In our annual Global Startup Ecosystem Index, which ranks more than 1,400 cities and 110 countries, we consider the presence of internationally recognized startup events in a location as one of the factors used to measure the quality of startup ecosystem activity. We view these events as important tools for helping local ecosystems connect with the global community and strengthen their reputation.
Below is a list of conferences we classify as some of the top startup events in the world. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem professionals to connect, learn from one another, and stay updated on new developments. They also offer practical ways to explore cross-border partnerships and investments.
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75+ Startup Events Around the World for Founders and Entrepreneurs in 2025
Slush
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Date: November 19–20, 2025
Slush combines Nordic efficiency with global ambition. Aimed at founders and investors, the event is known for its ultra-curated networking and intimate atmosphere despite its 12,000+ participants. With startup-investor matchmaking and deep-dive sessions, Slush is a premier destination in Europe.
Viva Technology
Location: Paris, France
Date: June 11-14, 2025
VivaTech brings together startups, corporates, and investors in one of the largest innovation summits in Europe. The event features dedicated startup zones, large-scale corporate pavilions, and partnerships with global brands like LVMH and Orange.
MWC Barcelona (Mobile World Congress)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: March 3–6, 2025
MWC Barcelona is the world’s largest mobile industry exhibition, attracting telecom giants, tech startups, and enterprise innovators. The event focuses on 5G, IoT, AI, and digital infrastructure, with startup exposure happening primarily through the 4YFN platform. It’s a key event for founders operating at the intersection of mobile and emerging tech.
4YFN – Part of Mobile World Congress
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: March 2-5, 2026
4YFN is the startup event of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), focusing on innovation in the mobile industry. The 2025 edition will feature over 1,000 startups and exhibitors, 375+ speakers, and 350+ startup pitches. The event covers various programs, including Digital Health, Green Tech, Fintech, and more, offering networking opportunities and exposure to investors.
Gitex Global
Location: Dubai, UAE
Date: October 6–10, 2025
As the largest technology show in the Middle East, Gitex brings together startups, corporates, governments, and VCs from 170+ countries. The event features a massive exhibition space and tracks on AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and more—making it a launchpad for global growth.
TechBBQ
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Date: August 27–28, 2025
TechBBQ is a prominent technology and startup summit in Scandinavia, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The event brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, share knowledge, and explore collaboration opportunities. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Nordic region.
TNW Conference (The Next Web)
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: June 19–20, 2025
TNW Conference is where innovation meets creativity. Known for its high production quality and fresh themes, it draws 10,000+ attendees to explore the future of tech, growth hacking, and scaleup culture. It’s especially strong in digital media and B2B SaaS.
GITEX Europe
Location: Berlin, Germany
Date: May 21–23, 2025
GITEX Europe is the European edition of one of the world’s largest tech and innovation exhibitions, debuting in Berlin as a platform for startups, investors, enterprises, and policymakers. The event covers frontier technologies including AI, cybersecurity, climate tech, and digital infrastructure. With a strong focus on cross-border collaboration and market access, GITEX Europe offers startups exposure to global buyers, corporate partners, and venture capital in the heart of the EU’s innovation landscape.
Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH)
Location: Singapore
Date: October 28 – November 1, 2025
SWITCH is Southeast Asia’s flagship innovation and deep tech festival, bringing together startups, corporates, investors, and policymakers from around the world. The event features a dynamic mix of exhibitions, pitch stages, global market access programs, and deep tech showcases in fields like health, sustainability, and AI. With strong government backing and ties to Singapore’s startup ecosystem, SWITCH is a key gateway into the Asia-Pacific innovation landscape.
London Tech Week
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: June 9–13, 2025
London Tech Week is a city-wide celebration of innovation, bringing together tech founders, corporates, governments, and investors. With flagship summits on AI, climate tech, and enterprise transformation, the event showcases the UK’s digital leadership and provides valuable networking across all verticals of the tech ecosystem.
sTARTUp Day
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Date: January 28-30, 2026
sTARTUp Day is a business festival that brings together startups, investors, corporates, and students in Tartu, Estonia. The event features a stage program, matchmaking sessions, seminars, a demo area, and side events. The 2025 edition included over 30 side events on January 29, followed by two main festival days on January 30–31, focusing on early-stage startups and DeepTech. Topics covered included fundraising, pitching, sales, mental health, defense, and more. The event attracted over 3,000 participants from more than 50 countries, including 150 speakers, 200 investors, 300 executives, and 350 startups
TechChill
Location: Riga, Latvia
Date: March 11-13, 2026
TechChill is a startup and tech event held in Riga, Latvia, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem players. The event features side events, stage programs, and networking opportunities. In 2025, TechChill will host over 300 startups, 250 investors, and 20+ side events, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Web Summit
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Date: November 11–14, 2025
Web Summit is one of the largest and most influential tech events globally, attracting over 70,000 attendees from startups, investors, media, and global tech giants. With hundreds of speakers, an expansive startup exhibition, and tracks on everything from AI to sustainability, Web Summit is a key destination for anyone in the innovation economy.
LEAP
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date: October 2025 (exact dates TBD)
LEAP is a multi-sector tech conference with tracks spanning AI, sustainability, biotech, fintech, and public sector innovation. It combines a large exhibition area with startup competitions, investor forums, and panels featuring local and international speakers. The event also hosts government-led digital transformation initiatives and attracts participants from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
TechCrunch Disrupt
Location: San Francisco, United States
Date: October 28–30, 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt remains one of the most respected startup events for early-stage founders. With a sharp focus on innovation, this event features high-profile investors, pitch competitions, and startup battles that have launched global unicorns.
IAA Mobility
Location: Munich, Germany
Date: September 9–14, 2025
IAA Mobility covers the intersection of automotive technology, mobility solutions, and urban innovation. The event features keynotes, panel discussions, and product demonstrations related to electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and transportation infrastructure. It includes exhibitions from startups, large OEMs, and suppliers, offering networking opportunities across mobility and clean tech industries.
SaaStr Annual
Location: San Mateo, United States
Date: September 9–11, 2025
SaaStr Annual is the world’s largest community event for SaaS founders, executives, and VCs. With over 10,000 participants and 100+ tactical sessions, it provides early- and growth-stage startups with deep industry learning and unmatched investor access.
PODIM
Location: Maribor, Slovenia
Date: May, 2026
PODIM is a leading startup and tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, bridging founders with international investors and corporate partners. The event features curated 1:1 meetings, a pitch competition, and deep dives into innovation trends. It is especially strong in spotlighting early-stage startups from the Balkans and DACH region
Computex
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Date: June 3–6, 2025
Computex is one of Asia’s largest technology trade shows, focusing on computing infrastructure, AI, and semiconductors. The event connects hardware manufacturers, software developers, and global startups through its startup zone and business matchmaking activities. Areas of focus include AIoT, HPC, immersive tech, and component innovation.
SXSW (South by Southwest)
Location: Austin, United States
Date: March 12-18, 2026
SXSW is a multi-sector conference that blends technology, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and design. Its startup track features exhibitions, investor lounges, and pitch competitions that draw attention from global VCs and media. While broader than a typical tech event, SXSW provides networking and learning opportunities across creative and tech industries.
Latitude59
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Date: May 21–22, 2026
Latitude59 serves as Estonia’s flagship startup and tech conference, focusing on the intersection of business and technology. The event attracts a diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. It offers a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, engage in pitch competitions, and connect with potential partners. The conference emphasizes topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and the future of work.
Bits & Pretzels
Location: Munich, Germany
Date: September 29–October 1, 2025
Bits & Pretzels is a three-day festival that brings together founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts. The event features keynote speeches from industry leaders, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. It aims to foster a sense of community among entrepreneurs and provide insights into building successful startups. The festival’s unique blend of business and Bavarian culture offers a distinctive experience for attendees.
Techsauce Global Summit
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Date: August 4–6, 2025
Techsauce Global Summit is a leading technology conference in Southeast Asia, focusing on innovation and digital transformation. The event gathers startups, investors, corporates, and thought leaders to discuss emerging technologies and business strategies. Attendees can participate in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within the regional tech ecosystem.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Location: Las Vegas, United States
Date: January 6-9, 2026.
CES showcases innovations in consumer electronics, smart devices, and digital services. The event includes large-scale product launches, startup exhibitions through Eureka Park, and curated B2B matchmaking. It draws global tech companies, hardware manufacturers, and investors, offering visibility and connections for startups working on hardware and emerging technologies.
Infoshare
Location: Gdańsk, Poland
Date: May, 2026
Infoshare is the largest tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, dedicated to sharing knowledge and fostering innovation. The event covers a wide range of topics, including software development, digital marketing, and startup growth. It offers startups an opportunity to present their ideas to investors, participate in pitch contests, and engage with a community of tech professionals.
StartupFest
Location: Montreal, Canada
Date: July 9–11, 2025
StartupFest is a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, focusing on startup growth and investment opportunities. The event features keynote speeches, pitch competitions, and mentorship sessions. It provides a platform for startups to connect with potential investors and partners, gain insights from industry experts, and explore new markets.
Dublin Tech Summit
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Date: June 12–13, 2025
Dublin Tech Summit is a two-day conference that brings together global leaders in technology, innovation, and business. The event covers various sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest technological advancements shaping the future.
Reflect Festival
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Date: October 16–17, 2025
Reflect Festival is a future-focused event that explores the intersection of technology, business, and society. The festival brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss emerging trends and challenges. It offers a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections within the Mediterranean tech ecosystem.
Startup Grind Global Conference
Location: Redwood City, United States
Date: April 27–29, 2026
Startup Grind Global Conference is a gathering of startups, investors, and innovators from around the world. The event features keynote speeches, fireside chats, and networking sessions aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. It provides startups with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, gain exposure, and connect with potential partners and investors.
Tech.eu Summit
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: April 21-22, 2026
Tech.eu Summit brings together key players in the European tech ecosystem, including startups, investors, and policymakers. The event focuses on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tech industry. Attendees can participate in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and drive innovation across Europe.
Big Data LDN
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: September 24–25, 2025
Big Data LDN is one of Europe’s leading data and analytics conferences, focusing on real-world solutions for data-driven enterprises. The event features over 150 expert speakers, multiple content tracks, and a major exhibition showcasing the latest in big data, AI, and cloud technologies. It’s a top destination for data professionals seeking practical strategies and vendor connections.
Infosecurity Europe
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: June 3–5, 2025
Infosecurity Europe is a premier cybersecurity conference that gathers infosec professionals, tech providers, and business leaders. The event offers insight into evolving threats, regulatory challenges, and emerging solutions, with a comprehensive expo and keynotes from global security experts. It’s a vital event for startups operating in the security and compliance space.
IoT Tech Expo Global
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: February 4–5, 2026
IoT Tech Expo Global covers the latest advancements in Internet of Things, AI, 5G, and smart infrastructure. It brings together startups, developers, and enterprises to explore industry applications, investment trends, and new product innovations. The event features 150+ speakers and a comprehensive expo hall.
Blockchain Life
Location: Dubai, UAE
Date: October 28–29, 2025
Blockchain Life is one of the largest global forums on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and Web3. Attracting thousands of participants from more than 100 countries, it features discussions on DeFi, mining, regulation, and crypto startups. It’s a key gathering for innovators and investors driving the next wave of decentralized tech.
FinovateFall
Location: New York, United States
Date: September 8–10, 2025
FinovateFall is a leading fintech innovation showcase, offering rapid-fire product demos and insights from top financial institutions and fintech startups. The event is known for curating groundbreaking technologies in banking, payments, and lending. It attracts founders, investors, and C-level executives looking to stay ahead of fintech trends.
Technology & Services World (TSW)
Location: Las Vegas, United States
Date: October 20–22, 2025
TSW is a flagship conference for technology service providers and B2B software companies. Organized by TSIA, the event covers growth strategies, customer success, and product innovation. It’s particularly relevant for SaaS and enterprise startups aiming to scale their service delivery and customer operations.
Think by IBM
Location: Boston, United States
Date: May, 2026
Think is IBM’s annual flagship conference, spotlighting enterprise innovation across AI, hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. With immersive experiences, tech deep dives, and visionary keynotes, the event offers valuable insights for enterprise-focused startups and corporate innovators shaping the future of digital transformation.
Empire Fintech Conference
Location: New York, United States
Date: April 21-25, 2025
Empire Fintech Conference is a high-energy event that gathers over 600 fintech innovators, investors, and financial institutions in New York City. With a fast-paced agenda of panels, fireside chats, and startup demos, the event provides valuable insights into the future of finance, covering topics such as embedded finance, crypto, lending, and banking disruption.
South Summit
Location: Madrid, Spain
Date: June 4–6, 2025
South Summit is one of Southern Europe’s most prominent startup and innovation events, connecting entrepreneurs with global investors and corporations. The event features hundreds of speakers, a large-scale startup competition, and sector-specific tracks in health, climate tech, education, and fintech. It’s a key gateway into the Iberian and Latin American startup markets.
Elevate
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: October 7-9, 2025
Elevate is a Canadian innovation festival that unites technology and social impact. The event combines a tech conference with cultural programming, offering keynotes, pitch competitions, and networking lounges. With a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and future tech, Elevate draws a broad audience from startups, corporates, and creative industries.
Bett
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date: January 21–23, 2026
Bett is a leading global event in education technology, attracting educators, edtech startups, and policy leaders. The event explores the intersection of learning and technology through interactive showcases, professional development tracks, and startup competitions. It’s a key destination for edtech founders and investors looking to shape the future of education.
Autonomy Mobility World Expo
Location: Paris, France
Date: July 10, 2025
Autonomy Paris is Europe’s flagship event for sustainable urban mobility and smart transportation. The expo connects startups with policymakers, corporates, and city leaders to explore solutions in micromobility, EVs, shared transit, and mobility-as-a-service. It features a dynamic expo floor, policy forums, and investor matchmaking for mobility innovators.
ChangeNOW Summit
Location: Paris, France
Date: April 24-26, 2025
ChangeNOW is a global summit focused on climate and social impact innovation. With thousands of attendees and hundreds of impact-driven startups, the event offers a platform for founders solving the planet’s biggest challenges—from circular economy solutions to clean energy and sustainable cities. It’s a must-attend for mission-driven entrepreneurs and investors.
Paris Space Week
Location: Paris, France
Date: February, 2026
Paris Space Week is a B2B space tech event that connects startups, space agencies, and aerospace corporates. The program includes innovation challenges, pitch sessions, and one-on-one business meetings focused on satellite tech, exploration, data services, and commercial space applications. It’s a strategic event for space startups aiming to scale.
SIAL Paris
Location: Paris, France
Date: October 17–21, 2026
SIAL Paris is one of the world’s largest food innovation exhibitions, bringing together thousands of startups, corporates, and buyers from the agri-food industry. The event focuses on food tech, sustainability, and global supply chain solutions, offering pitch stages, networking forums, and trend showcases. It’s a key entry point for food startups aiming to scale internationally.
IFA Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
Date: September 5–9, 2025
IFA Berlin is a global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, spotlighting cutting-edge innovations from startups to global brands. The event includes product showcases, keynote sessions, and startup zones focused on smart home, wearable tech, and entertainment devices. It attracts media, retailers, and investors from around the world.
Adobe Summit
Location: Las Vegas, United States
Date: April 19–22, 2026
Adobe Summit is a premier digital experience conference, focusing on marketing innovation, personalization, and data-driven engagement. The event features hands-on labs, expert sessions, and showcases of Adobe’s latest tech, offering valuable insights for startups in martech, design, and customer experience.
Black Hat USA
Location: Las Vegas, United States
Date: August 2–7, 2025
Black Hat USA is a leading global conference for cybersecurity professionals. Known for its deep technical sessions and cutting-edge research presentations, the event also features a business hall where startups showcase innovations in threat detection, data protection, and enterprise security.
AWE (Augmented World Expo)
Location: Long Beach, United States
Date: June 10–12, 2025
AWE is the world’s largest conference dedicated to augmented, virtual, and extended reality. It brings together XR startups, hardware manufacturers, and enterprise users to explore use cases in gaming, health, retail, and manufacturing. The event includes startup demos, keynotes, and investor meetups.
Arctic15
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Date: June 4–5, 2025
Arctic15 is a boutique startup event focused on quality deal-making between founders, investors, and corporates. Known for its efficient 1:1 matchmaking system, the event also features stage talks on fundraising, growth, and innovation. Arctic15 emphasizes intimate networking and actionable outcomes in the Nordic startup landscape.
EU-Startups Summit
Location: Valletta, Malta
Date: May 6–7, 2026
EU-Startups Summit brings together Europe’s most promising early-stage startups with investors and ecosystem leaders. The event includes a prominent pitch competition, panel discussions, and insights on scaling within the EU market. It’s a strong platform for founders seeking visibility and funding in the European ecosystem.
Africa Tech Summit
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Date: February 12–13, 2025
Africa Tech Summit connects African startups with investors, governments, and corporates. With tracks on fintech, agritech, climate tech, and Web3, the event showcases the continent’s growing innovation economy. It features pitch sessions, ecosystem spotlights, and regional IT
Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG)
Location: Singapore City, Singapore
Date: May 20–22, 2026
Asia Tech x Singapore is a flagship tech event that brings together industry, startups, and government to explore innovations across 5G, cloud, AI, and digital economies. Organized with Infocomm Media Development Authority, ATxSG includes conferences like ATxEnterprise and ATxAI, offering strategic insights and deal-making opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Microsoft Data & AI Conference
Location: Las Vegas, United States
Date: Spring, 2026
Hosted by Microsoft, this conference explores innovations in Azure, data platforms, and AI applications. The event offers workshops, certifications, and deep dives into Microsoft’s data ecosystem. It’s especially relevant for B2B and enterprise-focused startups building on or integrating with Microsoft technologies.
CLOUDFEST
Location: Rust, Germany
Date: March 23–26, 2026
CLOUDFEST is a global cloud computing conference focused on infrastructure, hosting, cybersecurity, and digital services. The event is held in a unique setting at Europa-Park and features a mix of technical sessions and relaxed networking. It’s a strong fit for infrastructure startups and SaaS providers.
Hello Tomorrow Global Summit
Location: Paris, France
Date: June 11–12, 2026
Hello Tomorrow is a leading deep tech conference connecting science-driven startups with investors and industry leaders. The summit features pitch sessions, technology showcases, and keynotes from pioneers in health, energy, robotics, and climate tech. It’s a critical event for startups looking to commercialize breakthrough research.
RSA Conference USA
Location: San Francisco, United States
Date: April – May, 2026
RSA Conference is one of the most influential events in cybersecurity, drawing security professionals, policymakers, and startups from around the world. The agenda includes threat intelligence, compliance, AI security, and startup innovation zones. It’s a crucial event for founders in enterprise security and cyber defense.
Paris Blockchain Week
Location: Paris, France
Date: April 8–10, 2025
Paris Blockchain Week is a leading global summit for Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain infrastructure. The event draws thousands of participants, including developers, founders, regulators, and VCs. With side events, pitch stages, and in-depth discussions, it’s a key platform for blockchain startups looking to raise capital and gain exposure.
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