2025)
  15. GITEX Europe - Berlin, Germany (May 2025)
  16. Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 2025)
  17. Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 2025)
  18. Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 2025)
  19. Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 2025)
  20. Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 2025)
  21. Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 2025)
  22. Sifted Summit - London, UK (October 2025)
  23. Expand North Star - Dubai, UAE (October 2025)

Find more details about each conference below

Overview of the Best Startup Conferences

1. Web Summit 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal (November 2024)

Speakers at the Web Summit conference
A panel discussion at the Web Summit conference (Source)

Overview: Web Summit is one of the world’s premier tech conferences. It highlights a diverse range of topics, including technology, innovation, and sustainability, and attracts speakers like Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, CEOs, and policymakers. 

Why You Should Attend: The event has a powerful startup ecosystem, offering platforms like the PITCH competition for showcasing ideas, exposure, and potential investment opportunities. Attendees can engage in interactive Q&As, masterclasses, roundtables, and speaker experiences from Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. 

2. Slush 2024 - Helsinki, Finland (November 2024)

A speaker presenting at the Slush 2023 conference
A speaker at the Slush 2023 (Source)

Overview: Slush is a premier event that connects early-stage startups with leading investors, industry experts, and over 250 media representatives. It focuses on founder success and fosters an environment for innovations and sustainability. 

Why You Should Attend: The event has four main stages where entrepreneurs and investors share insights through talks, panels, and workshops on scaling, innovation, and market entry. Slush also incorporates sustainable practices and fosters discussions on building companies with ethical and sustainable values.

3. CES 2025 - Las Vegas, NV (January 2025)

Participants gathering at the CES 2024 conference
The CES 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: CES is a premier global tech trade show for advanced electronics, automotive technology, and smart city developments. It is a firsthand look at the next wave of consumer technology, pioneering ideas, and industry-shaping advancements.

Why You Should Attend: Companies unveil groundbreaking technologies during this event, giving attendees an exclusive first look before it reaches the market. It attracts thousands of industry leaders, tech startups, and the brightest minds, offering networking opportunities and in-depth sessions on emerging trends.

4. TechChill - Riga, Latvia (February 2025)

A speaker presenting during the TechChill 2024 conference
A speaker at the TechChill 2024 (Source)

Overview: TechChill is one of the largest tech events in the Baltic region, bringing over 310 startups and 250 investors. It focuses on startups and innovations in fintech, digital health, and deep tech. The event also has the "Fifty Founders Battle," where startups can compete for international investment. 

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can engage in hands-on workshops exploring cutting-edge strategies for scaling businesses and product development while gaining insights into the Baltic startup network to connect with decision-makers, understand new markets, and foster cross-border collaborations. 

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5. Step Conference - Dubai, UAE (February 2025)

Speakers at the Step Conference 2024
A panel discussion at the Step Conference 2024 (Source)

Overview: The Step Dubai Conference is the Middle East's largest experiential tech festival. It attracts over 400 global startups and hundreds of investors, making it an ideal event to build valuable connections and explore potential collaborations.

Why You Should Attend: The conference covers four main tracks—Founders & Funders, AI Agents, LLMs & Cloud, FinTech for SMBs, and AdTech 2.0—discussing topics from startup growth to advancements in AI and financial tech. It features key speakers like LinkedIn’s Allen Blue and the United States Consul General in Dubai Meghan Gregonis for insights across these areas. 

6. Techarena 2025 - Stockholm, Sweden (February 2025)

Attendees gathering at the Techarena 2024 startup conference
The Techarena 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: Techarena is a leading international innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability platform. The 2025 event has the theme “Becoming the Best in the World,” highlighting the journey to excellence from various perspectives, including business, sustainability, sports, culture, policy, and investment.

Why You Should Attend: With over 400 world-class speakers, including Netflix’s Marc Randolph and Finland’s former Prime Minister Sanna Marin, the conference spans 50 main stages and side events, covering topics from business and sustainability to culture and investment. It offers insight into the Nordic tech environment, partnerships, and exposure to technologies, sustainability, and innovation. 

7. 4YFN - Barcelona, Spain (March 2025)

Speakers during the 4YFN Awards
Speakers at the 4YFN 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: 4YFN partners with MWC, the world’s largest connectivity event, to expose startups to industry leaders and advanced technologies. It covers 5G, IoT, and smart devices, with speakers from industry giants and innovative startups.

Why You Should Attend: The conference features digital health, green tech, fintech, and corporate innovation, offering tailored experiences for attendees. It has the 4YFN Awards, a competition that gives finalists exhibition pods, speaking opportunities, and cash prizes with a €20,000 award for the winner. Additionally, it offers on-stage pitching sessions and curated networking activities for connecting with investors, feedback, and collaboration. 

8. Global Summit - Paris, France (March 2025)

An exhibitor at the Global Summit 2024
An exhibitor at the Global Summit 2024 (Source)

Overview: The Global Summit focuses on deep technology, bringing together a global community of innovators, startups, investors, and industry leaders to address the world's most pressing challenges through science and advanced engineering.

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can engage with thought leaders and experts to discuss the latest advancements in energy transition, healthcare, sustainable food systems, and advanced computing. The event also features the best startups with their groundbreaking technologies and solutions.

9. Tech.eu Summit London 2025 - London, UK (March 2025)

Participants networking at the Tech.eu Summit London 2024
Networking at the Tech.eu Summit London 2024 (Source)

Overview: The Tech.eu Summit covers European tech trends, including AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and climate tech. It fosters cross-industry and cross-border collaborations, enriching the networking experience.

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can hear from influential tech leaders in keynote sessions offer strategic insights and address challenges and opportunities in the European tech environment. They can also engage in interactive panel discussions and witness startup pitches, which provide diverse viewpoints, industry exploration, and a firsthand look at future tech innovations and investment opportunities.

10. Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 2025)

Speakers at the Startup Grind conference
Speakers at the Startup Grind 2018 (Source)

Overview: Startup Grind is a conference dedicated to building a supportive community for entrepreneurs and innovators. It fosters connections and knowledge-sharing in scaling startups, securing funding, and effective leadership. 

Why You Should Attend: It has over 175 interactive sessions, including Q&As with key speakers such as Bloomberg’s Emily Chang and OpenAi’s Romain Huet, pitch sessions, workshops, and practical guidance for scaling a business. The event attracts over 400 venture capital firms, creating opportunities for securing investment and building valuable partnerships.

11. The Business Show - Multiple locations and dates

A speaker presenting at the Business Show
A speaker at the Business Show  (Source)
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Free for attendees 
  • Website: The Business Show
  • Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Conferences Locations and Dates for The Business Show:

LocationsDates
The Business Show Miami | Miami Beach Convention Center May 7-8, 2025
The Business Show Singapore | Sands Expo & Convention CentreAugust 27-28, 2025
The Business Show Los Angeles | Los Angeles Convention CenterOctober 22-23, 2025

Overview: The Business Show is for entrepreneurs and business owners focused on launching, scaling, and enhancing their enterprises. It emphasizes innovation, practical growth strategies, and business optimization.

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can participate in hands-on masterclasses by industry leaders, exploring subjects like funding, marketing, and business growth. It has diverse seminars and keynote sessions featuring speakers from influential organizations and provides actionable insights into the latest trends and tools for driving business success.

12. ViennaUP 2025 - Vienna, Austria (May 2025)

Attendees gathering at the ViennaUP 2024 conference
The ViennaUP 2024 Conference (Source)
  • Dates: May 8-16, 2025
  • Location: In-person in Vienna
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Website: ViennaUP
  • Social Media: Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Overview: ViennaUP is a city-wide festival focused on innovation, creativity, startups, and digital transformation. It connects a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators and offers an opportunity to explore Vienna’s tech hubs. 

Why You Should Attend: With over 80 events, including pitch competitions, hackathons, and interactive seminars, the event offers opportunities to present ideas and learn from industry experts. It ensures attendees gain specialized insights and strategies in deep tech, impact entrepreneurship, and venture capital

13. SaaStr Annual 2025 - SF Bay Area, CA (May 2025)

A speaker presenting at the SaaStr Annual
The SaaStr Annual Conference (Source)

Overview: SaaStr Annual is the event for cloud and SaaS professionals to gather and dedicate three days to sharing strategies, building connections, and driving growth. The event focuses on collaborative learning and gaining insights into accelerating business success. 

Why You Should Attend: The conference features over 300 speakers from top Saas and cloud companies and more than 50 hours of expert-led sessions, roundtables, and hands-on workshops with actionable advice. Attendees can participate in Braindate networking sessions, interactive discussions, and one-on-one investor meetings, creating opportunities for professional growth, funding, and valuable partnerships.

14. Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 2025)

Participants networking at Podim's Deal Room
Participants at Podin’s Deal Room (Source)

Overview: Podim is a leading startup and tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, bringing together startups, scaleups, investors, and business leaders. It offers founder insights into the regional market and fosters connections across the entrepreneurial network. 

Why You Should Attend: The event has over 70 international speakers delivering in-depth knowledge of trends and innovations across three stages. Attendees can explore Podim’s exclusive Startup Catalogue with over 150 handpicked startups, and participate in Podim’s Deal Room, a dedicated space for one-on-one meetings with investors and corporate partners. 

15. GITEX Europe - Berlin, Germany (May 2025)

A discussion at the GITEX Global Dubai 2024
The Gitex Dubai 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: GITEX Europe is the European expansion of GITEX Global, gathering Europe’s tech community to showcase advancements in AI, blockchain, and digital transformation. It features speakers from leading tech companies and offers a platform for networking.

Why You Should Attend: The conference has special events to inspire growth, innovation, and collaboration, including the Deep Tech Challenge to address global issues through advanced tech, the Global AI 100 for the top AI startups, and the Supernova Challenge where startups compete for €100,000. Attendees can gain knowledge of AI and smart connectivity through keynote addresses, panels, and interactive sessions. 

16. Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 2025)

A panel disussion at the Latitude59
The Latitude59 2024 conference (Source)

Overview: Latitude59 is a hub for gaining insights, building connections, and exploring collaborations that drive business growth. It is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities. 

Why You Should Attend: The conference has various activities to fuel innovation, including pitch competitions, targeted networking sessions, and interactive workshops. Attendees can also benefit from mentoring sessions and panel discussions on green tech, blockchain, and AI, and a startup competition that opens doors to potential funding.

17. Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 2025)

Speakers at the Infoshare Conference for startups
A panel discussion at the Infoshare Conference (Source)

Overview: Infoshare is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest tech and startup conference, dedicated to innovation and knowledge exchange across IT, marketing, and business development. With over 6,500 attendees, the event creates a community where tech enthusiasts can connect and collaborate. 

Why You Should Attend: The event features over 150 speakers across eight thematic stages, covering AI, cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing. Attendees can also participate in the Startup Contest, which awards €20,000 to impactful tech-for-good projects, and enjoy networking opportunities through matchmaking tools and interactive side events.

18. Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 2025)

An exhibitor at the Viva Technology 2024
An exhibitor at the Viva Technology 2024  (Source)

Overview: VivaTech is one of Europe’s premier technology events for fostering innovation and tackling global challenges. The conference gathers over 2,800 exhibitors and more than 400 renowned speakers, including Robin Li of Baidu and Linda Yaccarino of X. 

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can explore advanced tech through immersive sessions like the Startup Battlefield, which highlights the most promising startups, and the Robot Park, where the latest robotics advancements are on display. Additionally, the conference provides exclusive networking lounges, investor pitch sessions, and side events for those seeking funding and partnerships. 

19. Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 2025)

The Startups World conference homepage
The Startups World Homepage (Source)

Overview: Startups World is a dynamic one-day conference for global entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals to exchange insights and build connections. It focuses on networking and collaboration, creating a ground for startups to explore growth opportunities. 

Why You Should Attend: The event provides actionable guidance on scaling businesses, attracting investment, and utilizing the latest technology trends. It provides hands-on workshops, live pitch sessions, and demo showcases, highlighting modern innovations and a chance to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors.

20. Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 2025)

Attendees gathering at the Startupfest conference
The Startupfest Conference (Source)
  • Dates: July 9-11, 2025
  • Location: In-person in Montréal
  • Pricing:
    • Non-Startup workers: CA$570.12
    • Students: CA$302.96
  • Website: Startupfest
  • Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Overview: Startupfest is Canada’s leading startup event, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. It offers a relaxed environment that encourages genuine connections and meaningful discussions across the tech and startup communities.

Why You Should Attend: The event provides unique opportunities to connect one-on-one with mentors and industry experts, attend inspiring talks, and engage in diverse networking activities. The event includes segments like AcceleratorFest for program leaders, HardtechFest for hardware innovators, and the anticipated Startupfest VF pitch competition, giving attendees targeted experiences and valuable exposure in the startup industry. 

21. Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 2025)

Participants networking at the Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival
Networking at the Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival (Source)

Overview: Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival is a three-day gathering of 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders during Munich’s Oktoberfest. It’s a one-of-a-kind event where entrepreneurial spirit meets cultural celebration, offering a unique atmosphere for business and innovation.

Why You Should Attend: The festival features keynotes from global thought leaders, interactive pitch competitions, and hands-on workshops that provide real-world strategies for scaling and funding ventures. A highlight is the Table Captain networking session held in Oktoberfest beer halls, where attendees connect over Bavarian hospitality, forming authentic relationships and potential partnerships in a memorable setting.

22. Sifted Summit - London, UK (October 2025)

Speakers at the Sifted Summit conference for founders
A panel discussion at the Sifted Summit conference (Source)

Overview: The Sifted Summit is a must-attend conference for startups. The summit provides a mix of high-level discussions, practical insights, and collaborative opportunities, all aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and resilience in the European startup scene

Why You Should Attend: The event offers dedicated sessions on sustainable innovation, the future of work, and ethical AI, providing an understanding of where the tech industry is heading and how startups can align with these trends. Attendees can also engage in discussions beyond business and address personal aspects of scaling, such as founder well-being, mental health, and resilient leadership for sustainable growth.

23. Expand North Star - Dubai, UAE (October 2025)

Exhibitors at the Expand North Star startup conference
Exhibitors at the Expand North Star conference (Source)

Overview: Expand North Star is the world’s largest startup and investor networking event, with thousands of startups and investors fostering an environment ripe for business growth, investment potential, and exploration of advanced technology.

Why You Should Attend: The event offers keynotes, panels, workshops, and extensive networking opportunities across AI, blockchain, and fintech sectors. Attendees can participate in the Supernova Challenge, the largest early-stage startup pitch competition, and the Corporate Arena, which facilitates corporate partnerships. 

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Katie Sanders
By Katie Sanders

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 14 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with expert insights and practical advice through Q&As, Thought Leadership, Ebooks, etc.

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