🇪🇪 sTARTUp Day

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again! Estonia loves startups so much that they even named a city after them 😉 So, it makes sense that sTARTUp Day brings together over 3500 startup-minded people across 52 countries to celebrate entrepreneurship in the smart city of Tartu!

sTARTUp Day itself describes its philosophy as championing the startup mindset — a philosophy that prioritises growth, smart work, actionable strategies, and adaptability amidst the dynamic business landscape, curating a space where every attendee is empowered to think, act, and evolve like the next big startup.

This business festival is the home of the legendary sTARTUp Day pitching competition in which the winners compete for a €200k investment from the Estonian Business Angels Network EstBAN, €200k from Baltic Sandbox Ventures, €140,000 investment from Opus11, €10k equity-free money from Swedbank and a lot more perks. Previous winners of the big prize have included LightCode, VSight, and BUPR friends Jeff App.

In 2025, speakers will include friends of Black Unicorn PR such as Robin Saluoks, co-founder and CEO of eAgronom and Zoltan Vardy, a sales expert and startup mentor that closed $2 billion over the course of his sales career and now helps founders master B2B sales with The Launch Code. Do check out our podcast episode with Zoltan, here.

sTARTUp Day offers three days of inspirational and educational eventing excitement! This event includes a fantastic stage program with over 182 speakers. Among them in 2023 was, for example, Timmu Tōke, CEO of Ready Player Me.

Tickets are on sale. We suggest you get shopping today. But if our blurb is not enough to convince you, and you’re all about visuals, check out their 2024 aftermovie:

Where: 🇪🇪 Tartu, Estonia
When: 28-30 January 2026
More info: https://www.startupday.ee/ 

🇸🇪 Techarenan

Taking place at Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Techarenan is an event that gathers over 7,500 attendees for a two-day experience. In 2025, the theme, Becoming the Best, will guide an exploration of leadership from every angle—business to sustainability, sports to culture, policy to investment. The event’s four stages feature a dynamic lineup of keynotes, fireside sessions, and panel discussions, delving into how global leaders turn challenges into opportunities and shape the future.

Dive into startup pitches, expert seminars, and specialized sessions for investors and founders. With ample networking opportunities, structured matchmaking, and side events for meaningful connections, Techarenan offers workspaces for meetings alongside exhibitions, experience areas, and interactive tech demos. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the community at the intersection of innovation, business, and the future.

Why not do some fika with Steven Bartlett, or former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Netflix founder Marc Randolph (he might be accepting new series suggestions).

Where: 🇸🇪 Stockholm, Sweden
When: 11-12 February 2026
More info: techarena.se

🇪🇸 4YFN

Celebrating over a decade of igniting startup dreams, 4YFN (4 Years From Now) returns as the essential startup event at MWC Barcelona, the world’s premier connectivity gathering. 4YFN not only brings together a curated mix of investors, corporate innovators, and founders from over 110 countries, but also provides a launchpad to connect with top decision-makers from global mobile operators and frontier tech companies.

With a focus on cutting-edge themes like disruptive innovation, startup funding, and AI, 4YFN offers startups the chance to shine on the global stage. It’s an early stage startup paradise featuring an exclusive network of 1,000 investors and venture capitalists, as well as corporate partners seeking groundbreaking partnerships. Dive into bleeding-edge discussions, expand your funding prospects, and unlock collaborative ventures that could accelerate your startup’s journey to scale.

Get ready to elevate your network, knowledge, and funding opportunities in this grand celebration of startup energy and innovation! 🎉🔍💡

Check out the event highlights from 2024, which was their 10-year anniversary.

Where: 🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain
When: 2-5 March 2026
More info: https://www.4yfn.com/ 

🇱🇻 TechChill

TechChill is moving to warmer climates as they move the event from February to March. But it’s totally worth it, as we’re talking about the Baltic’s classic, OG startup event. With over 120 speakers, 310 startups, 250 investors, 60+ media reps and 2300 attendees, Techchill Riga is unmissable! Founded to bridge gaps in knowledge, skill, and network, it has since grown into so much more. TechChill offers the opportunity to discover and meet the current and future stars (and unicorns) of the Baltic startup scene!

In 2024, BUPR headed to TechChill in the Lithuanian startup train by Hoperfy.

In 2024, Black Unicorn PR was present and involved, with JJ hosting a fireside chat with sales expert and startup mentor Zoltan Vardy, who revealed his playbook for B2B enterprise sales. We don’t want to spill the beans too much, but you can read more about it here (plus, check out our pod interview with Zoltan here). Will we see you in 2026? With some interesting talks and epic lineup of speakers lining up, you bet!

Where: 🇱🇻 Riga, Latvia
When: 25-27 March 2026
More info: https://techchill.co/

🇨🇭 START Summit

Ready, start, START Summit! Say hello, or grüezi, to the future leaders of tomorrow in this student-run conference for entrepreneurship and technology that started in 1997. And well, it’s no wonder it takes place in St. Gallen, home to one of the best business schools in Europe. Check out the event for the opportunity to dive into a Swiss-flavoured world of tech, startup, and entrepreneurial world.

In 2023, START Summit gathered more than 7,000 participants and over 210 speakers, 1050+ startup and more than a thousand investors! We’re looking forward to seeing what they will have in store for us in 2025.

We can’t embed it here, but head over to their website for a really cool video of the event shot also with drones! 

Where: 🇨🇭 St. Gallen, Switzerland
When: 19-20 March 2026
More info: https://www.startsummit.ch/

🇬🇧 Tech.eu Summit

After the success of the year’s first-ever Tech.eu Summit, 1800 thinkers turned up to turn the capital of Europe also into the capital of European tech. Entrepreneurs, investors, company leaders, policymakers, researchers, and journalists met in Brussels in 2023. And guess who else was there? 👀 There’s something undeniably quirky, fun and chaotic about Brussels that we love! Mix in the EU, NATO, frites, waffles, the Peeing Boy, cartoons, and the best beer in the world and you got the perfect storm!

In 2024, Tech.eu swapped frites with mayo for chips with vinegar, and the Atomium for the London Eye, as it moved the venue to the UK (and let’s face it, European VC) capital. The Tech.eu Summit is organised by the tech and startup-focused media outlet of the same name, which means you can expect the same top quality for the event and its topics, conversations, moderation, and photography. 

If you’re wondering what 2024 looked like, check out the video below!

Where: 🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
When: 21-22 April 2026
More info: https://tech.eu/events/

🇵🇱 Wolves Summit

Embark on a transformative 2-day journey at the Wolves Summit, curated meticulously for startups, investors, and business enthusiasts seeking to forge substantial connections within the global startup ecosystem. Positioned capital of café culture – Vienna, Austria – this summit, accessible both in-person and online, promises an arena where ambitious startups and investors converge to catalyse dynamic collaborations and groundbreaking innovations.

Seize the spotlight by pitching your novel ideas at the Great Pitch Contest, a stellar opportunity to unveil your startup’s potential before an audience teeming with industry leaders and potential investors, potentially steering your venture towards becoming Europe’s next success story. After a day of productive networking and pioneering discussions, unwind and continue to forge informal connections at their Epic Networking Party, where relaxation and fun meet a casual networking arena (their words)!

Expect it to be quality. Last year, 400 business CEOs, more than 200 scaleup reps, over 150 GPs, investment and venture capital funds, and 50 LPs had signed up for the Vienna edition.

Where: 🇵🇱 Warsaw, Poland
When: 21-22 April 2026
More info: https://www.wolvessummit.com/

🇮🇸 Iceland Innovation Week

Get your jackets (and quite possibly, swimwear) ready for Iceland Innovation Week, an annual celebration and exhibition of innovation! Throughout the week, Reykjavík hosts events ranging from panel talks and company tours to happy hours and a dip in both chilly and hot spring waters. In 2024, the topics were pretty cool if you ask us, and who can deny themselves of participating in a pitch competition called “Fermented Shark Tank”? Speaking of, more than 50 funds attended in 2024, as well as media reps from the likes of Sifted, TechCrunch, Tech.eu and Reuters.

Larger corporations and governmental organisations, as well as scaleups, all take part as well. Wolt made use of the event to launch in Iceland, so it’s definitely a place where things happen. This event aims to boost awareness of the innovation industry and build a knowledge-sharing platform to develop into a thriving, global marketing window in a country that consistently punches way above its weight. Plus, we are big fans of their fun, colourful website.

Where: 🇮🇸 Reykjavík, Iceland
When: 28-29 April 2026
More info: https://www.innovationweek.is/

🇲🇹 EU Startups Summit

Bongu! 👋 Are you ready for two full days of learning, inspiration, and connection? (And maybe some Pastizzi while you’re in town?) We are!​​ This two-day in-person event will showcase many of Europe’s hottest startups, hosted by EU Startups, one of Europe’s leading online startup publications! There will be off-the-chart fireside chats, a bunch of “aha!” moments from insightful keynote presentations, and a little healthy competition in the form of a pitch! 

The 2025 edition saw the event take place in Malta for the second time, which is an advantage because it is both a hot startup destination and a warm weather country. As well as getting an early glimpse of summer (Malta has 300 sunny days per year), the event also featured a pitch competition in which 1,000+ startups are applied to compete for a prize worth €700k+.

Previous speakers included Jeff Burton, co-founder of Electronic Arts and VC investor, and Valentin Stalf, co-founder and CEO of unicorn N26, as well as BUPR friends Erika de Santi, co-founder of WeRoad and Robin Saluoks, co-founder and CEO of eAgronom.

In 2025, Black Unicorn PR was of course present, with JJ moderating not one, not two, not three, but four sessions! We had a blast, but more on that later.

Our verdict: watch out for 2026, should be one not to miss!

Where: 🇲🇹 Valletta, Malta
When: 7-8 May 2026
More info: https://www.eu-startups.com/summit/ 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Turing Fest

Turing Fest is typically a great opportunity to check out the next in B2B tech, while enjoying Scotland in clement weather conditions. The conference will bring together a range of speakers from the fields of technology to share their insights and expertise. Attendees can expect to hear from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts in the field from the likes of LinkedIn, TIER, but also media companies like The Financial Times. The event provides a platform for discussions on the latest developments in the tech and startup world, and their impact on business and society. Turing Fest describes itself as a perfect blend of work and play, which already wins the hearts and minds of our unicorns.

Where: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh, Scotland
When: No dates for 2026 yet
More info: https://turingfest.com/

🇦🇹 ViennaUP

You’ve heard that ‘Vienna waits for you’, right? Well, so does ViennaUP! Emerging businesses can explore Vienna’s “ecosystem of opportunity,” covering subjects like Impact to Smart Cities, creative industries, life sciences, manufacturing, and more. It’s a decentralised experience, with investors and entrepreneurs from across the world meeting and networking at events throughout the city – a great opportunity to check out the different faces and facets of the city. 

In 2024, Vienna welcomed over 10,000 participants from 90+ countries to more than 80 events across 33 locations in 11 of the city’s districts. That’s enough to fill all the city’s high society cafes!

More exciting than Before Sunrise, if you ask us!

Where: 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
When: 18-22 May 2026
More info: https://viennaup.com/

🇸🇮 PODIM

Get ready to rock the world with ideas and innovation inspired by your time at PODIM! Based in Slovenia, PODIM is one of the most important startup & tech events in the Alps-Adriatic & Western Balkans region. Attendees have long been encouraged by PODIM to study, develop, and consider new ideas, resulting in developing innovative company concepts that are prepared to change the world.

We’ve scanned reviews, testimonials and their website and can conclude that everyone that has made the trip to Slovenia has not regretted it! And if you needed another second opinion, it’s recognised by EU Startups as a top event. If you need more, check out their own blog post on how the 2024 edition went. See you there in 2026?

Where: 🇸🇮 Maribor, Slovenia
When: 11-13 May 2026
More info: https://podim.org/

🇵🇱 Infoshare 

Infoshare does what it says on the box, and we love them for that! But for good measure, here’s a quick run-down. This once-small gathering has evolved into one of CEE’s largest technology conferences throughout the years, with a mindblowing array of CEE investors. Thousands of people gather at the picturesque city of Gdansk in the North of Poland annually to share knowledge, form connections, and grow, grow, GROW!

Since 2014, Infoshare also organises a startup contest in which the startup with the best sustainable development initiative gets a prize of €20k in cash. Business Insider called it “amazing”, Computer World “a celebration of the digital world”. Gdansk you very much!

Also, Infosharing is caring, so here is their promo video with mandatory aerial views of the city and the must-have robot dogs:

Where: 🇵🇱 Gdańsk, Poland
When: 20-21 May 2026
More info: https://infoshare.pl/ 

🇪🇪 Latitude59

Yay for Baltic, I mean Northern, unicorns! Latitude59 is the event to attend for a legitimate plethora of networking possibilities, in-depth conversations with top international players, multiple startup and investor pitching rounds, and an opportunity to gather and reflect on the wild year we’ve just had and create new ideas for the future. 

Latitude59 considers itself the flagship startup event of Estonia and “the best boutique startup show”. Despite being small by design, in 2024 it brought startup thought leaders as well as global leaders, from Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to defence tech Helsing co-founder and co-CEO Dr Gundbert Scherf and Bolt co-founder and CEO Markus Villig.

Like in Tartu, EstBAN was present there with large cheques. Latitude59’s prize money totalled €1 million in 2024 (yes, on mill!). As if that wasn’t enough, in their competition, startups can also secure a ticket to represent the Baltics in Slush’s New Nordics Pitch Competition finals. No brainer!

Because it couldn’t have been otherwise, BUPR was repped. You can read about our time at Latitude59 2024, here.

Ice cream in Estonia? Yup, very much needed in the summer

PS: Interested in Africa or Southeast Asia? Latitude is going global! Check out Latitude59 events in Africa, Asia and more!

Where: 🇪🇪 Tallinn, Estonia
When: 21-22 May 2026
More info: https://latitude59.ee/

🇮🇪 Dublin Tech Summit

At the centre of the global tech ecosystem is Dublin Tech Summit. Over the years, some of the largest international tech businesses have made Dublin their EMEA headquarters. Dublin Tech Summit has been one of the fastest-growing B2B tech events in Europe. No wonder, given they have speakers from some of the hottest companies in Ireland or with Irish connections, such as Stripe, Intercom, and Google, as well as Spotify and Depop. A visit to Ireland sounds enticing in 2025 – and hey, maybe we could join you for a Guinness or two? 

Where: 🇮🇪 Dublin, Ireland
When: 27-28 May 2026
More info: https://dublintechsummit.tech/

🇬🇧 SXSW London

In case you’ve been living under a rock and didn’t hear the big news, SXSW landed in Europe in 2025 for the very first time! And it’s bringing its iconic blend of creativity, tech, and groundbreaking ideas. Hosted in the heart of Europe’s biggest tech hub, SXSW London promises a high-energy convergence of industry leaders, boundary-pushing startups, and top investors. And there’s even a music festival!

The Austin event has been a springboard for Twitter, Airbnb, and other transformative platforms. Hoping to do the same in London, it will feature keynote talks, tech showcases, live performances, film screenings, and immersive experiences, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Expect over 400 international speakers, exclusive networking opportunities, and curated spaces for discussing the future of connectivity, AI, and digital business. With London’s vibrant creative and tech scenes blending together and setting the stage, SXSW London is primed to help startups and VCs discover Europe’s next big thing. What a chance to be part of history!

Where: 🇬🇧 London, UK
When: 1-6 June 2026
More info: https://sxswlondon.com/

🇪🇸 South Summit

We really don’t need an excuse to head to Spain, but if you were looking for one – what better than a startup event! After its eleventh trip around the sun, South Summit has clearly established itself as the premier Spain-based international event for the top corporations, startups, businesspeople, investors, and institutions to accelerate innovation, create lasting relationships, find commercial possibilities, and produce revenue.

Head through for the chance to pitch your project to the attending foreign investors, to study under the greatest CEOs of unicorn companies, and connect with and meet hundreds of prospective customers – “​​the most valuable network for entrepreneurship and business.”

You want numbers, you say? South Summit brings together more than 30,000 startups in 30+ international & sector-specific events. Over $16 billion was invested in South Summit finalists (that’s a good sign, by the way) and reps come from all over the world (more than 130 countries to be precise). Head over to their website for loads more information and tickets! Que esta de la ostia!

Where: 🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
When: 3-5 June 2026
More info: https://www.southsummit.co/

🇫🇮 Arctic15

What’s one of the most successful startup events in Northern Europe when it comes to matchmaking, you ask? Well, it’s Arctic15! This event is centred around various markets, technologies, and subjects, from AI and Digital Health to Social Impact and Scaling. Participants can make good use of the time by congregating with a global group of entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, media, and influencers.

Where: 🇫🇮 Helsinki, Finland
When: 11-12 June 2026
More info: https://arctic15.com/    

🇳🇱 Hello Tomorrow Global Summit

Calling all deep tech startups! This event is for you. The Hello Tomorrow Global summit prides itself on a niche focus on cutting-edge deep tech startups, dubbing itself the “epicentre of deep tech.” In fact it’s part of “Deep Tech Days” and under the high patronage of Monsieur Emmanuel Macron, President of France and of the French Tech unofficial fans’ association.

The event is designed to help attendees explore exclusive business/collaboration opportunities and connect with like-minded people to share advice, success stories, best practices and build networks! Global deep tech investors will share their insights; entrepreneurs will offer pro-tips; side events will be on offer, and the Deep Tech Expo to experience the technologies enabling change in a wide range of industries.

The 2026 edition is moving to Amsterdam!

Where: 🇳🇱 Amsterdam, France
When: 11-12 June 2026
More info: https://hello-tomorrow.org/global-summit/

🇬🇧 London Tech Week

London calling also in 2025! London is widely regarded as the hottest startup location in Europe, and in case they weren’t there already, London Tech Week will bring together motivational founders, top business executives, policymakers, investors, and up-and-coming stars.

Main events, side events, startups, scaleups, corporates, politicians, operators, founders – London Tech Week’s “thing” is that it brings them all together. Which is not an easy task.

Previous speakers included the very top of public bodies, corporates, and startups, with Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, Google, Klarna to give you an example of what to expect. In addition, there are dedicated stages for startups, scaleups, impact, and “NextTech” (metaverse, web3, quantum, and other frontier tech). Impactful innovation and visions of the newest technological frontiers continue to be at the forefront of London Tech Week, with UK enterprise solutions, inclusion, and entrepreneurship setting the pace.

London Tech Week has a ridiculously good website full of videos, resources and other content on its previous editions.

Where: 🇬🇧 London, UK
When: 8-12 June 2026
More info: https://londontechweek.com/ 

🇵🇱 Perspektywy Women in Tech

Let’s hear it for the ladies and the largest conference for women in technology! With an array of speakers, mentors, workshops, and much more, we can’t wait for the sixth international Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit. Two days of inspiration that, last time around, gathered more than 14,000 participants from 85+ different nations, 500 speakers, 32 side events and 300 mentoring sessions over 5 stages.

BONUS: It’s Poland’s first climate-positive event. With the negative news about declining investment in female founders, we hope they break all records this year and discuss ways to tackle inequality challenges in the startup world. We need more startup events like this. Let’s go in search for tech-life balance!

Where: 🇵🇱 Warsaw, Poland
When: 10-11 June 2026
More info: https://womenintechsummit.pl/

🇩🇪 Hinterland of Things 

Sometimes – you gotta swim upstream! Sometimes – you gotta take the path less travelled! Challenge the status quo by immersing yourself in an ecosystem of fascinating people and innovative ideas. Hinterland will be your go-to for B2B in 2025 thanks to its strong focus and carefully curated material, and outstanding speakers. Expect 300+ of Europe’s leading VCs with €30bn+ of managed assets, as well as more than 1,000 family business decision-makers (aka future clients). The most sought-after thought leaders gather at the heart of the German Mittelstand (and Technologiestand) in Bielefeld, at the Hinterland of Things Conference. Pre-register now on their site!

Where: 🇩🇪 Bielefeld, Germany
When: 18 June 2026
More info: https://hinterlandofthings.com/

🇫🇷 Viva Technology

Allow us to introduce you to one of Europe’s top startup events, VivaTech. It’s France’s number one international startup event, one that most international investors, journalists, and thought leaders tend to mark on their calendars. And with speakers such as Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Yann LeCun, Vitalik Buterin, Satya Nadella, Melanie Perkins, and Nik Storonsky, it’s easy to understand why. 

The conference and exhibition are devoted to startups and technology, showcasing new ideas and upcoming technologies. Over 91,000 people came to VivaTech in person in 2022 to learn about innovations and attend live presentations. The VivaTech Awards have been given out since 2019, and the chosen ones always have always done well. So hop on the Eurostar, fly to Charles De Gaulle or find another way to get to Paris; don’t let VivaTech 2023 slip by! Vive la république! Et vive la French Tech!

Where: 🇫🇷 Paris, France
When: 17-20 June 2026
More info: https://vivatechnology.com/ 

🇷🇴 Techsylvania

A whole decade old! We’re keeping our beady eyes on Techsylvania. People come to this conference for inspiration, to learn about the latest in technology, and pick up dos and don’ts from some of the brightest minds. Cluj-Napoca and Romania as a whole has been rising in tech ecosystems has been astronomical in the past few years, which is reflected in the number of awesome startup events held there. Techsylvania’s Conference scene is the heart of the community, hosting ground-breaking ideas and debating some of the most important issues that occur when business and technology collide.

Transylvania is often referred to by Romanians as the most beautiful region in their country. And no vampires are allowed in the conference, promise!

Where: 🇷🇴 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
When: 24-25 June 2026
More info: https://techsylvania.com/

🇩🇰 TechBBQ

Comfy? Cozy? Contentment? If those words appeal to you, then Tech BBQ is right up your alley! This annual conference in Scandinavia brings together tech and hygge, allowing attendees to discuss the newest trends, network in a comfortable setting, hear from inspirational speakers, all while chowing down on delish barbeque. Over time, TechBBQ emerged to, together with Slush, become one of Europe’s most important international startup events in the Nordics.

They are expanding and turning the heat up at Lokomotivvaerkstedet (which translates to The Train Workshop in English) It is a significant Copenhagen structure of both cultural and historical value. It was first used in 1907 to examine and maintain steam locomotives. Now, TechBBQ’s friendly environment makes it the ideal place to meet new people. TechBBQ employs tech to enhance the event experience.

Look forward to not just one but multiple startup pitch competitions: the North Star Pitch, where 10 Nordic and Baltic startups compete for the title and (usually) prize money, a life sciences contest and a hardware one. Being Danish and all, sustainability is extremely important at TechBBQ – the event is carbon-neutral. We do hope they are able to turn on the grill, though!

Where: 🇩🇰 Copenhagen, Denmark
When: 26-27 August 2026
More info: https://techbbq.dk/ 

🇭🇷 Infobip Shift

Not just another developer event, this one. The IT community from across the world will come together for this experience to learn, network, and make new memories over the course of two days in beautiful Croatia. Professionals, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, disruptors, and visionaries gather at Infobip Shift – with a  goal to change the world!

The 2025 edition promises to go “beyond the code” (escaping the Matrix?) promising more energy, more meaningful connections and more!

Where: 🇭🇷 Zadar, Croatia
When: 13-15 September 2026
More info: https://shift.infobip.com/

🇱🇹 Startup Fair

The biggest startup event in Lithuania, Startup Fair, tends to take place in September! Over the last two years, we’ve learned how crucial it is to connect, forge close bonds, and work as a team to accomplish big things. Always an opportunity to discover Lithuania, the home of Vinted and NordVPN, to connect with many incredible people, companies, investors, and other like-minded professionals! In the past, Vilnius’ Startup Fair has had the themes of “Recharge” and “Connect”. In 2024 it’s back with “Pulse” and will be help in the epic Paupio Turgus in Vilnius’ new neighbourhood of Paupys. Pending

Where: 🇱🇹 Vilnius, Lithuania
When: 17 September 2026
More info: https://www.startupfair.lt/ 

🇺🇦 IT Arena

IT Arena is Ukraine’s premier startup and tech event. Taking place in the city of Lviv, it consistently attracts over 5000 participants, serving as a vibrant hub for discussions, networking, and inspiration across three prolific days. In 2025, and with more than 10 editions under its belt, IT Arena is once again demonstrating its resilience after weathering the pandemic and still proudly demonstrating Ukrainian resilience in times of war.

In 2024, the event had a ridiculously awesome lineup of speakers, expanded global networking, and eclectic venues, ensuring an upgraded attendee experience in its enhanced format. Taking place within Lviv’s historical sites, IT Arena seeks to combine technological expertise with a unique atmospheric experience, offering attendees both meaningful insights and a captivating cultural backdrop. The conference prides itself on offering a unique and immersive experience, where the exploration of technological advancements dovetails with an appreciation for the rich historical context of Lviv, offering participants a multifaceted event experience.

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing war, IT Arena successfully hosted an event that united tech professionals, government figures, and various experts to fortify support for Ukraine during its trials and to strategically envision its future. The 2025 will feature a business, tech, product and startup tracks, no fillers. In 2024, the event welcomed more than 27,000 attendees, 1000 startups and 800 speakers, and garnered media coverage from notable global media outlets.

IT Arena wrote a great blog post summarising what happened in the 2024 edition – read it here! Pre-register and check out more info on their beautifully designed website and insightful blog.

Where: 🇺🇦 Lviv, Ukraine
When: 25-27 September 2026
More info: https://itarena.ua/ 

🇩🇪 Bits & Pretzels

Grüss Gott und Servus! 🥨 Bits & Pretzels is called ‘The Founders Festival’ for a reason: it began as a modest founders brunch (Bavarian breakfast, white sausage aplenty, we imagine) in 2014 with only 80 attendees. Today, hundreds of founders, the most successful businesses in the world, and the most motivational speakers participate in our annual festival, all of whom share the conviction that entrepreneurship can lead to positive change in Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world.

Bits & Pretzels has become the best known German startup event, and has even attracted some of the most influential figures in politics and startups from the other side of the pond, including Barack Obama and Reid Hoffman. Speakers from the 2024 edition included Klarna’s Sebastian Siemiatowski and Aleph Alpha’s Jonas Andrulis.

Also: did you know that on the third day they take 5,000 founders to the real Oktoberfest in Munich to network? Is there a better way to get to know your future investor / portcomp? Time to get your lederhosen on!

For more, check out their recap from 2023:

Where: 🇩🇪 Munich, Germany
When: 28-30 September 2026
More info: https://www.bitsandpretzels.com/

🇷🇴 How To Web

All roads lead to Rom…ania. After the success of UiPath all eyes are on the Southeastern European country and the next generation of startups. There is a lot brewing there, including another top event. Big wheels keep on turnin’, right? Right! That’s why this event is geared around moving things forward. How to Web has become a classic that attracts international stakeholders and journalists to discover the latest from Romania and the region. And, according to them, it’s the leading conference in Eastern Europe. 

Join entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders to learn how to navigate the future, and keep movin’ and groovin’. The How To Web conference is returning for another busy conference of learning about the most recent developments in the biz. They’re committed to bringing forward-thinking brains together with the opportunities of the future, as well as the most recent product insights, startup know-how, and brisk entrepreneurial energy under one roof.

As with other top European startup events, How to Web has a pitch competition called Startup Spotlight in which startups stand to win significant cheques, with €880k going to the winner in the 2023 edition (FYI, it was Collabwriting).

We were there in 2023 with JJ moderating one of the VC panel sessions. How to Web is one of our favourites. If you are into CEE startups, unmissable really! They say Romania is the next hot thing in the region… if you don’t believe us, ask them:

Where: 🇷🇴 Bucharest, Romania
When: 6-8 October 2026
More info:https://www.howtoweb.co/ 

🇮🇹 Italian Tech Week

The Italians ain’t kiddin’ around here! Italian Tech Week is an annual event that celebrates innovation and technology. And it gets exponentially better and better with each year, just like the Italian startup ecosystem itself.

Organized by the GEDI’s content hub Italian Tech (you should check out the startup outlet!), the event is set to take place at OGR Torino, a centre dedicated to contemporary culture, innovation, and business acceleration. With the patronage of the City of Turin, home of Italy’s automotive industry and football giants Juventus, the event has the brightest minds from the startup and VC community in Europe and beyond – you can definitely expect some global heavyweights! In 2024, Sam Altman was the big name, but the lineups were littered with big brands with reps from the biggest VC houses and iconic Italian brands like Ferrari. And they had the coolest rotating stage (we’ve not seen that one before).

The event features three areas for panels, presentations, debates, and workshops and event offers a series of Masterclasses, which are workshops with free access by reservation, where specialists will share their in-depth experience with attendees. There will be awards with a stellar panel of judges including Luca Ferrari from Bending Spoons. Unmissable!

Check out the 2024 aftermovie:

Where: 🇮🇹 Turin, Italy
When: Yet to be announced for 2026
More info: https://italiantechweek.com/en

🇬🇧 Sifted Summit

Sifted Summit was humming with panels, lectures, and interviews covering all facets of the tech and startup industry in 2022 and 2023, from establishing resilience in a downturn to addressing climate change and sustaining cohesion in hybrid workplaces. Over the past few years, the Sifted media brand has established a reputation for cutting through the noise with in-depth and critically-minded discussions of the startup world.  Likewise, its event aims to be innovative and challenge-focused, while providing close-knit networking, and a curated agenda you won’t find anywhere else.

In 2023, they provided us with material to learn and enjoy while bringing together 3,000 of the best startups in Europe for two unforgettable days in London. Over 1,700 investors, founders, and operators attended and we have higher expectations each year. In its third edition in 2024 edition, Sifted Summit is already one of the ‘unmissable’ startup events in Europe. Expect 3,000 attendees, 200+ speakers and more than 50 countries represented. There are already some stars confirmed in the lineup, including Anne Boden of Starling Bank. Even the London Eye is keeping an eye on this one! 

Where: 🇬🇧 London, UK
When: 7-8 October 2026
More info: https://www.summit.sifted.eu/ 

🇧🇬 Crossroads

Crossroads is bringing together more than 3,000 founders, investors, and business leaders from across the globe to Sofia, Bulgaria! The event is designed to accelerate entrepreneurship by connecting under-the-radar talent with capital, know-how, and global visibility.

Startups from South-Eastern Europe (SEE) – meaning Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Turkey- but also other countries will take part in a high-energy, content-rich program featuring 30+ interactive formats. From the Startup Expo, Hackathon, and Idea Lab, to the Founders’ Brunch, Co-founder Speed Dating, and practical workshops and sessions. Looks like there will be something for everyone.

A highlight of the conference is the pitching competition, where a winning team will be selected to attend the final of the Startup World Cup in San Francisco, with the chance to compete for $1M in investment. The competition also unlocks €2M+ in investments, term sheets, products, and services from their partners.

In case you were wondering about investors. Interest in the region continues to grow in 2025, with strong participation expected from investors coming from the US, Japan, the Middle East and Western Europe. Crossroads is positioning itself as a gateway to the SEE region’s most promising ventures, and given what they’re sharing about the event, it seems that’s exactly what we can expect in October.

Where: 🇧🇬 Sofia, Bulgaria
When: 29-30 October 2026
More info: https://www.startupcrossroads.com

🇳🇴 Oslo Innovation Week

A WHOLE WEEK to innovate? YES PLEASE. You’ll encounter passionate company founders, scaleup professionals, researchers, and investors all surrounded by Oslo’s expansive cityscape. Attend 60 events to expand your network and acquire insightful knowledge on issues including investing, luring top personnel, and international growth.

Recently, Norway has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons when it comes to startups. Let’s hope this changes!

Check out the event’s video teaser for the 2024 edition with a focus on pioneers (aka, startup folks):

Where: 🇳🇴 Oslo, Norway
When: 19-23 October 2026
More info: https://oiw.no/

🇪🇸 Valencia Digital Summit

Immerse yourself in the epicentre of innovation while enjoying Mediterranean weather all at once at the Valencia Digital Summit 2023! Hosted in the breathtaking City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, this tech and startup event stands as a beacon for thought-leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech-enthusiasts worldwide.

Now in its seventh edition, Valencia Digital Summit has grown exponentially, with more than 12,000 attendees in the previous year, and anticipation is higher than ever for the upcoming event. Over two days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore 140+ sessions, engage with 450+ distinguished speakers, network with representatives from 1500+ cutting-edge startups, and discover the latest breakthroughs from 200+ exhibitors.

Featuring a strong focus on technology, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, the summit will showcase the future trends that will shape our world. Dive deep into engaging discussions, learn from the brightest minds in the industry, and collaborate with key decision-makers and influencers. Previously, the event has attracted speakers from the biggest startups, scaleups and VCs in Spain and beyond, as well as big tech like Google and Microsoft, and journalists from the likes of TechCrunch and Tech.eu.

With support from 65+ prestigious sponsors, the Valencia Digital Summit offers an unmatched platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and inspiration. Don’t miss out on sun, paella and an opportunity to be part of the digital revolution.

Where: 🇪🇸 Valencia, Spain
When: 21-22 October 2026
More info: https://valenciadigitalsummit.com/

🇺🇸 TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch. It’s a biggie! If you don’t want to miss out on this absolute game-changer event, make sure you join the worldwide startup community that assembles annually to share knowledge, work together, and celebrate successes that have shaped founder’s paths so far and those that will be achieved in the future.

While we are not able to detect an upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt in Europe (held in Berlin until the pandemic), why not head to the birthplace of venture and the home of the world’s largest tech companies if you can? One of the OG startup events. You might run into the likes of Sam Altman, Reid Hoffman and Marc Andreessen (even if he’s a bit skeptical of media as of late).

Where:  🇺🇸 San Francisco, US
When: 13-15 October 2026
More info: https://techcrunch.com/events/

🇵🇹 Web Summit

Web Summit brings together decision-makers, chiefs of state, and the founders and CEOs of technology firms and rapidly expanding startups to address a straightforward question: Where to next? At a time when many industries, as well as the entire world, are facing significant uncertainty.

We were there in 2024 and 2025, and had a blast, with JJ MCing two stages, participating in startup pitch judging and the team leading a PR mentoring session. It was a true build-your-own-adventure event with side events aplenty, serendipitious meetings and an entire city that became a playground for startup lovers.

But don’t just take it from us! The Atlantic, whose CEO and legendary journalist Nicholas Thompson could be seen walking around in the last edition, called Web Summit “where the future goes to be born.” Politico called it “the world’s premier Internet conference,” and the New York Times called it “a big gathering of the tech industry’s high priests.” Whatever it is, it doesn’t harm that it takes place in still-sunny-in-November Lisbon. 

The company behind Web Summit also runs other huge startup events, such as Web Summit Rio in Brazil or Collision in Toronto, and has so much experience that it sells its software to big events such as CES and organisations like the UN. These guys know how to run large events.

Lisbon truly turns into a startup fiesta during the event days, which makes it ideal for informal networking, although for some in the latest edition it has resulted in some question marks, and whether such large events are for them. With more than 70,000 expected in Portugal’s capital, its size and gravitas are undeniable. And while most of Europe starts freezing, the still-warm Lisbon weather in November makes Web Summit hard to resist. In a way, its many startup events in one, in the frame of a bigger city-wide festival. And guess what? Yours truly was there in 2025, and likely also in 2026.

Highlights from 2024 for your pleasurable viewing:

Where: 🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal
When: 9-12 November 2026
More info: https://websummit.com/

🇫🇮 Slush

Slush marks the peak of the European startup events calendar, as well as the last major event in the calendar. If you head to Slush, you’ll find the largest collection of venture capital in the world and therefore great opportunities. But also the creme de la creme of startup founders, investors and other speakers, (with a slight home advantage for Finnish tech).

A bit smaller than its warmer and broader November counterpart Web Summit, many in the game consider Slush to be more focused and a more productive event. And therefore, the true king of startup events. Slush also runs an insights-packed content platform and newsletter, and the event is one of those key moments in the year when startuppers can get a feel for the pulse of the industry.

The opening speaker could be none other than Anton Osika of Lovable, who got to $200M ARR with record speed and is one of Europe’s biggest AI promises. And let’s not forget, it’s a Nordic poster child. Of course AI was one of the main topics in 2025 in general, with reps from OpenAI closing the main stage. The other main topic? Defence. While the vertical saw investments surge since 2022, it was at this edition that defence finally became a central topic. For many more years to come?

In 2025, Slush expected 5,500 startup founders and operators as well as 3,300 investors from pre-seed to growth to join. Slush is also a priority for media, with more than 250 media reps including many top tier publications. Of course all your known tech and startup media peeps were there. But also the new media folks from etn and Scaling Europe, who held true interview marathons (check out their stuff!). There are lots of stages and tracks, side events (more than 300!) and workshops.

If you were active on LinkedIn during those days, you will have seen that people also raved about the design, lights and animation, but also the overall organisation and dedication of their team.

Slush also runs what is probably the biggest startup pitch contest with the biggest award money of an incredible €1 million from top European investors (startups from Europe and North America that were founded in 2022 or later and have raised less than €2 million in funding are eligible to apply).

The best part? You’re automatically a badass for coming to Helsinki in November!

Where: 🇫🇮 Helsinki, Finland
When: November 2026, exact date TBC
More info: https://www.slush.org/events/helsinki/ 

🇬🇧 Women of Silicon Roundabout

Women of Silicon Roundabout, which was established in London in 2015, is the signature event of the Women in Technology World Series and the original focal point of the global gender diversity in IT movement.

The event brings together all women in technology to advance their careers and, in doing so, redefine the IT sector. Their theme for 2024 is “Digital X Human”, which will dig into the fusion of technology and people potential, in order to help build a more sustainable and inclusive path forward. Girls really do run the world, in our opinion.

Where: 🇬🇧 London, UK
When: November 26-27 2025
More info: https://www.women-in-technology.com/