Startups in 2025

Must Attend Startup Events in Eindhoven in 2025

Here's a brutal truth that will make you uncomfortable: While you're grinding away in isolation, your smartest competitors are quietly building million-dollar networks at events you've never even heard of. And the worst part? These events are happening right under your nose in Europe's #7 ranked tech ecosystem.
The Promise: By the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll have insider access to 27 exclusive startup events that could transform your business trajectory, complete with exact dates, locations, direct event links, and strategic networking opportunities that most founders completely ignore.

The Hidden Startup Goldmine Most Founders Never Discover

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Most startup founders make the same costly mistake: they think success comes from working harder, not smarter. While you're perfecting your product in isolation, the founders who actually make it big are strategically positioning themselves at high-impact networking events where real deals happen.
Shocking Reality: According to recent industry data, 78% of successful funding rounds begin with connections made at industry events, not cold emails or online applications. Yet 99% of startup founders either don't know about these events or dismiss them as "networking fluff."
The Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem - ranked #7 globally among science hubs - hosts some of the most exclusive startup events in Europe. These aren't your typical "feel-good" networking sessions. These are strategic intelligence-gathering opportunities where you'll learn:
  • Funding secrets that VCs don't advertise publicly
  • AI automation tools that give you unfair competitive advantages
  • Patent strategies that protect your IP before competitors steal your ideas
  • Team-building techniques that prevent the #1 cause of startup failure
  • Grant opportunities worth millions that most founders never discover

Why Brainport Eindhoven Is Europe's Best-Kept Startup Secret

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Before diving into the events, you need to understand why Brainport matters. This isn't just another tech hub - it's a carefully orchestrated ecosystem that has produced more patents per capita than Silicon Valley.
The Numbers Don't Lie:
  • Home to ASML (Europe's most valuable tech company)
  • 2% of all global patents originate here
  • 22% increase in startup formation year-over-year
  • €266 million in VC investment in 2022 alone
  • 72,868 tech professionals in a compact region
The Brainport ecosystem creates a unique advantage: proximity to world-class research facilities, global tech giants, and a concentration of technical talent that makes Silicon Valley jealous. When you attend events here, you're not just networking - you're plugging into a system designed to accelerate deep tech innovation.

The Complete Event Calendar

Check out Startup Events in other countries

🔗 Startup events in Cyprus

🔗 Startup events in Malta

🔗 Best Startup Events in Europe

October 2025: Foundation Building Phase (you just missed those)

October 1st - Personal Finance Mastery for Entrepreneurs | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: 82% of startups fail due to cash flow problems, not market issues
  • Strategic Value: Learn the financial disciplines that separate successful founders from failures
  • Insider Tip: The speakers often reveal funding sources they don't publicize elsewhere
October 6th - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info
  • Time: 09:00-17:00
  • Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
  • Why This Matters: Direct access to business developers without appointment scheduling
  • Strategic Value: Most founders ignore these "informal" sessions - which is exactly why they're valuable
  • Competitive Edge: One-on-one time with ecosystem leaders
October 8th - Investor-Ready: From Pitch Deck to Due Diligence | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Your pitch deck is worthless if you can't handle due diligence
  • Strategic Value: Learn the legal and financial preparations that make VCs say yes
  • Networking Opportunity: Meet founders who've successfully closed rounds
October 13th - Sustainable Impact Mapping for Startups | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: ESG compliance is becoming mandatory for B2B sales
  • Strategic Value: Position your startup ahead of regulatory changes
  • Competitive Edge: Most founders ignore sustainability until it's too late
October 15th - How to Build a Really Powerful Team from the Start | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Co-founder disputes kill 65% of startups
  • Strategic Value: Learn psychological frameworks for team dynamics
  • Action Item: Implement team assessment tools before hiring your next employee
October 20th - Protecting Your Ideas: Patents and IP Rights | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: One unprotected idea can cost you millions in competitor copying
  • Strategic Value: Understand patent filing strategies that actually work
  • Warning: Generic IP advice costs startups $50K+ in unnecessary legal fees
October 22nd - SPECIAL: How to Accelerate Your MedTech Startup | Register Here
  • Time: 13:00-15:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: MedTech has the highest barriers but biggest rewards
  • Strategic Value: Learn regulatory shortcuts that save 2-3 years
  • Exclusive Access: This specialized session typically has limited attendance
October 27th - From Great Idea to Real Business | Register Here
Great business ideas are everywhere! You just need to find one that is perfect for you, validate it and start building your business.

👉 Find the best business ideas
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Ideas are worthless - execution systems are everything
  • Strategic Value: Get the business model frameworks that actually scale
  • Reality Check: Most "revolutionary" ideas fail because of poor business fundamentals
October 29th - Early Stage Funding for Innovative Startups | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Timing your funding rounds wrong can kill your startup
  • Strategic Value: Learn the funding sequence that maximizes valuation
  • Insider Intelligence: VCs attending often scout for deals at these events
October 29th - Financing Table 8 | More Info
  • Time: 8:30-11:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: Direct access to active investors in intimate setting
  • Strategic Value: Real deals happen in these working sessions, not pitch competitions
  • Networking Gold: Morning sessions when investors are fresh and focused

November 2025: Growth & Scale Phase

November 3rd - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info
  • Time: 09:00-17:00
  • Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
  • Why This Matters: Continued access to ecosystem leaders without barriers
  • Strategic Value: Follow up on October connections and build deeper relationships
  • Opportunity: Perfect timing for post-feedback pivots and strategy adjustments
November 5th - Investor Engagement: Make a Lasting Impression | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: First impressions with investors last forever
  • Strategic Value: Master the psychology of investor relations
  • Dangerous Mistake: Most founders focus on features instead of investment potential
November 7th - Equity Table 4 | More Info
  • Time: 10:00-12:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: Understanding equity distribution prevents founder conflicts
  • Strategic Value: Learn equity strategies that motivate teams without diluting control
  • Critical Timing: Morning session when complex topics get full attention
November 10th - The Science of Product Storytelling | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Product storytelling drives 65% of purchase decisions
  • Strategic Value: Learn narrative frameworks that make complex tech understandable
  • Competitive Advantage: Most tech founders are terrible at storytelling
November 12th - AI & Intellectual Property: What Every Startup Must Know | Register Here
Is your startup on ChatGPT?

More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Rank on ChatGPT
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: AI patent law is evolving rapidly - ignorance is expensive
  • Strategic Value: Understand IP protection in the age of machine learning
  • Future-Proofing: Position your IP strategy for AI integration
November 17th - Effective Media Communication for Startups | Register Here
  • Time: 14:00-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Media coverage drives customer acquisition better than paid ads
  • Strategic Value: Learn PR frameworks that get journalists to notice you
  • ROI Insight: One good media story can replace $100K in advertising spend
November 18th - Brainport Meet-Up 4 | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-18:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: Ecosystem-wide networking with all stakeholders
  • Strategic Value: Meet potential partners, customers, and collaborators
  • Intelligence Gathering: Learn about emerging trends and market shifts
November 19th - AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders | Check out the workshop presentation
  • Time: 15:00-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Instructor: By Violetta Bonenkamp, CADchain
  • Workshop Level: Basic
  • Why This Matters: AI automation is the #1 competitive advantage for startups in 2025
  • Strategic Value: Learn to build AI agents, automate SEO, and create digital twins
  • Exclusive Focus: Discover cost-effective strategies for crafting your own AI-powered tools
  • Practical Skills: Master effective prompting techniques and advanced mega prompts
  • Hidden Opportunity: Learn how to capitalize on complimentary AI credits most founders waste
November 24th - Special Startup Event | Check Details
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: Mid-week events often have more serious attendees
  • Strategic Value: Less crowded sessions allow for deeper conversations
  • Note: Event details available on The Gate events page
November 26th - European Grants for Startup Founders | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Millions in grants go unclaimed because founders don't know they exist
  • Strategic Value: Access non-dilutive funding that doesn't cost equity
  • Hidden Opportunity: Grant funding often leads to additional investment connections
November 26th - Financing Table 9 | More Info
  • Time: 8:30-11:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: End-of-month timing when investors finalize quarterly decisions
  • Strategic Value: Catch investors before year-end budget allocations
  • Strategic Timing: Perfect for Q4 funding pipeline discussions

December 2025: Optimization & Planning Phase

December 1st - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info
  • Time: 09:00-17:00
  • Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
  • Why This Matters: Year-end planning and relationship maintenance
  • Strategic Value: Perfect timing for 2026 strategy discussions
  • Opportunity: Advisors are typically more available before holidays
December 3rd - Financial Setup for Non-Financial Founders | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Financial illiteracy kills more startups than competition
  • Strategic Value: Build financial systems that scale with growth
  • Cost Avoidance: Prevent the accounting disasters that cost $25K+ to fix
December 8th - Patent Search: How Unique Is My Idea? | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Building on existing patents can trigger lawsuits
  • Strategic Value: Learn patent research techniques that prevent legal disasters
  • Time Saver: Avoid 6+ months of wasted development on non-patentable ideas
December 9th - Innovation Meets Hospital 4 | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-18:00
  • Location: Alpha Building
  • Why This Matters: Healthcare innovation requires understanding clinical workflows
  • Strategic Value: Direct access to healthcare decision-makers
  • Market Intelligence: Learn what hospitals actually need vs. what you think they need
December 10th - You Started a Company, Now What? | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Post-launch strategy separates survivors from failures
  • Strategic Value: Build operational frameworks for sustainable growth
  • Reality Check: Most founders celebrate launch then crash within 18 months
December 15th - Grant Writing: Ingredients for a Good Proposal | Register Here
  • Time: 15:30-17:00
  • Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
  • Why This Matters: Grant writing is a skill that pays exponential returns
  • Strategic Value: Learn the psychology of grant reviewers
  • Success Rate: Proper grant writing techniques improve success rates by 300%

Strategic Event Selection: Your Decision Matrix

Not every event deserves your time. Here's how to prioritize based on your startup stage and needs:
Event Category
Pre-Revenue Priority
Revenue Stage Priority
Scale Stage Priority
AI & Automation
Critical
Critical
Critical
Funding & Investment
Critical
High
Medium
Team Building
Critical
Medium
Low
IP & Legal
High
Critical
High
Product Strategy
Medium
Critical
High
Financial Management
High
High
Critical
Market Communications
Low
High
Critical

The "Must-Attend" Events by Startup Stage

Pre-Revenue Startups (Focus on Foundation):
  1. AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders (Nov 19) - TOP PRIORITY
  2. Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs (Oct 1)
  3. Team Building Masterclass (Oct 15)
  4. Patent & IP Protection (Oct 20)
Revenue-Generating Startups (Focus on Scale):
  1. AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders (Nov 19) - TOP PRIORITY
  2. Investor-Ready Preparation (Oct 8)
  3. Product Storytelling (Nov 10)
  4. Media Communication (Nov 17)
Scaling Startups (Focus on Optimization):
  1. AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders (Nov 19) - TOP PRIORITY
  2. AI & IP Strategy (Nov 12)
  3. Financial Management (Dec 3)
  4. Grant Writing Mastery (Dec 15)
The AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders workshop on November 19th deserves special attention. While most founders are still debating whether AI is "hype," smart entrepreneurs are quietly building unfair competitive advantages.
What You'll Learn in This Game-Changing Session:

AI Agents That Work for You 24/7

  • Elona: Your automated business development assistant
  • Sia: Customer inquiry handler that never sleeps
  • Digital Twin: A virtual version of yourself for scaling operations

Content & SEO Automation

  • Automatic blog optimization for search engines
  • Content generation systems that sound human
  • SEO strategies that AI can execute without you

Practical Implementation Strategies

  • How to build your own AI tools without a technical background
  • Leveraging free AI credits that most founders ignore
  • Cost-effective approaches to AI automation
Why This Workshop Is Different: Led by Violetta Bonenkamp from CADchain, this isn't theoretical AI discussion. You'll get hands-on experience with tools you can implement immediately.
Strategic Timing: November 19th positions you perfectly to implement AI systems before Q4 planning season and 2026 strategy development.

Networking Strategy: How to Extract Maximum Value

Attending events isn't enough - you need a systematic approach to relationship building. Here's the framework successful founders use:

Pre-Event Preparation (The 48-Hour Rule)

Research Phase:
  • Identify 5-10 key attendees through LinkedIn
  • Prepare specific questions for each target connection
  • Set up coffee meetings during event breaks
  • Create a one-sentence value proposition for your startup
Materials Preparation:
  • Business cards with QR codes linking to your pitch deck
  • One-page company overview (not a brochure)
  • Demo video queued up on your phone
  • Specific ask for each potential connection

During the Event (The SCAN Method)

S - Strategic Listening: Don't pitch immediately; listen for pain points you can solve
C - Connection Establishment: Find genuine common ground beyond business
A - Actionable Next Steps: Set specific follow-up actions before parting
N - Note-Taking: Document key details about each person within 15 minutes

Post-Event Follow-Up (The 24-48-7 Rule)

  • 24 Hours: Send personalized connection requests on LinkedIn
  • 48 Hours: Email follow-up with specific value proposition
  • 7 Days: Provide the help or information you promised

The Hidden Opportunities Most Founders Miss

Walk-in Hours: Your Secret Weapon

The Gate offers walk-in hours every month:
Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
Why This Matters: These sessions offer direct access to business developers and IP managers without appointment scheduling. Most founders ignore these because they seem "too informal" - which is exactly why they're valuable.

Financing & Equity Tables: Direct Investor Access

These intensive sessions connect startups directly with active investors. Unlike pitch competitions, these are working sessions where real deals happen.

Specialized Industry Sessions

These sector-specific gatherings offer competitive intelligence about industry trends and emerging opportunities.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Why These Events Pay for Themselves

Average Cost Per Event: €0-50 (most are free)
Average Networking Value: €10,000+ in potential business value
Time Investment: 2-3 hours per event
Potential ROI: 200:1 or higher

Real Success Stories from Previous Events

Case Study 1: A MedTech startup attending the IP protection workshop discovered their main competitor had filed similar patents. This knowledge saved them €200,000 in development costs by pivoting their approach early.
Case Study 2: A fintech founder met their Series A lead investor during a walk-in hours session, ultimately raising €2.5 million.
Case Study 3: A SaaS startup implemented AI tools learned at the AI-Tools workshop, automating 60% of their content marketing and saving €50,000 annually in agency fees.

Dangerous Mistakes That Kill Startup Event ROI

Mistake #1: The "Spray and Pray" Approach

Problem: Attending every event without strategic focus
Solution: Maximum 2 events per month, with specific outcomes defined

Mistake #2: The "Pitch Slap" Syndrome

Problem: Leading every conversation with your startup pitch
Solution: Lead with curiosity about their challenges first

Mistake #3: The "Business Card Collector" Trap

Problem: Measuring success by number of contacts made
Solution: Measure success by quality of relationships built

Mistake #4: The "One and Done" Mentality

Problem: No systematic follow-up process
Solution: 24-48-7 follow-up system (explained above)

Mistake #5: The "AI Avoidance" Error

Problem: Ignoring AI sessions because they seem "too technical"
Solution: Prioritize AI education - it's the biggest competitive advantage in 2025

Insider Tips from Successful Brainport Founders

Tip #1: The "Early Arrival Advantage"

Arrive 30 minutes early to events. The best networking often happens before the official start when people are relaxed and approachable.

Tip #2: The "Question Framework"

Instead of "What do you do?", ask "What's the biggest challenge in your industry right now?" This immediately positions you as someone who might have solutions.

Tip #3: The "Value First" Approach

Always offer something valuable before asking for anything. Could be an introduction, a resource, or specific expertise.

Tip #4: The "Follow-up Formula"

Reference something specific from your conversation in follow-up messages. "As you mentioned your challenge with AI implementation..."

Tip #5: The "AI Documentation" Strategy

At AI-focused events, take detailed notes and ask for specific tool recommendations. The implementation details shared in these sessions are worth thousands in consulting fees.

FAQ About Brainport Startup Events

What makes Brainport events different from Silicon Valley or London tech meetups?

Brainport events focus on deep tech and hardware innovation rather than consumer apps or social media platforms. The ecosystem specializes in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and scientific innovation, creating networking opportunities with companies like ASML, Philips, and NXP. Unlike broader tech hubs, Brainport events attract attendees working on patents, R&D, and complex technical challenges that require years of development and significant capital investment.

Is the AI-Tools workshop suitable for non-technical founders?

Absolutely. The AI-Tools workshop is specifically designed at a "Basic" level for business founders rather than engineers. Violetta Bonenkamp from CADchain focuses on practical implementation rather than technical details. You'll learn to use existing AI tools and platforms rather than build them from scratch. The workshop emphasizes automation for business tasks like content creation, customer service, and SEO optimization.

How much do these events typically cost and what's included?

Most Gate events are completely free, with premium workshops like the AI-Tools session potentially charging €25-50. This includes access to presentations, materials, networking time, and often refreshments. The low cost is intentional - The Gate operates as an ecosystem builder rather than a profit center. The real investment is your time (2-3 hours per event), but the potential ROI from connections and knowledge can be enormous.

What's the best way to prepare for the AI-Tools workshop specifically?

Before attending the AI-Tools workshop, identify your three biggest time-consuming business tasks that could potentially be automated. Research AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Make.com to understand basic concepts. Bring a laptop if possible for hands-on exercises. Most importantly, come with specific questions about your business challenges rather than general AI curiosity.

Are there opportunities to continue learning after individual events?

Yes, The Gate operates ongoing programs beyond one-time events. The walk-in hours provide monthly follow-up opportunities. Many events lead to introductions to specialized accelerators, incubators, and ongoing mentorship programs. The ecosystem encourages long-term relationships, so attending multiple events builds cumulative value rather than isolated learning experiences.

Can international startups access the same opportunities as Dutch companies?

Most opportunities are available to international startups, especially those willing to establish a European presence. EU grants and funding programs often welcome international participation. However, maximum value comes from committing to multiple events and building lasting relationships within the ecosystem. Some participants have relocated to the Brainport region specifically to access these ongoing opportunities.

What should I do if events are fully booked?

Popular events like investor workshops and AI sessions fill quickly. Join waiting lists immediately - cancellations are common. Use walk-in hours as backup options since they don't require registration. Follow The Gate website for last-minute additions and new event announcements.

How do I know which events will actually help my specific startup?

Use the decision matrix provided in this guide, but also consider your immediate challenges. If you're struggling with team dynamics, prioritize team building. If you're drowning in operational tasks, the AI-Tools workshop could be transformative. For funding preparation, combine investor-ready sessions with financing tables.

What's the etiquette for networking at these events?

European networking tends to be more relationship-focused than transactional. Focus on learning about others' challenges before presenting solutions. Exchange contact information naturally during conversations rather than immediately after introductions. Follow up within 48 hours with specific references to your conversation. Offer value before asking for help - this could be introductions, resources, or expertise sharing.

Are there any events specifically for female founders or underrepresented groups?

While The Gate events are open to all founders, the ecosystem values diversity and inclusion. Many events attract diverse attendees, and networking opportunities exist for building connections across different backgrounds. The European grants session often covers funding programs specifically designed to support underrepresented founders and diverse teams.

Your Action Plan: The Next 90 Days

Week 1: Strategic Planning

  • Review your startup stage and identify your top 3 operational challenges
  • PRIORITY: Register for AI-Tools workshop (Nov 19) immediately
  • Select 2-3 additional events based on your specific needs using the decision matrix
  • Research attendee lists and identify 5-10 target connections per event

Week 2: Pre-Event Preparation

  • Prepare specific questions about AI automation for your business
  • Create LinkedIn outreach templates for post-event follow-up
  • Draft your 30-second elevator pitch focusing on current challenges rather than solutions
  • Set up calendar blocks for post-event follow-ups and implementation time

Ongoing Monthly Actions

  • Attend 1-2 strategically selected events per month, with AI-Tools as top priority
  • Execute the 24-48-7 follow-up system religiously
  • Implement at least one AI automation learned from the workshop
  • Track ROI from each event (connections, opportunities, cost savings, revenue)

Q4 2025 Goals

  • Build relationships with 10+ ecosystem participants
  • Implement 3+ AI automation systems in your startup
  • Identify and apply for 2+ relevant grant opportunities
  • Prepare 2026 strategy based on trends learned at events

Your Competitive Advantage Starts Now

While your competitors are burning cash on generic marketing tactics and manual processes, you now have access to Europe's most concentrated startup ecosystem plus the AI tools that will define the next decade of business competition.
These 27 events represent more than networking opportunities - they're your gateway to the relationships, knowledge, automation systems, and resources that separate successful startups from statistical failures.
The brutal truth: Information without action is worthless. You can bookmark this guide and tell yourself you'll "get to it later," or you can click the AI-Tools workshop registration link right now and secure your competitive advantage for 2025.
Your next step is simple: The most impactful decision you can make today is registering for the AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders workshop on November 19th. This single event could automate hours of daily work and save you thousands in operational costs.
The founders who read this guide and take immediate action will build the AI-powered competitive advantages that matter. The ones who save it for "someday" will watch their competitors automate past them.
The choice is yours. The AI revolution is now. The ecosystem is waiting.
Ready to automate your startup's growth? Start by clicking the AI-Tools workshop link and register within the next 24 hours. Watch how AI automation transforms your business efficiency and competitive position.
Important Note: Event schedules can change. Always verify current details and availability on The Gate's official events page before making travel arrangements.

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.
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.
2025-09-26 15:11 Events