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The Must-Attend Tech Events & Tradeshows in Europe for 2025
Tech is evolving faster than ever, and in 2025, staying ahead isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. From AI breakthroughs to game-changing startups, Europe’s tech scene is buzzing with opportunities to connect, innovate, and scale. This year, the continent will once again host some of the most influential tech events, where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders come together to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape the future. Whether you’re a startup founder seeking funding, a corporate leader driving transformation, or an ecosystem builder scouting the next big trend, these must-attend European tech events are where big ideas turn into reality. Don’t miss out! What Are the Top Tech Events in Europe for 2025? MID3M+ 2025 January 24-27 | Cannes, France MID3M+ is a leading music industry event that serves as a neutral platform for discussions, collaboration, and innovation. Held in France, it brings together artists, industry professionals, policymakers, and tech innovators to tackle the current and future challenges of the music industry. With a focus on digital transformation, policy alignment, and emerging trends, MID3M+ fosters meaningful debates and strategic partnerships, shaping the future of music, media, and entertainment on a global scale. GoWest Conference 2025 January 28-30 | Gothenburg, Sweden Held in Gothenburg, West Sweden, this leading venture capital forum serves as a key hub for startups, scaleups, and investors, showcasing the region’s rich industrial heritage and forward-thinking innovation. The event offers a prime opportunity for networking, matchmaking, and presenting cutting-edge research and development, reinforcing Sweden’s role in tech growth and investment. TechChill Riga 2025 February 5-7 | Riga, Latvia One of the Baltic region’s leading tech and startup events, this Riga-based gathering will unite global and local investors, founders, and key ecosystem players. With over 2,300 attendees, 310 startups, and 230 investors, the event will spotlight Frontier Technologies, Startup Growth, and Industry Shifts, while showcasing the latest emerging innovations. Techarena 2025 February 20-21 | Stockholm, Sweden This flagship Scandinavian event will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in a dynamic setting. With a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, the program features keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, fostering collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. 4YFN & MWC Barcelona 2025 March 3-6 | Barcelona, Spain Taking place side by side, 4YFN (4 Years From Now) and Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona create one of the most significant global gatherings for startups, investors, and technology leaders. 4YFN is the ultimate platform for early-stage companies, focusing on startup growth and fundraising opportunities, while MWC Barcelona serves as the world’s largest mobile and connectivity event, showcasing advancements in 5G, AI, fintech, IoT, and digital transformation. With 100,000+ visitors at once, Barcelona becomes the perfect hub for networking, deal-making, and trendspotting in early 2025. JEC World 2025 March 4-6 | Paris, France JEC World is the leading global event for the composites industry, bringing together innovators, researchers, and manufacturers to showcase cutting-edge materials, technologies, and applications. The event serves as a hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities, shaping the future of composites and advanced materials across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. A key highlight is JEC Investor Day, where startups and scaleups in the composites sector connect with top investors, fostering funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to drive industry innovation. hello tomorrow Global Summit 2025 March 13-14 | Paris, France Founded in 2011, Hello Tomorrow’s Global Summit is a leading event dedicated to advancing deep tech solutions that drive progress in human and planetary health. The summit brings together startups, investors, corporates, and researchers, with a focus on science-driven and engineering-based innovations. By highlighting breakthrough technologies that tackle global challenges and unlock new market opportunities, it fosters a cross-disciplinary ecosystem beyond traditional industry boundaries. START Summit 2025 March 20-21 | St. Gallen, Switzerland This prestigious event provides 30 early-stage startups with a unique platform to showcase their ventures to industry leaders, experienced founders, and top European venture capitalists. Designed to inspire both current and future innovators, the event builds momentum through Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and a high-stakes Final, making it an exciting highlight for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Tech.eu 2025 March 25-26 | London, UK A must-attend event for European startups, VCs, and ecosystem leaders, Tech.eu Summit focuses on scaling startups, venture capital trends, and deep tech innovations. If you’re looking for data-driven insights into the European startup ecosystem, this is the place to be. 0100 Europe 2025 April 2-4 | Amsterdam, Netherlands A high-level private equity and venture capital conference where top fund managers, investors, and startups gather to discuss trends in the investment landscape. If you’re a founder looking to meet VCs or an investor scouting for promising startups, this event provides exclusive deal-making opportunities. Gitex Europe 2025 April 21-23 | Berlin, Germany Gitex Europe is a massive global technology event, originally from Dubai, now expanding into Europe for the first time. Covering AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and deep tech, this event is perfect for corporates, investors, and startups pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. EU Startups Summit 2025 April 24-25 | Valetta, Malta Bringing together over 2,000 founders, investors, and ecosystem players, EU Startups Summit is one of Europe’s leading startup conferences. The event features pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and insights from top European entrepreneurs, making it an excellent place to connect with early-stage startups and venture capitalists. ChangeNOW 2025 April 24-26 | Paris, France Set to take place in Paris, this influential event aims to accelerate and inspire change for a more sustainable future. Bringing together over 1,000 innovative solutions and 500 speakers, it serves as a meeting point for change-makers from various industries. The event offers a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact in tackling global challenges. Turing Fest 2025 May 7-8 | Edinburgh, Scotland Turing Fest is one of Europe’s top conferences for startup growth, product development, and scaling businesses. Bringing together founders, operators, and investors, the event features expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking, making it a must-attend for those looking to build and scale successful tech […] -
Paper: “Switching data centers to green power sources will not be enough to decarbonize AI”
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Tech for Resilience: Launching VDS Startup Competition’s 2025 call for entries
Concerns around revenue growth skyrocketed among European founders this year, the Slush’s annual Startup Struggle Survey found out.
With more than 200 talks on four stages, not to mention the side events, Slush 2024 had so much content to offer that you probably missed some even if you were there. And if you missed it altogether, here are four trends that caught our attention: Second-hand is going mainstream Two high-profile figures of second-hand marketplaces were speakers at Slush 2024: former Depop CEO Maria Ragu, and Vinted co-founder Milda Mitkute. The two companies are incredible success stories in terms of adoption, and also as businesses. Vinted is now valued at €5 billion valuation, and Etsy acquired Depop for some $1.625 billion. “Depop returned 25 times our money,” Creandum general partner Fredrik Cassel said on stage during his fireside chat with Maria. While both entrepreneurs have moved on (Maria, to VC, and Milda, to edtech), second-hand itself is here to stay, and not just in the background. It’s already blatant in Helsinki, where pre-owned items are a shopping highlight. Premium second-hand clothing can even be found right inside Stockmann, the city’s largest and fanciest department store, and at the airport, where Finnish family business Relove has its own shops, complete with cafés. But the trend goes well beyond Scandinavia, or clothing; for instance, pre-owned is no longer a taboo for Christmas gifts, and it will be interesting to see if French unicorn Back Market has any numbers to share in January on how many refurbished electronics made their way under the tree during this holiday season. Medtech: The time is now The startup that won this year’s Slush 100 competition was OASYS NOW, a solution to connect patients with clinical trials. It is a sign that there is still a lot to be done in healthtech, but also that startups can help. “Unfortunately healthcare has been quite a drought when it comes to adoption of innovation and technology. We are here to make a difference,” its CEO Nima Salami told Sesamers. OASYS NOW wasn’t the only healthtech company on stage, including during the finals: Top 3 finalist Mohana Health is a platform to navigate perimenopause. According to its founder and CEO, Dora Jambor it relieves symptoms thanks to three key ingredients: “precision, personalized care and behavioral psychology.” With smart ring maker Oura Health now valued at $5 billion and establishing itself as one of Finland’s top success stories, it is only natural that Slush would be one place where investors are on the lookout for medtech innovation. AstraZeneca’s A.Catalyst Network (A.CN), for instance, was created in 2021 and has been attending the conference every year since then. Don’t sleep on Roblox Roblox is “a sleeping giant to us adults who weren’t playing,” Gamefam chief business officer Ricardo Briceno said. And while we were sleeping, a lot happened: Time spent on the platform skyrocketed, and esthetics changed, too. There’s also more to come, Gamefam CEO Joe Ferencz argued in a keynote. Roblox, he said, “is likely to disrupt gaming, and maybe media itself.” The key here is user-generated content, which is “changing everything.” These conversations took place at a Slush side event dedicated to the future of gaming, but Roblox was also represented at the conference itself. Its Vice President of Civility & Partnerships, Tami Bhaumik, took part in a panel discussing gaming safety. EU regulation for the win? European entrepreneurs have mixed feelings about regulation in the region, to say the least. But Slush also brought examples of how legislation is creating tailwinds for startups in some sectors. One is Slush 100 Top 3 finalist DevAlly, which is helping companies comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which will come into effect on June 28, 2025. “What GDPR did for data protection this act will do for accessibility,” its CEO, Cormac Chisholm, said during his finals pitch. Another example is the textile sector. In a panel featuring Infinited Fiber Company, maker of circular fiber Infinna, and Syre, the recycled polyester venture founded by H&M Group and Vargas Holding, the conversation touched on the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, and how it serves as an incentive for fiber recycling. The startup and investment community in Europe is also taking proactive steps to ensure that regulation plays in its favor. The most emblematic initiative in that sense is EU Inc, a petition to create a pan-European legal status for startups, and which was also a topic of discussion at Slush. It will definitely be worth tracking: If it works out, it could serve as a platform to introduce other changes that would better serve the startup ecosystem in the EU and beyond.
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.
So, you’ve built something remarkable, your startup is buzzing, and you’re thinking: “It’s time for the world to know about this!” Engaging in public relations (PR) may seem like the next logical step. But before you pop the champagne and start drafting press releases, take a step back. Is PR the right move for your startup right now? Like all good things, timing and intention are everything. The “why” and “when” of PR are two sides of the same coin, making it essential to explore both together. Whether PR will be a game-changer for your startup—or a frustrating drain on resources—depends on understanding your motivations and timing. Let’s break it down! Why PR? The Benefits for Startups Storytelling, Image, and Trust. At its core, PR is about storytelling. You’ve developed something incredible, but it’s not enough for your team to know that—you need your target audience, investors, and the media to know it, too. A well-executed PR strategy builds trust, enhances your brand’s image, and amplifies your message. It shapes how your company is perceived at every customer journey stage. Good PR also boosts brand awareness. You enter public consciousness by sharing your story through media coverage, speaking engagements, and podcasts. It’s not just about people knowing your name; it’s about them understanding why they should care. Building Relationships with Key Stakeholders PR isn’t just about communicating with customers; it’s about establishing relationships with essential stakeholders, including financial regulators, government bodies, and potential partners. Strategic PR positions your startup as a trustworthy and credible player in the market, opening doors to partnerships, hiring opportunities, and other valuable relationships. Attracting Top Talent While a competitive paycheck is attractive, today’s top talent seeks more than just financial compensation. PR can help establish your startup as an exciting workplace. A positive media presence builds a reputation that attracts the best minds in the industry. Fundraising Opportunities Venture capitalists (VCs) love a compelling story. Can you blame them? PR can generate buzz, craft a narrative around your startup, and help position you as the next big thing. While money talks, media attention speaks volumes—investors are looking for market opportunities and innovative founders capable of scaling their businesses. Understanding Newsworthiness It’s crucial to recognize what makes a story appealing to the media. Newsworthiness hinges on relevance, timeliness, and impact. Journalists seek stories that capture their audience’s attention. If your startup solves a real problem, disrupts an industry, or raises significant funding, you’ve got newsworthiness. Conversely, if your startup is still in the idea phase with little to showcase, PR might not be effective yet. Here’s a quick breakdown of newsworthy stories that journalists typically cover for startups: Startups that can share compelling stories, statistics, and case studies have a better chance of getting media attention. Why Not to Start PR (Yet) It may seem controversial for a PR agency founder to share the downsides of early-stage PR, but we want the work to be effective. Sometimes, it’s simply too soon! Jumping into PR prematurely can backfire. If you’re pursuing PR solely for vanity—trying to get press coverage without a substantial story—you’ll quickly deplete resources with minimal return. Consider your customer journey: what role could PR play in optimizing your funnel? If you successfully acquire customers through performance marketing and have limited resources, it may be wiser to continue focusing on ads. When Should You Start Doing PR? PR isn’t a magic switch you flip on whenever you feel like it. Timing is crucial, and knowing when PR will deliver value for your startup is essential. Here are key questions to consider: When Is Your Startup Newsworthy? The answer is straightforward: the bigger and more successful you are, the more newsworthy you become. However, you can maximize your current newsworthiness at any stage. Is NOT Doing PR Costing You? You might miss opportunities if your startup is scaling but not engaging in PR. Every unreported newsworthy event means potential customers, investors, or partners miss out on exposure and trust and may turn to competitors instead. Determine when neglecting PR becomes an opportunity cost. Is trust vital in your customer acquisition, hiring, or fundraising efforts? Does Your Team Have the Bandwidth? PR isn’t just something you outsource and forget about. It requires input from your team, whether reviewing press releases or providing insights for thought leadership pieces. Ideally, the intellectual overseer of PR should be a founder, preferably the CEO. If you’re too busy building your product or seeking your next round of funding, and no one else can provide strategic input, it may not be the right time for PR. Budget and Timing Considerations PR is an investment that requires proper budgeting. Ask yourself: do you have the resources to commit to PR long-term? PR is most effective when consistent; sporadic media attention rarely yields sustained results. If your marketing budget is tight, consider prioritizing other areas, such as sales or product development. However, a well-timed funding announcement or significant news can lay the groundwork for future PR efforts. When Not to Do PR PR won’t be effective if you have nothing to say. If you’re too early in your journey, too busy to participate, or not newsworthy yet. You can always return to PR when you have compelling stories to share. Understanding what is newsworthy and what isn’t is crucial, so ensure you study this aspect thoroughly. Let’s Wrap This Up! PR can be a powerful tool for startups—but only when executed at the right time and for the right reasons. When your startup is ready—with news to share, a story to tell, and the capacity to support a PR campaign—PR can help propel you to new heights. With a little self-awareness and the right timing, PR can be the catalyst that takes your startup from unknown to unforgettable!
The Venue Barcelona, a new hub for innovation in music, sports, and events, recently opened with an inaugural event featuring over 120 companies. This dynamic ecosystem, home to notable names like Barcelona Music Tech Hub and Live Nation Entertainment, serves as a collaborative incubator, fostering innovation among corporations, startups, and organizations.
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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.
Discover the top 5 venture capital firms in Iceland, crucial in nurturing the nation's tech startups and propelling Iceland into the spotlight as a burgeoning hub for innovation in Europe.
Explore how French startup Stokelp is tackling food waste in the supply chain with a B2B marketplace for surplus raw materials. Learn about their environmental impact, significant growth, and ambitious plans to reduce European food waste by 50% by 2025.
Explore the top 10 PR agencies in Europe for startups, specializing in brand visibility, investor attraction, and reputation growth.
Joanna Kirk, Tech & Event PR Expert, co-hosted an interactive panel discussion on how to deal with the press in 2024 with journalist Anna Heim (TechCrunch). In the fast-paced world of technology and startups, staying ahead of the curve requires insight, innovation, and collaboration/community/collective. This ethos was at the forefront of the recent Sesame Summit 2024, held for the first time in the picturesque coastal city of Biarritz, France. As an exclusive gathering of 50 handpicked guests from across Europe and beyond, including VC heads of communications, tech event organizers, and industry experts, the Summit served as a beacon of inspiration, a catalyst for change and a vibrant community gathering. During the Summit, participants delved deep into the evolving landscape of tech events, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. Throughout informal discussions and debate panels, the Summit provided a platform for thought leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge meaningful connections. Insights from the PR Panel Discussion: Navigating the Changing Media Landscape During the panel discussion on “How to Deal with the Press in 2024,” we delved deep into the evolving media landscape. Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion: Blurred Boundaries: As communication channels multiply and digital landscapes evolve, the once clear-cut lines between PR and communication are blurring. Navigating this ambiguity demands a nuanced understanding of evolving media dynamics and a willingness to adapt strategies accordingly. AI’s Impact: AI tools have impacted communications and media workflows, automating certain tasks and streamlining processes. Some of the tools mentioned include Otter.AI, Descript or ContentAI. Yet, with this efficiency also comes an inundation of content and a heightened demand for differentiation, challenging communications and PR professionals to cut through the noise and deliver truly impactful narratives. Content Avalanche: Anna mentioned that the exponential surge in content volume has left journalists grappling with an avalanche of pitches and stories, amplifying the competition for attention. Standing out amidst this deluge necessitates a commitment to quality, relevance, and authenticity in storytelling. Events are an important means of connecting with journalists and building meaningful relationships. Evolving Partnerships: Traditional media partnerships are undergoing a lot of change, with brands and media outlets seeking innovative collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries. This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring brands to navigate shifting landscapes and forge authentic connections with their audiences. How to create the best experience for journalists at events: Some key considerations include providing journalists with key information ahead of the event, avoiding scheduling conflicts with other events, facilitating interviews and networking, having a dedicated press lounge, ensuring moments of connection with speakers, providing guidance to meet key players & startups, providing moderation opportunities, avoiding spamming, curated content, and a local ecosystem press tour. Conclusion Beyond the panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and contribute to the collective advancement of the industry. From candid conversations to spirited debates in breakout sessions, we were able to talk about the realities, challenges, and opportunities that define the tech event landscape. While the Summit provided a platform for immediate dialogue and exchange, the impact also lies in the ongoing conversations and collaborations that continue after the event has concluded. As someone who attended all eight Summit editions and took part in their inception, I was curious to see if the Summits’ essence, which consisted of informal discussions, community connections, and lively debates addressing collective topics in our industry, was still relevant. The end of the Summit confirmed the feeling I had the first few minutes I set foot at Biarritz Aquarium at the welcome event, which is that there is still a need for moments/gatherings/a dedicated platform like this. And of course, communities, event formats, and challenges continuously evolve, but I believe that may be the exact reason why the essence of the Summit is alive and kicking.
These 20 finalists will pitch on stage during JEC World 2025 as part of the JEC Composites Startup Booster.
FoodTech & AgriTech
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Here’s the ultimate curated list of 44 must-attend events for Food & Beverages startups in 2025. Compiled by our FoodTech experts, this comprehensive guide covers Food & Beverages events happening across Europe, Asia and the U.S in 2025. Designed for founders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, it’s your go-to resource for exploring the latest FoodTech innovations! Horecava January 13-16, Amsterdam – Netherlands Expected participants : 60000 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. Winter Fancy Food Show January 19-21, Las Vegas – United States Expected participants : 13000 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. Grüne Woche January 17-26, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 275000 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. Sirha January 23-27, Lyon – France Expected participants : 200000 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. ISM Cologne February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 30000 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. Pro Sweets February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 13000 Leading global event for suppliers and decision-makers in the snacks and sweets industry. This event covers the entire industrial value chain of the confectionery and snack industry, including finished products, raw materials, technology, and packaging. Fruit Logistica February 5-7, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 66000 Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading international trade fair for fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and tree nuts. Manifest February 10-12, Las-Vegas – United States Expected participants : 6000 The premiere gathering that unites the entire eco-system of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Biofach February 11-14, Nuremberg – Germany Expected participants : 35000 Biofach provides a comprehensive showcase of organic products, from raw ingredients to packaged goods. It draws a global audience of professionals dedicated to sustainability, offering insights into organic food trends and opportunities for partnerships in the green sector. Gulfood February 17-21, Dubai – UAE Expected participants : 100000 Gulfood attracts an international audience of food professionals, highlighting a wide range of products from emerging markets and offering insights into regional consumer trends, trade opportunities, and innovations in food and beverage. AFCI Con February 22-25, Dallas – United States Expected participants : 1500 AFCI Con is where frozen food industry leaders connect, showcasing new products, technologies, and strategies for sustainability and efficiency. It provides a platform for collaboration, industry insights, and exploring trends in frozen foods. Natural Products Expo West March 4-7, Anaheim – United States Expected participants : 65000 Natural Products Expo West brings together the CPG and retail ecosystem, featuring the latest in organic, natural, and sustainable products. It’s a key event for discovering emerging brands and trends focused on health, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Food Expo March 8-10, Athens – Greece Expected participants : 35000 Food Expo showcases a vast array of food products, from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat offerings. It’s an essential hub for professionals seeking to explore trends, develop partnerships, and discover business opportunities across the industry. World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit March 11-12, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 2500 The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit gathers leaders from agri-food businesses, tech providers, and investors for networking, market intelligence, and discovering startups. Attendees engage in high-level discussions on innovation and investment in agriculture. Foodex March 11-15, Chiba – Japan Expected participants : 80000 Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, emphasizing innovation and market expansion. It showcases a diverse range of Asian and international food products, focusing on food tech, sustainability, and regional specialties. It serves as a major platform for business networking, culinary trends, and market insights. Future FoodTech March 13-14, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 1450 Future Food-Tech brings together global food corporates, investors and technology start-ups from around the world to uncover the most exciting innovations in the agri-food sector, forging the right partnerships to take those solutions to market. IFE March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 IFE (International Food & Drink Event) is where food professionals come to explore thousands of products from around the world, connect with new suppliers, and discover innovative trends and solutions shaping the food and drink industry. HRC March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 Connects the industry’s most influential hospitality experts, chefs, and operators with the finest suppliers in the market, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in equipment, services, technology and more. Food Hotel Tech March 19-20, Paris – France Expected participants : 8000 Food Hotel Tech brings together digital tools, eco-friendly products, and tech innovations aimed at transforming the hospitality industry. It’s a hub for hotel and restaurant professionals to discover sustainable and tech-driven solutions. World Food Poland April 8-10, Warsaw – Poland Expected participants : 5000 World Food offers a comprehensive showcase of food products from around the world, connecting suppliers and buyers to explore emerging trends, expand into new markets, and discover innovative solutions in the food and beverage industry. FHA Asia April 8-11, Singapore Expected participants : 72000 Food & Hotel Asia brings together an international audience, featuring a wide array of F&B products, hospitality solutions, and […]
Richie Gray, Vice President and Global Head of SnackFutures Ventures at Mondelēz International, shared insights on driving innovation in snacking.
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The idea that our diet affects our appearance is nothing new. For years, foods like carrots have been praised for improving skin tone, while chocolate has been blamed for breakouts. What’s new is the rise of beauty-focused food products. Gone are the days of relying only on natural remedies or consuming large quantities of specific foods. Now, processed, beauty-enhancing snacks are emerging, offering convenience, indulgence, and targeted benefits for skin, hair, and nails. Beauty food: tasting the glow Innova Market Insights has identified “Beauty Food” as a key trend for 2025. They predict that consumers will increasingly seek beauty claims in functional nutrition. From October 2019 to September 2024, product launches with skin-health claims grew by 15%, with Europe accounting for 39% of these launches. This surge in beauty food reflects a cultural shift: younger generations are more aware of how diet impacts their appearance. In response, brands are launching innovative processed foods and snacks that combine beauty benefits with indulgent experiences. Key nutrients powering the beauty food trend Key ingredients in this trend include: Proteins, magnesium, and fibers are often included in these products to deliver well-rounded health benefits. From supplements to snacks The beauty food category has evolved beyond traditional supplements, entering the world of snacks and indulgent treats. Some notable examples include: What’s next for beauty food? As food personalization gains momentum, the beauty food market is set to grow even further. Products could increasingly target specific concerns, such as anti-aging, skin hydration, or acne prevention. Beauty-enhancing claims could potentially expand into new food categories, such as pasta, granola, or even ready-to-eat meals, making beauty-focused nutrition more accessible and seamlessly integrated into daily life. While collagen is likely to remain a key ingredient in this space, we may see other innovative components emerge as this category continues to evolve. What was once a niche concept could now be reshaping both the food and beauty industries, paving the way for a future where beauty and nutrition are more closely linked. Make sure to subscribe to our weekly FoodTech newsletter and get the latest FoodTech insights delivered straight to your inbox!
In an interview on the Selected podcast, La Belle Vie CEO and Frichti co-CEO Paul Lê shared the journey of his company from its inception ten years ago to becoming a €100 million business leveraging AI and robotics for more efficient deliveries.
In this podcast episode, Alexandre Leboeuf, VP of Open Innovation and Partnerships at Sodexo, shares insights into how Sodexo is driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and collaborating with startups to build a more resilient food ecosystem. Topics include waste reduction, empowering employees, and the role of technology in transforming food services.
Here’s the ultimate curated list of 44 must-attend events for Food & Beverages startups in 2025. Compiled by our FoodTech experts, this comprehensive guide covers Food & Beverages events happening across Europe, Asia and the U.S in 2025. Designed for founders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, it’s your go-to resource for exploring the latest FoodTech innovations! Horecava January 13-16, Amsterdam – Netherlands Expected participants : 60000 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. Winter Fancy Food Show January 19-21, Las Vegas – United States Expected participants : 13000 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. Grüne Woche January 17-26, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 275000 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. Sirha January 23-27, Lyon – France Expected participants : 200000 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. ISM Cologne February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 30000 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. Pro Sweets February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 13000 Leading global event for suppliers and decision-makers in the snacks and sweets industry. This event covers the entire industrial value chain of the confectionery and snack industry, including finished products, raw materials, technology, and packaging. Fruit Logistica February 5-7, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 66000 Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading international trade fair for fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and tree nuts. Manifest February 10-12, Las-Vegas – United States Expected participants : 6000 The premiere gathering that unites the entire eco-system of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Biofach February 11-14, Nuremberg – Germany Expected participants : 35000 Biofach provides a comprehensive showcase of organic products, from raw ingredients to packaged goods. It draws a global audience of professionals dedicated to sustainability, offering insights into organic food trends and opportunities for partnerships in the green sector. Gulfood February 17-21, Dubai – UAE Expected participants : 100000 Gulfood attracts an international audience of food professionals, highlighting a wide range of products from emerging markets and offering insights into regional consumer trends, trade opportunities, and innovations in food and beverage. AFCI Con February 22-25, Dallas – United States Expected participants : 1500 AFCI Con is where frozen food industry leaders connect, showcasing new products, technologies, and strategies for sustainability and efficiency. It provides a platform for collaboration, industry insights, and exploring trends in frozen foods. Natural Products Expo West March 4-7, Anaheim – United States Expected participants : 65000 Natural Products Expo West brings together the CPG and retail ecosystem, featuring the latest in organic, natural, and sustainable products. It’s a key event for discovering emerging brands and trends focused on health, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Food Expo March 8-10, Athens – Greece Expected participants : 35000 Food Expo showcases a vast array of food products, from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat offerings. It’s an essential hub for professionals seeking to explore trends, develop partnerships, and discover business opportunities across the industry. World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit March 11-12, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 2500 The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit gathers leaders from agri-food businesses, tech providers, and investors for networking, market intelligence, and discovering startups. Attendees engage in high-level discussions on innovation and investment in agriculture. Foodex March 11-15, Chiba – Japan Expected participants : 80000 Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, emphasizing innovation and market expansion. It showcases a diverse range of Asian and international food products, focusing on food tech, sustainability, and regional specialties. It serves as a major platform for business networking, culinary trends, and market insights. Future FoodTech March 13-14, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 1450 Future Food-Tech brings together global food corporates, investors and technology start-ups from around the world to uncover the most exciting innovations in the agri-food sector, forging the right partnerships to take those solutions to market. IFE March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 IFE (International Food & Drink Event) is where food professionals come to explore thousands of products from around the world, connect with new suppliers, and discover innovative trends and solutions shaping the food and drink industry. HRC March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 Connects the industry’s most influential hospitality experts, chefs, and operators with the finest suppliers in the market, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in equipment, services, technology and more. Food Hotel Tech March 19-20, Paris – France Expected participants : 8000 Food Hotel Tech brings together digital tools, eco-friendly products, and tech innovations aimed at transforming the hospitality industry. It’s a hub for hotel and restaurant professionals to discover sustainable and tech-driven solutions. World Food Poland April 8-10, Warsaw – Poland Expected participants : 5000 World Food offers a comprehensive showcase of food products from around the world, connecting suppliers and buyers to explore emerging trends, expand into new markets, and discover innovative solutions in the food and beverage industry. FHA Asia April 8-11, Singapore Expected participants : 72000 Food & Hotel Asia brings together an international audience, featuring a wide array of F&B products, hospitality solutions, and […]
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.
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The Must-Attend Tech Events & Tradeshows in Europe for 2025
Tech is evolving faster than ever, and in 2025, staying ahead isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. From AI breakthroughs to game-changing startups, Europe’s tech scene is buzzing with opportunities to connect, innovate, and scale. This year, the continent will once again host some of the most influential tech events, where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders come together to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape the future. Whether you’re a startup founder seeking funding, a corporate leader driving transformation, or an ecosystem builder scouting the next big trend, these must-attend European tech events are where big ideas turn into reality. Don’t miss out! What Are the Top Tech Events in Europe for 2025? MID3M+ 2025 January 24-27 | Cannes, France MID3M+ is a leading music industry event that serves as a neutral platform for discussions, collaboration, and innovation. Held in France, it brings together artists, industry professionals, policymakers, and tech innovators to tackle the current and future challenges of the music industry. With a focus on digital transformation, policy alignment, and emerging trends, MID3M+ fosters meaningful debates and strategic partnerships, shaping the future of music, media, and entertainment on a global scale. GoWest Conference 2025 January 28-30 | Gothenburg, Sweden Held in Gothenburg, West Sweden, this leading venture capital forum serves as a key hub for startups, scaleups, and investors, showcasing the region’s rich industrial heritage and forward-thinking innovation. The event offers a prime opportunity for networking, matchmaking, and presenting cutting-edge research and development, reinforcing Sweden’s role in tech growth and investment. TechChill Riga 2025 February 5-7 | Riga, Latvia One of the Baltic region’s leading tech and startup events, this Riga-based gathering will unite global and local investors, founders, and key ecosystem players. With over 2,300 attendees, 310 startups, and 230 investors, the event will spotlight Frontier Technologies, Startup Growth, and Industry Shifts, while showcasing the latest emerging innovations. Techarena 2025 February 20-21 | Stockholm, Sweden This flagship Scandinavian event will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in a dynamic setting. With a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, the program features keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, fostering collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. 4YFN & MWC Barcelona 2025 March 3-6 | Barcelona, Spain Taking place side by side, 4YFN (4 Years From Now) and Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona create one of the most significant global gatherings for startups, investors, and technology leaders. 4YFN is the ultimate platform for early-stage companies, focusing on startup growth and fundraising opportunities, while MWC Barcelona serves as the world’s largest mobile and connectivity event, showcasing advancements in 5G, AI, fintech, IoT, and digital transformation. With 100,000+ visitors at once, Barcelona becomes the perfect hub for networking, deal-making, and trendspotting in early 2025. JEC World 2025 March 4-6 | Paris, France JEC World is the leading global event for the composites industry, bringing together innovators, researchers, and manufacturers to showcase cutting-edge materials, technologies, and applications. The event serves as a hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities, shaping the future of composites and advanced materials across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. A key highlight is JEC Investor Day, where startups and scaleups in the composites sector connect with top investors, fostering funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to drive industry innovation. hello tomorrow Global Summit 2025 March 13-14 | Paris, France Founded in 2011, Hello Tomorrow’s Global Summit is a leading event dedicated to advancing deep tech solutions that drive progress in human and planetary health. The summit brings together startups, investors, corporates, and researchers, with a focus on science-driven and engineering-based innovations. By highlighting breakthrough technologies that tackle global challenges and unlock new market opportunities, it fosters a cross-disciplinary ecosystem beyond traditional industry boundaries. START Summit 2025 March 20-21 | St. Gallen, Switzerland This prestigious event provides 30 early-stage startups with a unique platform to showcase their ventures to industry leaders, experienced founders, and top European venture capitalists. Designed to inspire both current and future innovators, the event builds momentum through Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and a high-stakes Final, making it an exciting highlight for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Tech.eu 2025 March 25-26 | London, UK A must-attend event for European startups, VCs, and ecosystem leaders, Tech.eu Summit focuses on scaling startups, venture capital trends, and deep tech innovations. If you’re looking for data-driven insights into the European startup ecosystem, this is the place to be. 0100 Europe 2025 April 2-4 | Amsterdam, Netherlands A high-level private equity and venture capital conference where top fund managers, investors, and startups gather to discuss trends in the investment landscape. If you’re a founder looking to meet VCs or an investor scouting for promising startups, this event provides exclusive deal-making opportunities. Gitex Europe 2025 April 21-23 | Berlin, Germany Gitex Europe is a massive global technology event, originally from Dubai, now expanding into Europe for the first time. Covering AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and deep tech, this event is perfect for corporates, investors, and startups pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. EU Startups Summit 2025 April 24-25 | Valetta, Malta Bringing together over 2,000 founders, investors, and ecosystem players, EU Startups Summit is one of Europe’s leading startup conferences. The event features pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and insights from top European entrepreneurs, making it an excellent place to connect with early-stage startups and venture capitalists. ChangeNOW 2025 April 24-26 | Paris, France Set to take place in Paris, this influential event aims to accelerate and inspire change for a more sustainable future. Bringing together over 1,000 innovative solutions and 500 speakers, it serves as a meeting point for change-makers from various industries. The event offers a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact in tackling global challenges. Turing Fest 2025 May 7-8 | Edinburgh, Scotland Turing Fest is one of Europe’s top conferences for startup growth, product development, and scaling businesses. Bringing together founders, operators, and investors, the event features expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking, making it a must-attend for those looking to build and scale successful tech […] -
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