Best 22 Startup Conferences in 2025 to Ignite Innovation
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.
Stepping away from daily routines to engage with peers facing similar issues can yield valuable insights. Attending startup conferences also facilitates networking and learning and opens avenues for potential collaborations.
Whether striving to achieve product-market fit, attract top-tier talent, or future-proof your tech stack, the curated list of conferences below will empower you to innovate, collaborate, and elevate your startup to new heights.
Best Startup Conferences in 2025 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best startup conferences worth attending in 2025.
- Global Summit - Paris, France (March 13-14, 2025)
- Tech.eu Summit London 2025 - London, UK (March 25-26, 2025)
- Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 29-30, 2025)
- The Business Show - Multiple locations and dates
- ViennaUP 2025 - Vienna, Austria (May 8-16, 2025)
- Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 12-14, 2025)
- GITEX Global - Multiple locations and dates
- Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 21-23, 2025)
- SaaStr Annual 2025 - SF Bay Area, CA (May 13-15, 2025)
- Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 27-28, 2025)
- Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 11-14, 2025)
- Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 30, 2025)
- Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 9-11, 2025)
- Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 29-October 1, 2025)
- Sifted Summit - London, UK (October 8-9, 2025)
- Web Summit 2025 - Lisbon, Portugal (November 11-13, 2025)
- Slush 2025 - Helsinki, Finland (November 19-20, 2025)
Find more details about each conference below.
Overview of the Best Startup Conferences
Below are my summaries of the best startup conferences on my shortlist. My reviews examine each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.
1. Global Summit - Paris, France (March 13-14, 2025)
- Dates: March 13-14, 2025
- Location: The Centquatre-Paris, France
- Pricing: From $0 to €1,350
- Website: Global Summit
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:
At Global Summit, you’ll explore cutting-edge tech innovations that address global issues. The event features top-tier speakers and offers networking with industry leaders. You'll gain insights into scaling solutions and discover partnership opportunities.
With its focus on energy transition, sustainable food systems, and healthcare, your team will be at the forefront of innovation.
3. Tech.eu Summit London 2025 - London, UK (March 25-26, 2025)
- Dates: March 25-26, 2025
- Location: Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London England
- Pricing: Starts at £600 + VAT
- Website: Tech.eu Summit London 2025
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, bsky
Overview:
Tech.eu Summit London 2025 is an annual event connecting Europe's tech and startup ecosystem. Launched in 2022, it gathers industry leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss emerging trends and technologies. Past speakers have included prominent figures from various tech sectors.
Why you should attend: At Tech.eu Summit London 2025, you'll delve into key topics like AI, fintech, climate tech, and health tech. The event features engaging roundtable discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, and unparalleled networking opportunities. It's an ideal platform to connect with Europe's most influential tech leaders, investors, and rising startups.
Whether you want to gain insights from industry experts or explore the latest trends, this summit offers valuable experiences for tech professionals.
4. Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 29-30, 2025)
- Dates: April 29-30, 2025
- Location: Fox Theatre, Redwood City, California
- Pricing: Starts at $199
- Website: Startup Grind Conference
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube
Overview:
Startup Grind Conference is a major event for entrepreneurs and investors, featuring networking and educational sessions. Since its inception, it has hosted notable speakers like Eric Schmidt and Reid Hoffman.
Why you should attend:
You’ll connect with over 5,000 entrepreneurs and investors at the Startup Grind Conference. The event offers 175 sessions with interactive Q&As and pitch sessions, providing a platform for learning and collaboration.
It's an opportunity for your team to explore innovative startups and gain insights from industry leaders. You'll experience a dynamic environment that encourages growth and networking in Silicon Valley.
5. The Business Show - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Free
- Website: The Business Show
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
The Business Show: Multiple Dates and Locations
| Location | Dates |
| Miami | Miami Beach Convention Center | May 7-8, 2025 |
| Singapore | Sands Expo & Convention Centre | August 27-28, 2025 |
| Las Vegas | Las Vegas Convention Center | October 15-16, 2025 |
| Australia | ICC Sydney | November 5-6, 2025 |
| London | Excel London | November 12-13, 2025 |
Overview:
The Business Show is a leading event for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing networking and learning opportunities since its inception. It features keynote speakers like Douglas Hungerford, the Senior Product Manager of PepsiCo, and Therese Parkes, the Industry Director of B2B Technology at Google.
Why you should attend:
You'll experience a dynamic environment with masterclasses and networking tailored for entrepreneurs and SMEs. The Business Show offers over 300 exhibitors and insights from industry leaders, making it a must-attend for your team. Whether you want to start or grow your business, it's the perfect place to gain knowledge and connect with potential partners. You’ll find solutions to business challenges and explore new opportunities across multiple locations.
6. ViennaUP 2025 - Vienna, Austria (May 8-16, 2025)
- Dates: May 8-16, 2025
- Location: In-person in Vienna, Austria
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: ViennaUP 2025
- Social Media: YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
ViennaUP 2025 is a city-wide startup festival aimed at entrepreneurs and innovators, featuring over 50 events by 35+ partners. Since its inception, it's been a key event for exploring the startup ecosystem. Notable past speakers have included leaders across various industries, such as Daniel Dippold, Founder and CEO of EWOR, and Christopher Polligkeit, Investor of Plug and Play Tech Center.
Why you should attend:
At ViennaUP 2025, you'll immerse yourself in Vienna's vibrant startup ecosystem. The festival offers events like Connect Day, which offers networking with 1,500 participants, and competitions to showcase innovation. With diverse tracks focusing on venture, collaboration, and transformation, your team will find opportunities to learn and grow.
Plus, the relaxed Homebase and Café Spaces provide perfect informal meetings and networking settings.
7. Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 12-14, 2025)
- Dates: May 12-14, 2025
- Location: Maribox (Kinobox) and Narodni dom Maribor
- Pricing: Starts at €145
- Website: Podim
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
Podim is a leading conference for startups and investors, fostering innovation and collaboration since its inception. It's known for its influential speakers and networking opportunities, attracting over 400 investors and 150 startups.
Why you should attend:
At Podim, you’ll engage in a vibrant ecosystem of startups and investors. The event offers one-on-one meetings, a pitching competition, and showcases like the Marketplace.
Your team will have the chance to connect with international speakers and industry leaders. You'll enjoy formal and informal networking opportunities with events like Founders Night and the Podim Party.
8. GITEX Global - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: GITEX Global
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
GITEX: Multiple locations and dates
| Locations | Dates |
| GITEX AFRICA | Marrakech, MOROCCO | 14-16 Apr 2025 |
| GITEX ASIA | Singapore, SINGAPORE | 23-25 Apr 2025 |
| GITEX EUROPE | Berlin, GERMANY | 21-23 May 2025 |
| GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 | Bangkok, THAILAND | 10-12 Sept 2025 |
| GITEX NIGERIA | Abuja & Lagos, NIGERIA | 1-4 Sept 2025 |
| Expand North Star | Dubai, UAE | 12-15 Oct 2025 |
| AI EVERYTHING GLOBAL | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 11-13 May 2026 |
Overview:
Gitex Global is one of the world's largest tech and startup events, held annually in Dubai. It brings together industry leaders, innovators, and startups to showcase and discuss the latest technological advancements. Notable past speakers have included global tech pioneers and influential policymakers like Hasmukh Ranjan, SVP & CIO of AMD, and Kaushal Kurapati, SVP of Product—Gen AI Platform, Salesforce.
Why you should attend:
At GITEX Global, you'll explore cutting-edge technologies across sectors like AI, cybersecurity, digital finance, and more. The event offers a platform for networking with over 6,500 exhibiting companies and 200,000 tech executives from around the globe.
Engage in insightful discussions, witness groundbreaking product launches, and connect with industry leaders to stay ahead in the tech landscape. Whether you're aiming to discover emerging trends or forge strategic partnerships, Gitex provides unparalleled opportunities for tech professionals.
9. Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 21-23, 2025)
- Dates: May 21-23, 2025
- Location: Kultuurikatel Creative Hub, Tallinn, Estonia
- Pricing: Starts at €139
- Website: Latitude59
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
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. It featured notable speakers like Steve Jurvetson and Morten Lund.
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, AI, and a startup competition that opens doors to potential funding.
10. SaaStr Annual 2025 - SF Bay Area, CA (May 13-15, 2025)
- Dates: May 13-15, 2025
- Location: San Mateo County Event Center, California
- Pricing: Starts at $649
- Website: SaaStr Annual 2025
- Social Media: Youtube, Facebook
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.
11. Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 27-28, 2025)
- Dates: May 27-28, 2025
- Location: AmberExpo, Żaglowa 11, Gdańsk, Poland
- Pricing: Starts at 99 PLN
- Website: Infoshare Conference
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
Infoshare Conference is a leading tech and startup event in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting tech enthusiasts, investors, and startups. Since its inception, it has grown to host over 6,500 attendees and 500 startups, featuring speakers like industry leaders and tech experts like Arek Hajduk, founder & CEO of StartupCEO.pl; Mete Atamel, Software Engineer & Developer Advocate at Google.
Why you should attend:
At the Infoshare Conference, you'll explore innovative tech solutions and engage with a vibrant community of startups and investors. The event offers thematic stages, side events, and networking opportunities tailored for tech enthusiasts.
Your team will benefit from insights into tech trends and business innovation. With a startup contest offering a €20,000 prize, it's a prime opportunity to showcase your ideas and connect with industry leaders.
12. Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 11-14, 2025)
- Dates: June 11-14, 2025
- Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
- Pricing: Starts at €650
- Website: Viva Technology
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok
Overview:
Viva Technology is Europe's largest startup and tech event, designed for startups, leaders, and investors to explore innovation. Since its launch in 2016, it has hosted speakers like Emmanuel Macron and Satya Nadella.
Why you should attend:
At Viva Technology 2025, you'll experience cutting-edge tech innovations and connect with global leaders. The event features over 1,500 exhibitors and thematic stages, focusing on the latest in AI, fintech, and sustainability. Your team will gain insights from industry experts and explore collaborative opportunities.
With its mix of keynote speeches, panels, and networking events, it's an ideal platform for discovering the future of technology.
13. Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 30, 2025)
- Dates: June 30, 2025
- Location: In-person in Porto, Portugal and Virtual
- Pricing: €745 and €159 (virtual)
- Website: Startups World
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
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. Startups World has started to foster global collaboration and has featured industry leaders as key speakers.
Why you should attend:
At Startups World, you’ll connect with a diverse group of global innovators and industry leaders. The event focuses on startup funding, scaling, and growth, offering panels and networking opportunities. Your team will gain valuable insights and explore partnerships to drive your business forward. With its comprehensive agenda, you'll find it an enriching experience for discovering new trends and technologies.
14. Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 9-11, 2025)
- Dates: July 9-11, 2025
- Location: In-person in Montréal
- Pricing: Starts at CA$658.51
- Website: Startupfest
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
Overview:
Startupfest is a renowned gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, offering a platform for networking and learning. Since its inception in 2011, it has attracted notable speakers like Alexis Ohanian and Chris Sacca.
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:
At Startupfest, you'll dive into a vibrant community of global entrepreneurs and thought leaders. The event features diverse stages focused on funding, scaling, and innovation, providing your team with actionable insights. With its unique pitch competitions and networking opportunities, you'll connect with investors and peers in a dynamic setting.
It's an ideal platform for discovering new trends and technologies while enjoying the creative atmosphere of Montréal.
15. Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 29-October 1, 2025)
- Dates: September 29-October 1, 2025
- Location: International Congress Center Messe (ICM), Munich, Germany
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival is a major European startup event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. It has featured prominent speakers like Barack Obama, the 44th President of the USA, and Jessica Alba, founder of The Honest Company.
Why you should attend:
You'll experience a unique blend of networking and inspiration at the Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival. The event offers keynote speeches, workshops, and panel discussions with industry leaders. Your team will have the chance to network with 5,000 founders and investors in a dynamic setting.
With its focus on innovation and growth, it's an ideal place to explore new opportunities and gain insights into the latest trends.
16. Sifted Summit - London, UK (October 8-9, 2025)
- Dates: October 8-9, 2025
- Location: Magazine London, England
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: Sifted Summit
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
Overview:
Sifted Summit is a key event for European startups and investors, focusing on innovation and growth. Since its inception, it has provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights with past speakers from top tech companies.
Why you should attend:
You'll connect with Europe's leading startups and investors at Sifted Summit. The event offers a mix of panels, workshops, and networking sessions to explore the latest in tech and entrepreneurship.
Your team will gain valuable insights into scaling and innovation. With its focus on connecting the startup ecosystem, it's an ideal opportunity to build partnerships and discover emerging trends.
17. Web Summit 2025 - Lisbon, Portugal (November 11-13, 2025)
- Dates: November 11-13, 2025
- Location: MEO Arena, Lisbon, Portugal
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: Web Summit 2025
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
Web Summit 2025 is one of the world’s premier tech conferences and startup events, attracting tech leaders, startups, and investors from around the globe. It has featured renowned speakers like Brad Smith, President and Vice Chairman of Microsoft, and Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME.
Why you should attend:
At Web Summit 2025, you'll immerse yourself in a global hub of innovation and networking. The event offers keynote speeches, workshops, and panels on AI, fintech, and beyond. Your team will gain insights from industry giants and explore cutting-edge technologies.
Its diverse range of topics and expert speakers make it an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the tech community in a vibrant setting.
18. Slush 2025 - Helsinki, Finland (November 19-20, 2025)
- Dates: November 19-20, 2025
- Location: In-person in Messukeskus Helsinki and Virtual
- Pricing: Register to see the current pricing
- Website: Slush 2025
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Overview:
Slush 2025 is a global hub for startups and tech talent, providing a platform for networking and learning. Since its founding in 2008, it has hosted influential speakers like Al Gore and Daniel Ek.
Why you should attend:
At Slush 2025, you'll be part of an energetic environment that fosters innovation and growth. The event features focused sessions on tech trends, investment opportunities, and startup success stories.
Your team will have the chance to network with industry leaders and gain insights from top-tier speakers. With its commitment to connecting founders and investors, Slush is an essential event for anyone looking to expand their tech horizons.
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