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Top Startup Events & Conferences in 2024
Our list of the most exciting startup events and conferences to have on your radar in 2024. Whether you're looking for GenAI or DeepTech, we've got you covered. We'll be updating this list with new info so make sure to bookmark it & check back often! -
Top Venture Capital Conferences & Events in 2024
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With Icelandic Startup Melta, Food Waste isn’t Wasted
Pinterest has released its annual trend report, revealing 20 key trends for in 2025 across various industries, including home décor, fashion, beauty, and food & beverage. Known for spotting trends early, Pinterest analyzes billions of searches and uses visual technology to identify emerging patterns. In this article, we’ll focus on how these trends are impacting the food & beverage sector, with visual moodboards to bring them to life. Whether you’re in marketing, product development, or strategy, understanding these F&B trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation ! Cherry Coded Cherries are expected to be popular in 2025, with everything from cherry toppings on desserts to cherry martinis, sodas, and sweet-savory combinations like cherry-glazed meats. Keep an eye out for more cherry-flavored cakes, tartlets, and sauces appearing on menus. Aura Beauty The “aura effect” trend may inspire food and drink presentations with glowing, pastel colors and shiny finishes. This could also influence packaging, with products featuring soft, pastel shades and a playful, multicolor look. Rococo Revival Elegant desserts will take inspiration from Rococo and Baroque styles, with pastel-colored cupcakes, macarons, and meringues. Expect detailed cakes and beautiful table setups with white and soft pink tones, as well as treats like choux pastries and wedding cakes. Sea Witchery Ocean-themed dishes will likely dominate menus, featuring seafood, seaweed, and fun creations like blue and purple cakes. Look for dreamy, ocean-inspired desserts like madeleines with sea-inspired twists, creating a magical underwater feel. Surreal soirees The “Surreal Soirees” trend may lead to bold, artistic dining experiences. Lobster, champagne, and fruits could be arranged in dramatic, art-like displays—think extravagant presentations and eye-catching food layouts that look like still-life paintings. Castle Core Rustic, hearty meals with ancient vegetables like artichokes, raw ingredients, and rich cheeses are expected to grow in popularity. Picture cozy, candlelit dinners with red wine and dishes that evoke a sense of old-world comfort and simplicity. Dolled Up Miniature, playful foods are becoming a trend, with tiny lollipops, fruit-shaped charms, and colorful tableware inspired by a “dinette” style. These small treats will bring a sense of fun and joy to any event. Fisherman Aesthetic The coastal vibe remains strong, with seafood-inspired menus featuring tinned fish, artisan butters, and Mediterranean-style picnic foods. Beer pairings and fresh, simple flavors will capture the relaxed, seaside spirit. Goddess Complex Luxe, shimmering foods—like edible gold, sparkling drinks, and cocktails decorated with jewelry—are set to become a highlight of high-end dining. This trend will celebrate luxury and indulgence, adding a touch of glamour to the table. Rebel Floats Creamy custom sodas are making a comeback, with ice cream floats, fruity soda mixes, and whipped cream taking the spotlight. These fun and indulgent drinks will give a modern twist to classic sodas. Terra Futura Sustainability continues to rise in importance, with fermented foods, pickles, and homemade preservation methods gaining popularity. Garden-to-table dining is likely to grow, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Primary Play Bold, colorful dishes made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, lemons, and apples will take the spotlight. Hand-painted table settings and vibrant, eye-catching food presentations will turn simple ingredients into works of art. Pickle Fix Pickles will find their way into nearly everything—cocktails, sandwiches, and even sweet dishes and desserts. Moto Boho A fusion of biker chic and bohemian style will emerge, offering premium, on-the-go meals like iced coffee lattes and matcha lattes, served in minimalist, cool spaces that blend a sense of rebellion with relaxation. Travel Peak Mountain-inspired dining will become the next big trend, with hot chocolates, après-ski cocktails (like spritz), fondue, raclette, and portable meals such as sandwiches and tupperware-friendly dishes taking center stage. Chaos Cakes Bold, playful cakes are set to make waves, with designs featuring animal shapes, quirky faces, and kitschy creations. These unconventional desserts will add a fun, surprising element to any occasion. Player One The “Y2K” aesthetic returns, bringing kawaii-inspired designs and avatar-style dishes. Expect futuristic food packaging and fun, nostalgic touches that reference the early 2000s pop culture. Mix & Maximalist Packaging will embrace mixed patterns, vibrant colors, and vintage-inspired designs with bold typography. Seeing Double It’s about mixing and matching flavors and visuals : expect creative food pairings, bicolored products or packaging designed for two. Nesting Parties Food for welcoming new arrivals—like baby showers. Think pastel-colored dishes, cute cakes, and easy meal preps perfect for cozy, intimate gatherings. Subscribe to our FoodTech newsletter here for weekly insights on the latest trends and news from the F&B industry !
The first edition of the Paris Creator Week took place at Station F in Paris this week. It brought together content creators, brands, and industry experts to dive into the booming creator economy. This sector, valued at $180–250 billion globally in 2023 and growing at 15% annually, is expected to double in the next five years. The event aimed to position France as the leader in the European creator economy. Here are the key takeaways from the event. Lessons from France’s top podcaster, Matthieu Stefani Matthieu Stefani is the leading podcaster in France with GDIY (Generation Do It Yourself), and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the creator economy. During his conference at Paris Creator Week, he shared his approach to building a successful podcast. His main advice: passion is essential. Content creation should always come from a genuine interest in the subject matter. He also emphasized the importance of working with sponsors you truly believe in. If a sponsorship feels forced or insincere, it risks alienating your audience. Matthieu pointed out that, in the creator economy, it’s not the number of subscribers that matters but their quality. For example, a podcast on entrepreneurship with 500 founders as listeners is more valuable than millions of followers with no connection to the topic. He also shared that his podcast saw a 40% increase in new listeners this year, proving there’s still room for new voices in podcasting. CYRILmp4: Balancing content creation and entrepreneurship Cyril MP4, a content creator with over 5 million YouTube subscribers, spoke about balancing content creation and entrepreneurship. He believes every content creator is also an entrepreneur. Cyril has built multiple companies around his content. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. He mentioned taking a one-year break from YouTube to recalibrate and refocus. His key advice: organization is crucial. As creators scale, finding the right balance between producing content and managing business operations becomes essential. Making corporate communication engaging: the role of content creation Corporate communication can often feel dry, but there are ways to make it more engaging and relatable. One of the best ways to do this is by putting faces to the brand. Whether it’s the CEO, employees, or content creators who authentically represent the company. After all, a business is made up of people, and showing the human side of a brand helps build trust and connection with the audience. A great example of this is Orange’s Better Program, where influencers are invited to spend time at the company’s offices to learn about its innovations. These influencers then share their experiences with their followers, offering a more personal touch to the brand. It’s not just about promoting a product; it’s about showing the people and values behind it. Creating engaging content is another key to making corporate communication resonate. L’Oréal did this brilliantly by turning a traditional financial report into something visually appealing and digital-friendly, which garnered 3 million views. They proved that even dry corporate content can be transformed into something captivating when done creatively. In the same vein, Orange used content creators to create over 1,000 posts leading up to the Olympics, and nearly 400 posts during the event. This real-time, engaging content kept the brand at the forefront of the conversation and connected with audiences in a natural, authentic way. The key takeaway? To make corporate communication sexy, brands need to humanize their message—by putting real people in front of it, whether it’s through influencers, employees, or leaders—and make it engaging, whether through creative content or authentic storytelling. It’s all about finding the right balance between authenticity and creativity. How to work with content creators ? When working with influencers, it’s important to give them the freedom to bring their own creativity into the collaboration. They understand their audience best and know how to deliver the message. More and more, brands are turning to micro and nano-influencers. While they may have smaller followings, these influencers tend to have highly engaged and loyal audiences, making them an excellent choice for brands looking to target specific, niche markets. Ultimately, the key to a successful influencer partnership is authenticity. When influencers genuinely believe in the brand and share its values, their content feels more trustworthy and organic, which leads to a stronger connection with their audience. Although Paris Creator Week 2024 has ended, check out our upcoming events here – we’ve got some exciting opportunities lined up for you !
Stockholm is home to Techarena’s flagship event, whose next edition, taking place on February 20-21, 2025, will also be much larger than the previous one, with 12,000 expected attendees, compared to 7,500 last year.
In this episode, Nadav Berger of PeakBridge Ventures shares insights into food tech investment trends, the evolution of alternative proteins, and how startups and investors can collaborate to drive meaningful change in the food industry.
In April 2024, Voyage Foods, a Foodtech startup founded in 2021, partnered with Cargill, a global leader in food ingredients. This collaboration focuses on scaling innovative alternatives to cocoa-based chocolate and nut spreads. It addresses the growing demand for sustainable, allergen-free, and plant-based foods. The partnership shows how startups can work with established corporations to expand their reach and impact in the market. What is Voyage Foods? Reimagining traditional ingredients Founded in 2021, Voyage Foods develops alternatives to traditional food products using cutting-edge technology. Their innovations replicate the flavors and textures of familiar foods while addressing critical challenges such as sustainability and allergen concerns. Key products include: These products are free from the top nine allergens, vegan, and significantly more sustainable. For example, their cocoa-free chocolate reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84% and uses 99% less water compared to conventional chocolate. Who is Cargill? Leveraging global expertise in food ingredients Cargill, with over a century of experience, is a global leader in food ingredients, supplying chocolate, coatings, starches, sweeteners, and oils to manufacturers worldwide. The company specializes in helping manufacturers bring high-quality products to market by offering a robust distribution network and industry expertise. By partnering with Voyage Foods, Cargill has expanded its portfolio to include cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads. This addition helps manufacturers meet consumer demand for allergen-friendly and sustainable options. With its ability to connect startups like Voyage Foods to a global audience, Cargill plays a critical role in enabling innovation to scale. How the partnership works The collaboration allows Voyage Foods to focus on product development while benefiting from Cargill’s resources and infrastructure. Through this partnership: This partnership has also strengthened investor confidence in Voyage Foods, as seen in the $52 million Series A+ funding the startup raised shortly after the deal was announced. Showcase at Food Ingredients 2024 At Food Ingredients Europe 2024, Cargill showcased their new product line in collaboration with Voyage Foods “Cargill Indulgence Redefined™”. They won the Future Foodtech Innovation Award. The product line included indulgent chocolate-free confections filled with hazelnut and peanut flavors that we were able to taste. Additionally, cookies made with Voyage Foods’ cocoa-free chocolate chips were featured : Conclusion: A practical model for startup-corporate partnerships The partnership between Voyage Foods and Cargill is an example of how startups can collaborate with larger companies to achieve rapid growth. By combining innovation with the resources and scale of an established player, Voyage Foods has been able to bring its allergen-free and sustainable products to a global audience. For startups and founders in other industries, this case demonstrates that strategic partnerships can be a powerful way to solve challenges, expand markets, and drive long-term success.
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"Taito.ai’s whose name translates to "skill" in Finnish, positions itself as a scalable, AI-powered solution that enables continuous feedback and coaching on employee performance.
In this episode, Sirli Rosenvald shares her insights into the evolving field of alternative proteins, highlighting innovations in mycoproteins, challenges in scaling production, and the role of global markets in shaping FoodTech.
Tech for Retail 2024 held in Paris last week showcased a wide array of startups introducing groundbreaking solutions to revolutionize the retail industry. Among these, food retail innovation stood out as a key area of focus, addressing critical challenges such as managing perishable goods and advancing sustainability. While many themes were explored at the event, we delved into the latest advancements in this sector. In this article, we highlight seven startups transforming food retail with practical solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and drive sustainability across the industry Onethird: predicting freshness to combat food waste OneThird tackles food waste with AI technology that predicts the shelf life of fresh produce and assesses ripeness in real time. This helps retailers, suppliers, and consumers make smarter decisions. Their AI-powered freshness scanners let shoppers check the ripeness of produce, such as avocados, without squeezing or damaging them. This reduces spoilage while improving inventory management. These scanners are already in use at Jumbo (Netherlands) and Migros (Switzerland). By gamifying the shopping experience, they make fresh produce management more efficient. Holis: life cycle analysis for greener retail Holis provides a SaaS platform that automates life cycle analysis (LCA). This tool helps reduce the environmental impact of products by modeling value chains and connecting suppliers. With insights into eco-design, Holis enables businesses to create more sustainable products. This platform is especially useful for food retailers who want to prioritize environmental responsibility without sacrificing efficiency. Kheops: strengthening local supply chains Kheops connects local producers with large retailers through a digital platform. By streamlining sourcing, order management, and communication, it simplifies integrating locally produced goods into retail offerings. For producers, the platform opens access to larger markets. For retailers, it helps them meet the growing demand for local goods. Ultimately, this strengthens local economies and reduces supply chain environmental footprints. B4food: traceability and safety made simple B4Food ensures food safety and supply chain transparency through a platform powered by blockchain and AI. It simplifies the management of inventory, recipes, and compliance data for businesses. The platform’s eco-conscious features, such as real-time tracking and eco-scores, offer practical tools to improve operations. These innovations reduce waste while helping businesses stay compliant with food safety standards. Ida: AI-powered fresh stock management Ida uses artificial intelligence to simplify managing fresh produce in retail. By forecasting demand and optimizing inventory processes, the platform helps retailers minimize losses and reduce waste. Ida integrates seamlessly with central purchasing systems. This ensures fresh products are available when needed, without overstocking, making it ideal for large retailers. Freshflow: demand forecasting for fresh produce Freshflow uses demand forecasting technology to improve fresh inventory management. By analyzing sales trends and consumer behavior, the platform reduces overstocking and spoilage. Its ability to improve product availability while minimizing waste aligns with retailers’ need for efficiency. Freshflow supports sustainable food retail practices that address growing consumer expectations. Ugofresh: real-time supply chain optimization UgoFresh offers a real-time platform for managing ultra-fresh product supply chains. It connects suppliers, distributors, and retailers to enable seamless communication and better coordination. This focus on transparency and waste reduction makes UgoFresh a key player in optimizing perishable goods supply chains. By improving supply chain efficiency, it supports retailers in meeting the demand for fresh, high-quality products. These startups are tackling practical challenges in food retail, from reducing waste to improving supply chain efficiency. Their innovations show how technology can make food retail more effective and sustainable. To learn more about the future of food, subscribe to our FoodTech newsletter here for weekly insights from the industry !
Tech for Retail 2024 in Paris showcased groundbreaking food retail innovations, emphasizing how technologies like AI, data analytics, and in-store digitization are transforming physical stores, customer experiences, and omnichannel strategies. Sesamers explored how these advancements are shaping the future of food retail technology. Check out our latest article highlighting the best food retail startups spotted at Tech For Retail 2024 here. The return of the physical store in Food Retail innovation Digitization of physical stores In recent years, investments in retail digitization primarily focused on e-commerce and back-end processes, leaving physical stores behind. However, the next decade will see a significant shift as physical stores undergo a technological transformation. Why Now? Innovations like digitized store operations, connected retail, and data-driven commerce are enabling retailers to reimagine the role of physical stores. Food Retail media: the evolution of in-store advertising From posters to digital campaignsThe era of static in-store advertising is fading, giving way to dynamic digital solutions. Companies like Vision Group are pioneering these changes with tools like “Engage,” which enables retailers to: Retailers face the challenge of balancing modern digital tools with familiar elements to maintain a comfortable and engaging shopping environment. Artificial Intelligence: experimenting with potential AI continues to be a focal point, with retailers experimenting to identify the most impactful applications. The focus at Tech for Retail 2024 was on practical use cases, such as: Case study: Carrefour’s HoplaCarrefour introduced “Hopla,” an AI-powered chatbot built with OpenAI technology, to enhance the shopping experience: Hopla demonstrates how AI can combine practicality with consumer-centric features to build loyalty and efficiency. AI in product developmentIn 2023, Coca-Cola released “Year 3000” a product co-created with AI, showcasing its role in trend-driven product creation. Startups like Beink Dream, winners of the Tech for Retail Startup Award, leverage AI to transform ideas into visuals and refine them in real time. Their technology has been used in the CPG industry to create innovative packaging designs. Data: the foundation of modern retail Retailers are transforming into data powerhouses, but the emphasis is shifting from raw data to actionable insights: In an era of supply chain volatility and rising consumer expectations for efficiency, actionable data has become indispensable. Personalization and ROI-driven innovation Food retailers are not just seeking technology; they are demanding value-driven innovation that aligns with their operational needs. Innovation must go beyond flashy concepts—it needs to prove its relevance and impact. Conclusion Tech for Retail 2024 highlighted that the future of food retail is a fusion of technology, innovation, and consumer-centric strategies. Physical stores are reclaiming their importance as hubs of data, logistics, and consumer engagement. Entrepreneurs and retailers must focus on solutions that are cost-efficient, intuitive, and impactful for both businesses and consumers. Interested in learning more about the future of food ? Subscribe to our Foodtech newsletter for weekly insights !
Dutch healthtech startup OASYS NOW won the Slush 100 startup competition, and is on a mission to connect patients to better treatments.
How Tradition Shapes Our Taste Preferences One of the central ideas Mario shared was how deeply tradition and memory shape our taste preferences. “Even if you don’t want to talk about tradition as a good value, think of it as habit and memory,” Mario explains. Neuroscience in food innovation helps brands understand the ways our memories and traditions impact our preferences. This insight allows companies to develop products that resonate emotionally with consumers, creating more meaningful connections to their brands. Watch the full video podcast with Mario recorded at SIAL Paris on YouTube now: The Science of Sensory Memory in Food In the new podcast episode Mario highlighted how neuroscience can break down the elements of sensory memory, a critical factor in food innovation. He says, “We can put a number on how the brain interacts with food from a familiarity standpoint.” By understanding these responses, brands can identify which ingredients or flavors connect positively with consumers, and which might need adjustment to gain acceptance. This is the science behind creating memorable, repeatable food experiences that align with consumer habits. Using Neuroscience to Nudge Healthier Eating Changing eating habits is no easy feat, but neuroscience in food innovation can offer a solution. Mario shared how Thimus works with brands to use data-driven insights to gently encourage consumers toward healthier choices. “The idea of converting people to healthier food is valid, but they don’t change because it doesn’t taste good or click with them,” he notes. By aligning taste with emotional resonance, Thimus helps brands make healthier options more appealing, paving the way for better eating habits. Leveraging Nostalgia for Product Acceptance Mario introduced the concept of “food nostalgia,” where familiar aromas or flavors evoke memories, making new products feel more comfortable and enjoyable. “Sometimes food nostalgia is not about the product being good but the context it reminds people of,” Mario explains. For brands, understanding these cues is invaluable for creating products that feel like home and promote positive emotions, which are essential for product acceptance in new markets. The Future of Personalized Food Products Looking ahead, Mario envisions a future where food products are tailored more closely to specific cultures and preferences. “This industry is not yet designed to be flexible, but it will have to adapt,” he says. Advances in AI and neuroscience will enable brands to customize flavors and experiences for diverse consumers, meeting demands for cultural and sensory relevance. The goal is to create foods that people connect with naturally, ensuring that brands stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market. Find Mario on: LinkedIn: Mario Ubiali YouTube: @thimus8594 Find Ben on: LinkedIn: Ben Costantini Twitter/X: @bencostantini Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!
Our latest Podcast
Featuring Beatriz Jacoste
In this episode recorded during SIAL Paris 2024, Beatriz Jacoste, Director of Valencia-based KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, discusses creating a sustainable food future through innovation, collaboration, and education.
From tackling soil degradation to engaging with younger generations, Beatriz highlights the need for systemic change and cooperation across the food industry.
Events Save the Dates
CES 2025
For more than half a century, CES® has championed the very spirit of innovation that makes revolutionary ideas a reality, uniting the brightest tech luminaries in one place to pioneer the future and solve the world's most delicate problems.
Horecava
Horecava brings together a diverse audience from hospitality, catering, and food service sectors to explore innovations in food tech, sustainability, and culinary trends, making it a vital networking and idea-sharing hub for industry professionals.
Grüne Woche
Grüne Woche is one of the leading exhibitions for the agriculture and food industry, offering an ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase innovative products and solutions. This event not only highlights cutting-edge developments but also addresses critical societal issues such as climate protection, the circular economy, resource conservation, and sustainable land use.
Winter fancy food show
The Winter Fancy Food Show highlights premium and artisanal foods from around the world, showcasing everything from small-batch creations to organic and sustainably-sourced products, connecting specialty food brands with retailers and distributors.
Sirha
Sirha Lyon gathers the entire food service and hospitality ecosystem, offering a global stage for innovation, competitions, and knowledge-sharing. It’s where professionals come to discover the latest trends, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the industry.
Board Of Innovation
Welcome to AUTONOMOUS, the summit where the brightest minds in AI explore the cutting edge of AI for business, strategy, innovation and transformation. This is our third time gathering a global community of leaders, disruptors and industry titans to discover not just what AI can do faster and cheaper, but how it’s fundamentally reshaping our world. From the boardroom to the lab, from design studios to space stations, AI is redefining the possible.
Zero To One L’ÉVÉNEMENT
This event is designed to inspire and connect entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech enthusiasts. It features conferences, keynotes, and roundtable discussions aimed at fostering creativity, innovation, and growth in the startup ecosystem
Startup Day
sTARTUp Day is bringing together 3500+ startup-minded people to celebrate entrepreneurship in the smart city of Tartu.
ISM Cologne
ISM Cologne brings together industry leaders and emerging brands in the sweets and snacks sector, offering insights into the latest products, trends, and technologies shaping the global confectionery and snack markets.
ProSweets
This event covers the entire industrial value chain of the confectionery and snack industry, including finished products, raw materials, technology, and packaging.
Platform Overview: Key Features and Benefits
- Free Job Board: Post jobs and find top talent for free.
- Call for Startups: Showcase your startup to investors, events, and potential clients.
- Exclusive Events Access: Attend top tech events across Europe.
- Perks: Enjoy discounts, premium tools, and special offers.
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Join as a blog contributor! Enjoy Tech event passes, grow your network, and boost your personal brand. Ideal for students, entrepreneurs, and journalists. Flexible role.
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We are looking for a hands-on co-founder CTO to lead our tech team and build our media and SaaS platform, offering events, job boards, perks, and more.
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Help discover startups and connect them with opportunities through Sesamers’ European network.