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47 European Startup Events That Will Make or Break Your 2025-2026 Success (Most Founders Are Missing Out)
Check out Startup Events in 140+ countries:
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Here's the brutal truth about startup success that nobody wants to admit: 95% of founders are networking at the wrong events while the real deals happen at gatherings they've never even heard of.
While most entrepreneurs waste time at generic business meetups, savvy founders are closing million-dollar deals at exclusive European startup events that operate more like secret societies than conferences. The difference? Access to the right rooms with the right people at the right time.
I've personally witnessed bootstrapped startups secure €2M Series A rounds during coffee breaks at these events, while "successful" companies with perfect pitch decks get ignored at mainstream conferences. The networking game has fundamentally changed, and if you're not playing by the new rules, you're already losing.
This comprehensive guide reveals 47 game-changing startup events across Europe where real business happens, complete with insider access strategies, networking secrets, and the exact tactics that separate winners from wannabes.
Quick Reference: Europe's Must-Attend Startup Events 2025
The Nordic Powerhouse Circuit
Slush Helsinki
November 19-20, 2025 | Helsinki, Finland
Slush isn't just an event, it's the European startup mafia's annual gathering where €4 trillion in assets under management meets 13,000 carefully curated attendees. What makes Slush different? They maintain a strict founder-to-investor ratio that actually works: one VC for every two founders.
Insider Secret: The real action happens at the 600+ side events during "Slush Week." Skip the main stages and focus on the private investor dinners and sauna sessions where deals are actually made. Pro tip: Book your meetings through their proprietary tool 30 days in advance as late applications get buried.
Access Strategy: Apply as early as possible with your startup application. They personally review every company, so mediocre applications get rejected. Expect to pay €750+ for founder tickets, but the ROI is unmatched if you play it right.
TechBBQ Copenhagen
August 27-28, 2025 | Copenhagen, Denmark
TechBBQ combines "tech and hygge" in a way that only the Danes can pull off. What started as a barbecue for 50 entrepreneurs in 2013 now attracts thousands of attendees from the Nordic and Baltic ecosystems. The event runs multiple specialized tracks including UrbanTech, featuring 25 handpicked startups.
Why It Matters: Nordic investors have deep pockets and longer investment horizons. Danish pension funds are actively seeking startup investments, making this the perfect hunting ground for Series A and beyond.
The TechBBQ Strategy: Attend the "Investor Day" on August 26th at 1 Hotels Copenhagen. This exclusive pre-event is where the serious money congregates before the main crowds arrive.
TechChill Riga
February 5-7, 2025 | Riga, Latvia
Don't let the name fool you: TechChill is the hottest event in the Baltics, attracting 2,300+ attendees including 250+ investors and 300+ startups. The "Fifty Founders Battle" competition offers up to €300K investment prizes, making it one of Europe's highest-stakes pitch competitions.
Insider Intelligence: The Baltic region is experiencing unprecedented growth, with multiple unicorns emerging from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Investors are hungry for the next big Baltic success story.
Access Hack: Use discount code "StartupLithuaniaxTechChill20" for 20% off tickets. Arrive early for the free side events on February 5th (this is where you'll build relationships before the formal programming begins).
The Central European Innovation Hub
ViennaUP
May 8-16, 2025 | Vienna, Austria
ViennaUP transforms Vienna into a nine-day startup festival with over 65 events across the city. Unlike traditional conferences, this decentralized format lets you experience Vienna's entire ecosystem while building genuine relationships in intimate settings.
The Vienna Advantage: Austria offers one of Europe's most founder-friendly environments with generous tax incentives and easy access to Central and Eastern European markets. Over 20 international delegations are expected to attend.
Secret Weapon: The "Coffee House Sessions" are pure genius: get insights directly from investors in Vienna's legendary coffehouses, the world's original coworking spaces. Book these early as they sell out fast.
Connect Day Strategy: May 13th is the festival's crown jewel with 1,000+ carefully selected startups, corporates, and investors gathering for B2B matchmaking. This single day generates more quality connections than most multi-day conferences.
The Mediterranean Circuit
EU-Startups Summit Malta
May 7-8, 2026 | Valletta, Malta
EU-Startups Summit is where Europe's hottest startups meet 2,500 founders and investors in one of the world's most beautiful settings. The pitch competition attracts 1,500+ applications for just 15 spots, with the winner receiving a prize package worth €755K.
Malta's Secret: The island nation offers aggressive tax incentives for startups and has become a crypto-friendly jurisdiction. Many attendees combine business with Malta's 300 sunny days per year.
VIP Strategy: Early bird tickets start at €299, but the networking parties on the rooftop terrace of the Mediterranean Conference Centre are where real connections happen. The sunset views aren't bad either.
Discover More Startup events in Malta
Discover More Startup events in Malta
South Summit Madrid
June 4-6, 2025 | Madrid, Spain
South Summit connects startups with investors and corporates across Spain and Latin America. With early bird tickets starting at €200, it's one of Europe's most accessible premium events.
Latin American Gateway: Spain's connections to Latin America make this event crucial for startups looking to expand internationally. Mexican and Argentinian VCs are regular attendees.
The Western European Powerhouses
Web Summit Lisbon
November 11-14, 2025 | Lisbon, Portugal
Web Summit brings together 71,000+ people for what The Financial Times calls "the world's largest tech conference." While massive, the event's scale creates unique opportunities if you know how to navigate it effectively.
Scale Strategy: With 20 content tracks and thousands of exhibitors, the key is specialization. Focus on 2-3 specific areas and use their networking app religiously. The real networking happens at off-site events around Lisbon during the week.
ALPHA Program: Early-stage startups should apply for the ALPHA program, which provides free exhibition booths and access to investor networking events.
Viva Technology Paris
June 11-14, 2025 | Paris, France
Viva Technology showcases 91,000+ attendees and speakers like Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Satya Nadella. It's France's flagship international startup event with serious backing from major corporations.
Corporate Connection Strategy: Major French and European corporations use Viva Tech for innovation scouting. If you're in B2B, this is your ticket to enterprise deals.
The Next Web Conference Amsterdam
June 19-20, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
TNW focuses on AI, DeepTech, and Sustainable Societies with 10,000+ attendees. Amsterdam's central location and progressive business environment make this essential for European expansion strategies.
London Tech Week
June 9-13, 2025 | London, United Kingdom
Despite Brexit, London remains Europe's fintech capital. The event features AI-driven matchmaking and covers everything from DeepTech to Green Innovation.
The Eastern European Opportunity Zone
Wolves Summit
Multiple Locations: Bucharest, Vienna, Tallinn, Berlin
Wolves Summit is Central Eastern Europe's largest tech conference series. Their "Great Pitch Contest" selects 100+ startups to present to international investors.
Multi-City Strategy: Attending multiple Wolves events creates compound networking effects. Start in one city, build relationships, then leverage them at subsequent events.
The Specialized Circuits
Bits & Pretzels Munich
September 29 - October 1, 2025 | Munich, Germany
This unique event combines serious startup business with Oktoberfest. The "Golden Pretzel Pitch Award" winner gets approached by 30+ VCs and massive media coverage.
The German Advantage: Germany's startup ecosystem is undervalued compared to London or Paris, creating opportunities for savvy investors and partners.
PODIM Conference Slovenia
May 12-14, 2025 | Maribor, Slovenia
PODIM focuses on Southeastern Europe's growing startup ecosystem. Slovenia's strategic location provides access to Italian, Austrian, and Croatian markets.
Gitex Europe Berlin
May 21-23, 2025 | Berlin, Germany
Berlin's tech scene combines German engineering with international talent. Early bird tickets start at €199, making it incredibly accessible for early-stage founders.
Impact Festival Frankfurt
October 30-31, 2025 | Frankfurt, Germany
Europe's largest B2B event for sustainable innovation. If you're building green tech or sustainable solutions, this is non-negotiable.
Arctic15 Helsinki
June 4-5, 2025 | Helsinki, Finland
Arctic15 focuses on early-stage Nordic startups with serious VC backing. Smaller than Slush but potentially more valuable for pre-Series A companies.
Latitude59 Tallinn
May 21-23, 2025 | Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia's flagship tech event showcases the country that gave the world Skype, Wise, and Bolt. The Baltic's reputation for producing unicorns makes this essential.
Dublin Tech Summit
May 28-29, 2025 | Dublin, Ireland
Ireland's corporate tax advantages and English-speaking environment make Dublin attractive for international expansion.
SaaStock Dublin
October 14-16, 2025 | Dublin, Ireland
The European SaaS community's premier gathering. If you're building software, this is where your customers and competitors meet.
How to Web Conference Bucharest
October 2-3, 2025 | Bucharest, Romania
Romania's growing tech scene offers Eastern European talent at competitive rates. The country is becoming a major outsourcing hub.
Startup Ole Salamanca
October 8-10, 2025 | Salamanca, Spain
This 10th-anniversary edition combines investors, CEOs, and tech startups in historic Spanish setting.
Start Global St. Gallen
March 21-22, 2025 | St. Gallen, Switzerland
Europe's leading student-run conference attracts 6,000+ participants. Swiss investors bring serious capital and long-term thinking.
Startup Grind Europe London
March 21-22, 2025 | London, United Kingdom
Global startup community education and engagement platform with strong mentor network.
Hello Tomorrow Paris
March 13-14, 2025 | Paris, France
Deep tech and science-based startups showcase breakthrough innovations to corporate and VC investors.
Entrepreneurship Avenue Vienna
March 14-15, 2025 | Vienna, Austria
Austrian entrepreneurship ecosystem's flagship event focusing on Central European opportunities.
Infoshare Conference Gdansk
May 27-28, 2025 | Gdansk, Poland
One of Europe's largest technology events, bringing together Polish and international innovation ecosystems.
Iceland Innovation Week
May 12-16, 2025 | Reykjavik, Iceland
Nordic innovation in a unique setting with focus on sustainable technologies and geothermal innovation.
We Make Future Bologna
June 5-7, 2025 | Bologna, Italy
Italian innovation ecosystem event focusing on emerging technologies and digital transformation.
Women in Tech Summit Warsaw
June 11-12, 2025 | Warsaw, Poland
Europe's biggest tech conference for women featuring quantum computing, AI/ML, and DeepTech.
Skinnovation Austrian Alps
March 26-28, 2025 | Innsbruck, Austria
Europe's first startup festival on skis. Network while skiing between Alpine venues in a truly unique format.
Tech.eu Summit London
March 25-26, 2025 | London, United Kingdom
Tech industry discussions focusing on future trends and networking among entrepreneurs and investors.
Reboot Conference Berlin
October 10-12, 2025 | Berlin, Germany
Digital transformation and startup success strategies in collaborative atmosphere.
InnoTech Expo Brussels
April 15-16, 2025 | Brussels, Belgium
Innovative technologies impacting global markets, networking for startups and tech leaders.
Fintech Europe Frankfurt
October 5-6, 2025 | Frankfurt, Germany
Latest fintech trends and innovations connecting industry experts with prominent startups.
Hinterland of Things Bielefeld
June 5, 2025 | Bielefeld, Germany
B2B focused event with 300+ European VCs managing €30bn+ and 1,000+ family business decision-makers.
SEE ITS Summit Sofia
November 7-8, 2025 | Sofia, Bulgaria
Startups, corporations, and government representatives fostering collaboration in Southeast Europe.
Startup Fair Pulse Vilnius
October 3, 2025 | Vilnius, Lithuania
Baltic startup ecosystem showcase with 60+ speakers and thrilling pitch battles.
TechCrunch Early Stage
April 25, 2025 | Location TBA
Early-stage startup focus with hands-on advice from successful founders and investors.
European Supply Chain Startup Contest Amsterdam
May 22, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Supply chain innovation competition during cutting-edge inNOWvate event.
Future of Climate Tech Competition
Quarterly | Online
Global climate tech competition with Silicon Valley acceleration opportunities.
Innovation Week Prague
Celebrating 10th Anniversary in 2025 | Prague, Czech Republic
Central Europe's premier innovation and entrepreneurship celebration.
SET Tech Festival Berlin
March 18, 2025 | Berlin, Germany
Global event for innovators, investors, and corporate leaders shaping technology future.
Hellobrain Startup Festival Lisbon
May 17-18, 2025 | Lisbon, Portugal
AI, data science, and emerging technologies collaboration between innovators and experts.
Insider Strategies for Maximum ROI
The 90-Day Pre-Event Strategy
Day -90: Research and Applications
- Apply for pitch competitions immediately
- Research attending investors using Crunchbase and LinkedIn
- Book accommodations in the same hotels as target investors
Day -60: Content Strategy
- Create event-specific content showing your expertise
- Reach out to potential connections with valuable insights
- Schedule podcast appearances related to event themes
Day -30: Meeting Preparation
- Confirm all scheduled meetings
- Prepare customized pitch materials for different audiences
- Research local startup ecosystem and potential partnerships
The Art of Conference Networking
The 3-Touch Rule: Every meaningful connection requires three touches:
- Pre-event outreach with valuable content
- In-person meeting with clear follow-up commitment
- Post-event value delivery within 48 hours
The Investor Meeting Framework:
- 2-minute company overview
- Specific ask with clear timeline
- 3 validation questions about their portfolio strategy
- Always end with "What would you need to see to consider investing?"
Post-Event Execution Secrets
The 48-Hour Rule: Send personalized follow-ups within 48 hours while conversations are fresh. Include:
- Specific reference to your conversation
- The promised resource or introduction
- Clear next step with proposed timeline
The Content Multiplication Strategy: Turn every meaningful conversation into content:
- LinkedIn posts about insights learned
- Blog articles featuring other attendees
- Podcast episodes with new connections
Avoiding the 7 Deadly Conference Sins
Sin #1: The Spray and Pray Approach
Problem: Attending every session and trying to meet everyone
Solution: Focus on 5-7 high-value targets and build genuine relationships
Solution: Focus on 5-7 high-value targets and build genuine relationships
Sin #2: The Pitch Slap
Problem: Leading with your pitch instead of building rapport
Solution: Ask questions, show genuine interest, and offer value first
Solution: Ask questions, show genuine interest, and offer value first
Sin #3: The Badge Collector
Problem: Focusing on quantity over quality of connections
Solution: Aim for 3-5 meaningful conversations per day
Solution: Aim for 3-5 meaningful conversations per day
Sin #4: The Ghost Protocol
Problem: Disappearing after the event without follow-up
Solution: Implement the 48-hour follow-up rule religiously
Solution: Implement the 48-hour follow-up rule religiously
Sin #5: The One-Hit Wonder
Problem: Attending one event and expecting magic
Solution: Develop a consistent presence across multiple relevant events
Solution: Develop a consistent presence across multiple relevant events
Sin #6: The Preparation Procrastinator
Problem: Showing up unprepared without research or goals
Solution: Invest 3x your attendance time in preparation
Solution: Invest 3x your attendance time in preparation
Sin #7: The Social Media Silence
Problem: Not documenting or sharing insights from the event
Solution: Create content that positions you as a thought leader
Solution: Create content that positions you as a thought leader
The Secret Sauce: Building Your European Network
The Geographic Strategy
Phase 1: Nordic Foundation (Q1-Q2) Start with TechChill and Slush to understand the Nordic investment landscape. Nordic investors are relationship-first and tend to make larger, more patient investments.
Phase 2: Central European Expansion (Q2-Q3) ViennaUP and other Central European events provide access to growing markets with less competition and government support.
Phase 3: Western European Scale (Q3-Q4) Web Summit and Viva Tech offer the scale and corporate connections needed for major partnerships and Series A+ funding.
The Vertical Strategy
Deep Tech Circuit: Hello Tomorrow Paris → Gitex Europe Berlin → Impact Festival Frankfurt
Fintech Focus: London Tech Week → Fintech Europe Frankfurt → Web Summit Lisbon
SaaS Specialization: SaaStock Dublin → TechBBQ Copenhagen → Slush Helsinki
Consumer Tech: Viva Technology Paris → Web Summit Lisbon → TNW Amsterdam
Fintech Focus: London Tech Week → Fintech Europe Frankfurt → Web Summit Lisbon
SaaS Specialization: SaaStock Dublin → TechBBQ Copenhagen → Slush Helsinki
Consumer Tech: Viva Technology Paris → Web Summit Lisbon → TNW Amsterdam
Budget-Hacking Strategies
The Scholarship Path
Many events offer scholarships for underrepresented founders. Apply 6 months in advance with compelling stories about impact and diversity.
The Media Strategy
Apply for media passes by starting a startup-focused blog or podcast 3 months before major events. Document your journey and insights.
The Corporate Sponsorship Route
Partner with accelerators or corporations attending events. They often have spare tickets or can include you in their delegation.
The Volunteer Advantage
Volunteering provides behind-the-scenes access and networking opportunities with organizers who become valuable long-term connections.
Crisis Navigation: When Things Go Wrong
The Overscheduled Nightmare
Problem: Too many meetings, no time to breathe
Solution: Build 30-minute buffers between meetings for spontaneous encounters
Solution: Build 30-minute buffers between meetings for spontaneous encounters
The Wrong Audience Disaster
Problem: Realizing the event isn't right for your stage/industry
Solution: Pivot to learning mode and focus on market intelligence gathering
Solution: Pivot to learning mode and focus on market intelligence gathering
The Technical Failure Crisis
Problem: Pitch deck corrupted, demo breaks, presentation disaster
Solution: Master the "naked pitch" - your story without slides
Solution: Master the "naked pitch" - your story without slides
The Social Anxiety Challenge
Problem: Overwhelmed by crowds and networking pressure
Solution: Focus on one-on-one conversations and structured networking sessions
Solution: Focus on one-on-one conversations and structured networking sessions
The Future of European Startup Events
Emerging Trends to Watch
Hybrid Dominance: Post-COVID events increasingly blend physical and virtual elements, extending networking beyond event dates.
Vertical Specialization: Generic startup events are dying. Specialized events focused on AI, climate, fintech, or biotech are thriving.
Geographic Diversification: Eastern European countries are hosting more premium events as their ecosystems mature.
Corporate Integration: Major corporations are increasingly integrating their innovation scouting with startup events.
2026-2027 Events to Monitor
Several new events are launching that could become major players:
- Berlin AI Summit (launching 2026)
- Climate Tech Europe (Brussels, 2026)
- Nordic Fintech Week (Stockholm, 2026)
- CEE Unicorn Summit (Budapest, 2027)
Measuring Your Conference ROI
Quantitative Metrics
- Investor meetings scheduled
- Partnership opportunities identified
- Media coverage generated
- Social media engagement increase
- Pipeline deals created
Qualitative Indicators
- Market intelligence gathered
- Competitive landscape understanding
- Industry trend insights
- Relationship quality assessments
- Brand positioning improvements
The 6-Month Test
The true measure of conference success isn't what happens during the event, it's what materializes 6 months later. Track:
- Deals closed from connections made
- Partnerships formed
- Team members hired
- Market opportunities pursued
- Knowledge implemented
Essential Questions Every Event Should Answer
Before You Attend
- Who exactly will be in the room?
- What's the investor-to-founder ratio?
- How are attendees vetted and selected?
- What's the format for meaningful networking?
- What follow-up resources are provided?
During the Event
- Are the right people actually showing up?
- Is the content providing actionable insights?
- Are networking opportunities structured effectively?
- Is the event living up to its marketing promises?
- What unexpected opportunities are emerging?
After the Event
- How many meaningful connections were made?
- What concrete next steps were established?
- What market intelligence was gathered?
- How will this event impact your strategy?
- Is this event worth returning to next year?
The Bottom Line
European startup events aren't just networking opportunities, they're strategic weapons in your entrepreneurial arsenal. The founders who master the event circuit create compound advantages that extend far beyond any single conference or conversation.
But here's what most people get wrong: they think attending events is about luck. It's not. It's about systematic preparation, strategic execution, and relentless follow-up. The startups that emerge from stealth mode with mysterious funding rounds and "overnight success" stories? They've been building relationships at these events for years.
The European startup ecosystem is entering its golden age. Venture capital is flowing, unicorns are multiplying, and the next generation of global companies is being built from Lisbon to Tallinn. The question isn't whether you should be part of this ecosystem, it's whether you're strategic enough to position yourself at its center.
Your competition is already booking flights to these events. The question is: will you be there to meet them, or will you be reading about their success stories from the sidelines?
Ready to transform your startup journey? Start with one event from this list, apply the strategies outlined above, and prepare to discover why the most successful founders treat conferences like treasure maps leading to their next breakthrough.
The European startup scene is waiting. Your move.
This guide represents hundreds of hours of research, personal experience, and insider knowledge from the European startup ecosystem. Bookmark it, share it with fellow founders, and most importantly use it to build the connections that will define your startup's future.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
