Europe’s diverse startup ecosystem continues to flourish in 2025, with vibrant tech scenes spanning from London to Lisbon, Berlin to Barcelona. For entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals looking to tap into this dynamic market, knowing which European startup events to attend is essential for successful networking, fundraising, and market expansion.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the most influential startup events across Europe for 2025, breaking down what makes each one unique and valuable for different types of attendees. Whether you’re building connections with investors or seeking new markets for expansion, this resource will help you navigate Europe’s thriving startup landscape.
Event Planning Tools:
- Traveling across time zones? Our time zone converter will help you plan your schedule
- Want to know what day of the week an event falls on? Check with our day of week tool
Why Attend European Startup Events
Europe offers unique advantages for startup ecosystem participants:
- Diverse Markets: Access to 27 EU countries plus UK, Switzerland, and others with different consumer behaviors and business cultures
- Government Support: Many European countries offer substantial startup incentives and funding programs
- Technical Talent: Access to world-class engineering talent from top technical universities
- Regulatory Leadership: Europe often sets global standards in areas like data privacy and AI governance
- Sustainability Focus: Leading position in climate tech, circular economy, and social impact ventures
Top Startup Events in Europe for 2025
1. Web Summit
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Date: November 10-13, 2025 (check day of week)
Expected Attendance: 70,000+
Focus: Global technology, startups, investment
Why Attend: Web Summit has cemented its position as Europe’s largest technology conference, bringing together founders, investors, media, and global tech leaders in a massive four-day event.
Key Features:
- ALPHA, BETA, and START programs for startups at different stages
- Investor-startup matching platform with thousands of pre-arranged meetings
- Night Summit networking events across Lisbon
- 1,000+ speakers across multiple stages and topic tracks
External Resources:
2. Slush
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Date: November 19-20, 2025
Expected Attendance: 25,000+
Focus: Early-stage startups, Nordic-style entrepreneurship, venture capital
Why Attend: Slush has transformed from a student-driven event to one of the world’s leading startup gatherings, with a unique atmosphere and highly curated matchmaking.
Key Features:
- Slush 100 pitching competition for early-stage startups
- Sophisticated matching platform connecting founders and investors
- Side events throughout Helsinki during “Slush Week”
- Strong focus on founder mental health and sustainable entrepreneurship
External Resources:
3. London Tech Week
Location: London, UK
Date: June 9-13, 2025 (convert to your time zone)
Expected Attendance: 55,000+ across multiple events
Focus: Technology, innovation, startups, scale-ups, investment
Why Attend: London Tech Week encompasses dozens of events across the UK capital, bringing together the complete technology ecosystem in Europe’s leading financial center.
Key Features:
- Multiple specialized summits (AI, Fintech, Climate Tech, etc.)
- UK Tech Awards celebrating the best British tech companies
- London Tech Week Networking Party and other social events
- Founders Forum bringing together successful entrepreneurs
External Resources:
4. VivaTech
Location: Paris, France
Date: June 11-14, 2025
Expected Attendance: 80,000+
Focus: Innovation, technology, corporate-startup collaboration
Why Attend: VivaTech has rapidly grown to become Europe’s biggest startup and tech event, with a strong focus on connecting startups with corporate partners and French industry.
Key Features:
- Challenges from major corporations seeking startup partners
- Lab exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technology
- VivaTech Startup Pitch Competition
- Strong representation from French government and EU officials
External Resources:
5. The Next Web (TNW) Conference
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: June 19-20, 2025
Expected Attendance: 15,000+
Focus: Future of technology, web development, startups
Why Attend: TNW combines thought leadership with a more intimate atmosphere than larger events, making networking more accessible in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup cities.
Key Features:
- Carefully curated content across multiple stages
- TNW Startup Program with exhibition opportunities
- Dedicated matchmaking app for attendees
- Legendary evening parties along Amsterdam’s canals
External Resources:
6. South Summit
Location: Madrid, Spain
Date: June 4-6, 2025
Expected Attendance: 20,000+
Focus: Southern European and Latin American startups, investment
Why Attend: South Summit has established itself as the premier bridge between European and Latin American startup ecosystems, offering unique cross-continental opportunities.
Key Features:
- Startup Competition with global participants
- EnlightED summit on education technology
- South Summit Investors Forum with international VCs
- Focus on Spain as a gateway to Latin American markets
External Resources:
7. Bits & Pretzels
Location: Munich, Germany
Date: September 28-30, 2025
Expected Attendance: 5,000+
Focus: Entrepreneurship, German tech ecosystem, Oktoberfest networking
Why Attend: Bits & Pretzels uniquely combines high-quality content with Bavarian culture, culminating in exclusive networking at Oktoberfest tables.
Key Features:
- Intimate format with access to speakers and investors
- Startup pitch competition with sector-specific tracks
- Table Captain networking format in beer halls
- Strong German Mittelstand and industry connections
External Resources:
8. Wolves Summit
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: May6-7, 2025
Expected Attendance: 2,500+
Focus: Central and Eastern European startups, investment
Why Attend: Wolves Summit provides unparalleled access to Central and Eastern European startup ecosystems, with a focus on meaningful connections rather than scale.
Key Features:
- 1:1 meeting platform averaging 15+ meetings per participant
- The Great Pitch Contest for early-stage startups
- Alpha Wolves program for scale-ups
- Bridge to Western European and American investors
External Resources:
9. Mobile World Congress
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: February 24-27, 2025
Expected Attendance: 100,000+
Focus: Mobile technology, telecommunications, connectivity
Why Attend: While primarily an industry event, MWC has become essential for mobile, IoT, and connected device startups looking to connect with global telecom players.
Key Features:
- 4YFN (Four Years From Now) startup program
- Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO Awards)
- Massive exhibition space with country and industry pavilions
- Mobile World Capital Barcelona initiatives
External Resources:
10. Reflect Festival
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Date: May 15-16, 2025
Expected Attendance: 5,000+
Focus: Mediterranean tech ecosystem, future technologies
Why Attend: Reflect offers a more relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean coast, with strong connections to Middle Eastern and Southern European ecosystems.
Key Features:
- Beachfront location with informal networking
- Focus on emerging tech (AI, blockchain, climate tech)
- Startup competition with Mediterranean-specific tracks
- Strategic location between Europe, Middle East, and North Africa
External Resources:
Regional Breakdown: Where to Find the Best Events
United Kingdom & Ireland
Post-Brexit, the UK continues to host key events including London Tech Week, AI Summit London, and Fintech Week London, while Dublin hosts Dublin Tech Summit and Startup Week Dublin.
Top Events:
- London Tech Week
- Dublin Tech Summit
- AI Summit London
- FinTech Week London
Western Europe (France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium)
The core of the EU delivers scale with VivaTech (Paris), Bits & Pretzels (Munich), TNW Conference (Amsterdam), and Digital First (Brussels).
Top Events:
- VivaTech (Paris)
- Bits & Pretzels (Munich)
- TNW Conference (Amsterdam)
- Digital First (Brussels)
- Tech Open Air (Berlin)
Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy)
The Mediterranean region offers Web Summit (Lisbon), South Summit (Madrid), Mobile World Congress (Barcelona), and TechChill Milan.
Top Events:
- Web Summit (Lisbon)
- South Summit (Madrid)
- Mobile World Congress (Barcelona)
- TechChill Milan
Nordic Region (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway)
The Nordics punch above their weight with Slush (Helsinki), TechBBQ (Copenhagen), and Stockholm Tech Fest.
Top Events:
- Slush (Helsinki)
- TechBBQ (Copenhagen)
- Stockholm Tech Fest
- Oslo Innovation Week
Central & Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Baltics)
Emerging tech hubs host Wolves Summit (Warsaw), Startup Week Prague, How to Web (Bucharest), and TechChill (Riga).
Top Events:
- Wolves Summit (Warsaw)
- Startup Week Prague
- How to Web (Bucharest)
- TechChill (Riga)
Budget-Friendly Events
Not every valuable European startup event requires a significant investment:
- EU-Startups Summit (Barcelona, May): Under €100 for startups
- Startup Olé (Salamanca, April): Free for selected startups
- StartupExtreme (Norway, June): Combines conference with adventure activities
- StartupWeek (Various cities): Often free or low-cost community-driven events
- Open Coffee Club meetups: Free regular gatherings across European cities
Industry-Specific Events
Fintech
- Money 20/20 Europe (Amsterdam, June)
- FinTech Junction (Tel Aviv, June)
- Paris Fintech Forum (Paris, February)
Healthtech & Biotech
- BIO-Europe (Various European cities, November)
- HIMSS Europe (Helsinki, June)
- Health.Pioneers (Vienna, October)
AI & Machine Learning
- AI Summit London (London, June)
- World Summit AI (Amsterdam, October)
- Applied AI Summit (Berlin, April)
Climate Tech & Sustainability
- Ecosummit (Berlin, May)
- Cleantech Forum Europe (Edinburgh, March)
- ChangeNOW Summit (Paris, May)
Web3 & Blockchain
- European Blockchain Convention (Barcelona, February)
- Paris Blockchain Week (Paris, March)
- TOKEN2049 (London, November)
Networking Tips
Before the Event
- Research speakers and attendees from your target markets
- Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message mentioning the event
- Schedule meetings in advance using event networking apps
- Set clear goals that account for European business culture differences
During the Event
- Arrive at European events on time (punctuality varies by country)
- Attend smaller workshops and roundtables for deeper connections
- Be prepared for longer relationship-building cycles than in the US
- Participate in the social programs, where many deals actually happen
- If attending events in different European time zones, use our time zone converter to avoid scheduling conflicts
After the Event
- Follow up within 48 hours with specific references to your conversation
- Be patient with response times, especially in Southern Europe
- Connect on social media and engage with their content
- Consider organizing a post-event meetup for people you connected with
- Use our day of week tool to plan optimal times for follow-up meetings
External Resources:
Conclusion
The 2025 European startup event landscape offers rich opportunities for founders, investors, and ecosystem players across an incredibly diverse continent. By strategically selecting events that align with your industry focus, geographical interests, and budget, you can build valuable connections in Europe’s vibrant innovation communities.
Remember that European business culture often emphasizes relationship-building over transactional interactions. The connections you make at these events can lead to lasting partnerships, but may require more time to develop than in other markets.
FAQ
What is the best all-around startup event in Europe for 2025?
Web Summit in Lisbon offers the broadest international exposure and scale, while Slush in Helsinki provides a more curated experience with excellent matchmaking quality.
How do European startup events differ from American ones?
European events typically have a more international audience, stronger government and EU institutional presence, and often more focus on sustainable business models over pure growth. Networking may be more relationship-focused rather than transactional.
Which events are best for raising funding from European VCs?
Slush is renowned for its investor matching quality, while Web Summit offers scale. For specific regions, London Tech Week (UK/US funds), VivaTech (French funds), and Bits & Pretzels (German funds) are excellent options.
Are European events English-speaking friendly?
Yes, all major European startup events are conducted primarily in English. However, for networking in countries like France, Spain, or Italy, a few words in the local language can help break the ice.
How far in advance should I purchase tickets and book accommodation?
For major events like Web Summit and Slush, early bird tickets sell out 4-6 months in advance. Accommodation in cities like Lisbon, Helsinki, and Barcelona books up quickly during events, so secure your stay at least 3-4 months ahead.
How can I manage events across different European time zones?
Europe spans multiple time zones from Western Portugal (GMT) to Eastern Finland (GMT+2), plus seasonal daylight saving time changes. Use our time zone converter to plan your schedule, especially if attending consecutive events in different regions.
Which European startup events are best for non-European startups looking to enter the market?
Web Summit and Slush are excellent for general European market entry. For specific regions, consider London Tech Week (UK), VivaTech (France), South Summit (Spain/Latin America connections), or Mobile World Congress (global mobile industry).
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Always check the official event websites for the most up-to-date information.