Events

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.

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.

"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.

Dutch healthtech startup OASYS NOW won the Slush 100 startup competition, and is on a mission to connect patients to better treatments.

Food Ingredients Europe is just one week away in Frankfurt, and it promises to be a significant event for both F&B professionals and innovative startups in the food ingredients sector. We spoke with Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Food Ingredients, to preview what makes this event unique and what attendees can expect. What sets Food Ingredients Europe apart from other global food and nutrition innovation events? Fi Europe is unique as Europe’s premier event dedicated exclusively to food ingredients. It is part of a global series with ten Fi events across the world. As the flagship event in Europe, it draws leading industry players and top experts. The event highlights the critical role of the ingredient supply chain—a pivotal stage between raw production and manufacturing—where much of a product’s nutritional value is developed. What emerging trends in food ingredients can attendees look forward to exploring? While many trends reveal themselves on-site, several key themes are expected to shape this year’s event: How do new spaces like the expanded Food Technology area and the Petfood Suppliers Hub address industry demands? How will the new Tasting Bar enhance engagement between exhibitors and attendees? The Tasting Bar brings an interactive experience to Fi Europe. As an ingredient show, it can be hard for attendees to imagine the taste an ingredient can deliver. By sampling finished products that feature these ingredients, buyers get a clearer sense of their flavour and potential applications. Are there any standout projects or breakthrough innovations to watch for? Fi Europe brings innovation from all sides, with both big corporations and smaller companies unveiling groundbreaking concepts. Products launched at the event often reach shelves within 3 to 4 years, positioning Fi Europe as essential for exploring food’s future. What role does Fi Europe play in fostering industry partnerships and opportunities? Fi Europe is a key meeting point for the industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, startups, and organisations to foster collaborations. Key areas like country pavilions and specialised commodity sectors offer targeted networking opportunities. In addition, platforms such as EIT Food Accelerator give startups valuable exposure, helping to strengthen the overall food innovation ecosystem. What’s in store for startups at FI this year ? This year, the Fi Europe Startup Challenge will showcase 20 finalists competing in categories such as plant-based solutions or digital services. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday. The competition offers startups valuable exposure, networking with industry leaders, and the chance to connect with potential partners. It helps them accelerate their growth in the food and beverages sector. For a great overview of the competition check out the 2024 Fi Europe Startup Challenge eMag. Additionally, you can find out who the finalists are this year here. How is Food Ingredients Europe working toward sustainability and environmental responsibility? Fi Europe has taken several steps toward sustainability, including: Environmental Initiatives: Social Initiatives: If you are a startup exhibiting at a Food trade show soon, check out our top tips here to make the most of your experience !

If you’re considering exhibiting at a future trade show, the insights shared by exhibitors at SIAL Paris 2024 can be incredibly valuable. They offer their advice based on their overall experiences as exhibitors and during their pitch sessions in front of a jury.  Here are some key takeaways to help you maximize your experience: Torg: Plan ahead Start your planning well in advance. Create a to-do list and a timeline based on insights from previous events to streamline your preparation. Avoid relying too heavily on external logistics, as managing these can be challenging if you’re not experienced. Ensure that everything is organized and in place to meet your needs. Pitching tips: Keep your pitch short and focused. If you have multiple products or topics, concentrate on one and explore it in-depth within 90 seconds. Use minimal text in your presentations. This helps maintain the audience’s attention on your message rather than distracting them with written content. Lebrin Cbd: Be spontaneous Balance preparation with spontaneity. While practicing your pitch is important, over-rehearsing can create unnecessary pressure and dissatisfaction. Allow yourself to connect more genuinely with your audience by going with the flow during your presentation. VgFryer: Stay proactive Engage actively with attendees and maintain communication with your contacts even after the event. Being persistent and keeping an optimistic outlook can help you foster lasting connections that extend beyond the trade show. Freshjt: Engage through experience Let your products speak for themselves by allowing visitors to sample them before explaining their features. This approach keeps attendees engaged and encourages interaction. Remember that trade shows are about sharing experiences and discovering market opportunities, not just selling products. Networking tips: Create a list of key exhibitors that match your target customer profile to visit during your free hours at the exhibition. While some exhibitors may not have their purchasing or business development managers present, their sales representatives can provide valuable contact information for future connections. Pitching tips: Bring your products to your pitch. If possible, allow attendees in the front rows to try them out to enhance engagement. Avoid technical jargon and focus on key values such as innovation and unique production technology. Most attendees may not fully grasp complex information in just 1-2 minutes. Credits : Biz Today If you’re planning to attend a Food trade show, don’t miss our latest article on maximizing your ROI at these industry gatherings !

For founders, investors, and innovators, Slush 2024 is certainly a standout event, bringing together the brightest minds in tech. With a series of fresh features aimed at building deeper connections and fostering meaningful conversations, Slush continues its mission of elevating the startup ecosystem. Aino Bergius, Slush’s CEO, highlights for Sesamers how the event significantly adapts every year to meet the evolving needs of founders and investors. This year, Slush 2024 generally focuses on a few key areas: enhanced investor access, mentoring, sustainability, and inclusivity. Here’s what you can look forward to in Helsinki on November 20-21, 2024. The Theme of Slush 2024: Metamorphosis This year, Slush has chosen “Metamorphosis” as its theme — eventually a fitting choice for an industry defined by constant change. In the spirit of transformation, Slush 2024 aims to explore how startups can adapt, evolve, and thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Aino Bergius shares that the theme reflects “the dynamic nature of tech and the journey every founder undergoes.” Doubling Down on Founder Focus Slush has always been about connecting founders and investors, and 2024 is no exception. “We’re committed to being the most founder-focused event in the world,” Bergius says. This commitment is evident in the Investor Office Hours, which have doubled in capacity. Startups can meet investors from leading firms like Index Ventures, 500 Global, and Playfair, making the event one of the year’s top networking hubs for founder-investor meetings. Mentoring opportunities have also expanded, allowing founders to connect with experienced speakers and industry experts. Bergius notes that these sessions are designed to “ensure conversations continue long after the stage talks end,” making Slush not just an event, but a springboard for lasting connections. A High-Level Investor Program For venture capitalists, Slush 2024 offers an exclusive lineup of limited partners (LPs), managing assets totaling over $6 trillion. Investor Day returns to its roots at the Cable Factory, creating a unique setting for high-level conversations among investors. Bergius says, “Investor Day is designed to facilitate the most relevant investor-to-investor discussions.” With LP Lounges, roundtables, and one-on-one mentoring, the day is structured to bring out the best insights and opportunities for attendees. Adapting to AI and Climate Trends At Slush 2024 The Slush stage program unquestionably keeps a pulse on the latest tech trends, with this year’s discussions diving into AI, machine learning, and climate tech. In 2023, investments in AI and climate tech took a significant share of the capital in European tech, with AI companies capturing 11% and climate tech 27%. Bergius mentions that the stage will host prominent figures, including Chris Malachowsky of NVIDIA and Thomas Wolf from Hugging Face, both bringing insights into the future of tech. “Slush is hyper-focused on fostering a radically positive culture around entrepreneurship,” she adds, underscoring the event’s mission to drive impactful innovation. Enhanced Matchmaking: The Key to Making the Right Connections Slush’s matchmaking platform has always been a crowd favorite, and 2024 introduces even more robust tools. Designed to connect founders and investors, the platform now offers a unified view of meeting requests, along with smart recommendations for potential connections. With over 25,000 one-on-one meetings expected, Slush undoubtedly has raised the bar for efficient, meaningful networking at scale. Sustainability at the Core of Slush 2024 In a strong push toward sustainability, Slush 2024 introduces multiple green initiatives. From a partnership with Supercritical to fully offset the event’s carbon footprint, to 35 staffed recycling stations, the event prioritizes minimizing its environmental impact. Bergius mentions, “We’re proud to fully offset flights and serve vegetarian and vegan food,” adding that Slush’s ultimate goal is to empower founders to create global change. These initiatives make Slush not only a tech event but also a forward-thinking model for sustainable event practices. Slush’s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Aino Bergius brings Slush’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, especially noting the impact of over 1,500 volunteers who help create an inclusive environment. Slush’s Code of Conduct and on-site professionals surely provide a safe and respectful atmosphere for everyone attending. “We’re committed to continually making Slush and the startup ecosystem a better, more inclusive, and safer place to work and build companies,” she says. 300 Side Events At Slush 2024: There’s Something for Everyone With over 300 side events, Slush 2024 indeed provides ample opportunities for attendees to network, celebrate, and engage with other founders and industry leaders. From parties to industry discussions, there’s a variety of activities tailored to different interests, ensuring that each guest finds a niche where they can connect and grow. Final Advice for First-Timers For those new to Slush, Bergius recommends defining your primary goals and planning accordingly. “Your Slush experience starts well before you touch down in Helsinki,” she advises. Setting up a packed yet intentional schedule is key, as the event is an immersive journey that certainly includes everything from professional growth to cultural experiences. So get ready, Helsinki is calling, and Slush 2024 promises to deliver a transformative experience for founders and investors alike. Want to stay ahead in the event industry? Follow Sesamers on LinkedIn and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletters for the latest insights, tips, and event news.

Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups:  Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com. 

As a tech event media deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, Sesamers stays on the pulse of events that drive the future of business innovation. This September, we were thrilled to organize the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest as part of B2B Rocks 2024. The event that brought together startup founders, investors, and industry experts dedicated to advancing B2B innovation. Here, we’ll recap the highlights of the event and dig into why pitch competitions like this are essential for startups. What is B2B Rocks? B2B Rocks has been a go-to event for startups in the B2B space, offering a platform for founders and executives to exchange strategies, insights, and innovations to drive business growth. Held in Paris, the 2024 event maintained its reputation for high-quality networking and cutting-edge content from the heart of the B2B ecosystem. This year Sesamers were organizing the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest, which saw a pool of talented startups compete for recognition, investor attention, and valuable feedback. Hosted on our platform, app.sesamers.com, we managed the communications, from attracting applications to selecting 10 finalists and preparing their pitches, with the event brought to life by our CEO, Ben Costantini. This contest wasn’t just a competition; it was a launchpad for startups looking to gain momentum in a competitive market. Highlights from B2B Rocks 2024 The event was packed with exciting sessions that covered everything from scaling customer acquisition to the future of enterprise tech. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key sessions. Mastering Growth Strategies A standout panel focused on growth strategies for B2B companies, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making, building effective sales funnels, and aligning marketing efforts. Top CEOs and CMOs from high-growth companies shared actionable tips on scaling without compromising product quality or customer experience. Tech Innovation in B2B SaaS One of the most anticipated sessions was on technological innovation within SaaS platforms. Industry leaders discussed how AI, automation, and advanced analytics transform how B2B companies serve their clients, offering personalized experiences at scale. The conversation also touched on product-market fit and how startups can accelerate innovation cycles in a competitive market. Investor Perspective: What B2B Startups Need to Succeed Investors took to the stage to provide their insights on what they look for when evaluating B2B startups. Among the top factors were strong market potential, a clear path to profitability, and visionary leadership. Investors emphasized that today’s funding landscape seeks sustainable growth and a solid business model over quick wins. Why Should Startups Join Pitch Competitions? In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, startup competitions like the one at B2B Rocks offer startups much more than just a stage. Why every ambitious startup should consider joining similar events? Key Takeaways for Startups Founders B2B Rocks 2024 left us with several crucial lessons for B2B startups looking to scale: Why Events Like B2B Rocks Matter for Startups At Sesamers, we believe that events like B2B Rocks are critical for fostering innovation and growth in the B2B tech ecosystem. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration from such gatherings help shape the next generation of market leaders. As a media platform, our mission is to provide our readers with up-to-date insights on the most impactful trends and breakthroughs in tech. B2B Rocks 2024 offered cutting-edge content and exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary for startups to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Stay tuned to Sesamers Linkedin as we continue to bring you exclusive recaps, interviews, and insights from the tech events that matter most!

This year's World Summit AI (WSAI) not only set the stage for global thought leaders to discuss the most pertinent subjects in industry right now, but it also served as a marketplace of ideas where startups from around the globe showcased their technologies.

Returning to Amsterdam for its eighth edition, the World Summit AI opened this year with another awe-inspiring, eye-opening welcome video. Exciting music boomed across the hall as a variety of famous film clips addressing AI flashed across the large stage screens. The video culminated with a clip of Sam Altman delivering his now-iconic response to the potential dangers and threats posed by technology developed by OpenAI, a topic first addressed in February last year. The Spectacular Opening of World Summit AI 2024 “My worst fears are that we cause significant harm to the world […] and that could happen in a lot of different ways […] I think if this technology goes wrong, it could go quite wrong. But we try to be quite clear-eyed about what the downside case is and what the work is that we have to do to mitigate that.” — Sam Altman This blend of both wonder and alarm set the tone for the two-day event, where thought leaders from around the globe gathered to discuss industry developments in Generative AI. After a strong opening by Sarah Porter, founder of Inspired Minds, the headliner ‘Black Box’ stage featured talks from some of the most notable and relevant industry players today. Mark Heaps, Groq’s Chief Tech Evangelist and VP of Brand, spoke on the potential of LPUs (Language Processing Units), Darren Hardman, Microsoft’s Corporate VP of Enterprise & Industry, addressed business transformation in the AI era, and PepsiCo’s Executive VP of Strategy & Transformation, Dr. Athina Kanioura, shared her perspective on how robotics will transform the consumer packaged goods industry — just to name a few. Industry Leaders Share AI Innovations and Insights The event boasted a packed schedule, with multiple talks, panels, fireside chats, and workshops running in parallel. This year, participants could choose from over ten unique topic tracks across both days, tailoring their experience to the most relevant content. Tracks covered a wide range of subjects, from Humani-AI Convergence, exploring questions like what it means to be human in the age of AI and safeguarding fundamental human rights, to deep dives into Generative AI & LLMs, Money AI, Responsible AI & Governance, and Intelligent Health. Other key tracks, such as Economy, Employment & Equity, explored potential new economic models. On day two, the focus shifted to Accelerating AI Adoption, Deep Dive Tech Talks, Managing Cybersecurity, Privacy & Risk, and AI for Good. Key Tracks: Exploring AI’s Role Across Industries Two new tracks grabbed significant attention this year. The Mediaverse track explored maximizing gaming content relevancy through automation and how AI is bringing marketing to life by creating ‘sentient brands.’ Janina Lorenci, founder of MAIA Art Agency, addressed how AI is challenging our traditional notions of originality and the artist’s integrity. Lorenci, leaving the crows with her quote of “A paintbrush is not biased, AI is”, also hosted a stunning gallery exhibition promoting the collaboration between local Amsterdam creatives and AI tools. A key takeaway from this track was that while AI is pushing the boundaries of art and creativity, ethical considerations must guide its application in these areas. Additionally, the “Moonshot Mothership” track focused on AI and space exploration. Alicia Kavelaars, Co-Founder and CTO of OffWorld, delivered a keynote speech on AI and the new space age, inspiring the audience with a vision of how AI will turn science fiction into reality through its critical contribution to creating autonomous robotic workforces capable of working in extreme environments, such as underground mines or space, with minimal human intervention. Ethical AI and the Road to Global Regulation A clear message from this year’s World Summit AI was the growing emphasis on ethical AI and responsible development. Jeannette Gorzala, CEO & Founder of Act.AI.Now, stressed her concern that Europe’s attention towards the prevalent rise in cybercrime and malicious acts with AI has faded as the topic of the EU’s AI Act dragged on this year. Similarly, in a headline talk on the threats posed by AI by Section Chief in the Science & Technology branch of the FBI, Katie Noyes, an uncomfortable crowd sat, confronted, by the concerning rise in abusive and exploitative content created by genAI.  A related headliner panel on this topic, with experts across industry and academia, addressed the question of if a global consensus on AI regulation will ever be reached. The key takeaway was that while global AI regulation may be difficult to achieve in the short term, region-specific regulatory frameworks can be a stepping stone toward a broader consensus on AI safety. The first two days of World Summit AI 2024 showcased how deeply AI is influencing every facet of our lives. From transforming business models to redefining creative industries, the event highlighted that AI’s potential is vast, but so are the responsibilities that come with it. Whether through enhancing cybersecurity or pushing the limits of space exploration, AI is becoming the driving force behind human and organizational evolution. The challenge ahead is clear: businesses and leaders must embrace AI not only for automation but as a tool that amplifies human creativity and innovation. Core Takeaways from the Event What about the Startup Scene? As always, Sesamers had their eyes on all things startup at the event, especially in the Startups, Scaleups, & Unicorns track. The WSAI startup cohort doubled in size this year, moving to a larger, dedicated floor space with over 30 startups in attendance. The City of Amsterdam continued to impress, showcasing the creativity and quality of its startup scene. Startups pitching ranged across industries, from EdTech with Digital Bricks and GreenTech from Antfarm, to creative city planning from Playground City, and Swipework, a Gen Z-targeted job recruiting platform. Curious for more? Check out our article on the Amsterdam startup scene here.