Events

The B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest is a global competition for AI-driven SaaS startups that offers visibility, mentoring, and prizes. Out of 50 semi-finalists who received free tickets to the B2B Rocks event, the top 10 finalists were selected last week. They awarded a prize package valued at €6,000, including booth space and pitching opportunities. This week, on September 25, during B2B Rocks the winner will be defined and receive an exclusive prize package worth €20,000. This package includes pre-arranged meetings with investors and journalists, an Appvizer campaign to boost visibility and lead generation for their SaaS, and access to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, which offers up to $150,000 in Azure cloud credits, expert mentorship, and free collaboration and development tools such as Microsoft 365, GitHub, LinkedIn, and OpenAI. Meet the Jury Panel This year’s distinguished jury includes: The 10 Top SaaS/AI Startups Finalists At WPC 2024 Crono (England): Crono is revolutionizing time management with its advanced scheduling solutions. Using cutting-edge technology with user-friendly interfaces, Crono helps businesses optimize workflows and productivity. Their platform’s seamless integration with existing tools makes it an invaluable asset for any organization looking to enhance operational efficiency. Pitch Avatar (Austria): Pitch Avatar offers an innovative platform for creating and delivering dynamic pitch presentations. Their technology leverages artificial intelligence to tailor presentations to specific audiences, ensuring that every pitch is engaging and effective. This platform is perfect for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to make a lasting impression. Quick Legal (Romania): Quick Legal provides a streamlined approach to legal services, making it easier for businesses to navigate complex legal landscapes. Their platform offers quick, reliable, and affordable legal advice, helping companies stay compliant and reduce legal risks. Quick Legal’s services are designed to support businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. Salesforge (Estonia): Salesforge is at the forefront of sales automation technology. Their AI-driven platform helps businesses accelerate their sales processes by automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights. With Salesforge, companies can boost their sales performance and drive revenue growth more effectively. Fun fact: Sesamers spotted this startup at Techchill 2024. Sensia.ai (France): Sensia.ai transforms how businesses analyze and leverage data. Their advanced AI solutions provide deep insights into customer behavior and market trends, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions. Sensia.ai’s technology empowers businesses to enhance their strategies and stay ahead of the competition. Pinmy (Ukraine): Pinmy offers a unique platform for managing and visualizing business data. Their tool simplifies data organization and helps businesses track key metrics easily. Pinmy provides intuitive dashboards and comprehensive analytics to help companies make informed decisions and drive better outcomes. Metagora.tech (France): Metagora. tech is revolutionizing the tech landscape with its innovative solutions for digital transformation. Their platform offers advanced tools for automating and optimizing business processes, helping companies adapt to the ever-evolving technological environment. Metagora. tech’s solutions are designed to enhance efficiency and drive innovation. Chain Fuse (United States): Chain Fuse is pioneering the future of blockchain technology with its robust platform for building and managing decentralized applications. Their solutions enhance security, transparency, and efficiency for businesses leveraging blockchain for various use cases. Chain Fuse’s technology is poised to reshape industries by enabling new possibilities through decentralized systems. Outfindo (Czech Republic): Outfindo redefines how businesses approach customer feedback and market research. Their platform offers advanced tools for gathering and analyzing customer insights, helping companies understand their audience and improve their products and services. Outfindo’s solutions are designed to drive customer satisfaction and business growth. Beink Dream (France): Beink Dream transforms how businesses approach creativity and innovation. Their platform provides tools for brainstorming, idea management, and creative collaboration. By fostering a culture of innovation, Beink Dream helps companies generate and implement groundbreaking ideas that drive success. These finalists represent the forefront of B2B innovation, addressing critical challenges businesses face today. As the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest 2024 unfolds, these startups are not only poised to impact their respective fields significantly but also to inspire innovation and drive sustainable growth across the industry. 🎟️ Grab your ticket to the B2B Rocks and immerse yourself in B2B SaaS innovation. Join us at Station F in Paris on September 25-26 to support the finalists as they compete in the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest 2024.

As we approach SaaStock Europe, this year’s event promises to deliver even more value to the SaaS ecosystem with new themes, expanded networking opportunities, and a dedicated focus on growth for early-stage startups. Here’s a sneak peek into what attendees can expect. Key Themes: Founder Diaries & CEO Insights The SaaStock team is launching two new tracks this year: Founder Diaries and CEO Insights, designed to provide a rare, personal glimpse into the journeys of successful SaaS leaders. According to SaaStock’s founder & CEO, Alex Theuma, these tracks will “share insights and inspiration from the people actually behind the success headlines” to guide the next generation of SaaS leaders. Industry Leaders and Speakers SaaStock Europe will feature over 100 world-class speakers, including some of the biggest names in the SaaS industry. Among the confirmed speakers are: These thought leaders will offer deep insights into the SaaS landscape, including growth strategies, fundraising advice, and leadership best practices. Networking Opportunities Like Never Before In addition to the main talks, SaaStock Europe is reinventing the Networking Experience, making it more structured and intentional. Attendees can look forward to: Beyond the structured networking, the event also promises an active social calendar, with welcome parties, 5K runs, and partner fringe events, making it easier for attendees to foster meaningful connections. The Accelerate Experience for Startups The Accelerate Experience program at SaaStock is tailored for Pre-Seed, Seed, and Bootstrapped startups to help them build product-market fit, connect with investors, and develop skilled go-to-market (GTM) teams. Key features of the program include: This program helps early-stage startups secure funding, scale effectively, and build a strong network. Tackling the Challenges of European SaaS The European SaaS market faces several unique challenges, particularly in revenue generation and retention. SaaStock addresses these issues head-on with a full day of interactive workshops focused on revenue growth, retention strategies, and boardroom sessions for revenue leaders. “Generating and retaining revenue is one of the biggest pain points in the market right now,” according to SaaStock’s Marketing Manager, Jessica Ramesh. Success Stories from SaaStock Alumni SaaStock has been a launchpad for many successful European SaaS companies. Josh Lee from Swit reflected, “SaaStock is the best SaaS conference ever! We generated 300+ MQL and signed up +250 SaaS professionals during the exhibition.” Similarly, Cristina Vila Vives, CEO & Founder of Cledara, shared, “I remember being on the SaaStock Pitch Competition stage five years ago. Back then, I was on my own. Today, 62 wonderful people make up Cledara’s team. We wouldn’t be here without SaaStock.” Beyond SaaStock Europe: The SaaS.Concierge Program SaaStock’s SaaS.Concierge is a tailored, partner-only service aimed at optimizing SaaS implementations and improving client satisfaction. This personalized matchmaking service connects businesses with their ideal customer profiles (ICPs) and ensures partners leave with tangible results. Maximize Your SaaStock Experience To get the most out of SaaStock Europe, attendees should engage in fringe events like SaaS.City and SaaSociety. SaaS.City, a one-day bootcamp held before the main conference, offers deep-dive workshops on crucial SaaS topics such as revenue retention, scaling, and product excellence. “SaaS.City lets you pick the content that matters most to you and your role,” notes a speaker. This year’s bootcamp themes:   For experienced founders, SaaSociety is an exclusive retreat to facilitate valuable connections. “Our content is two-way, no stale slides—attendees shape the dialogue,” explains the team. Additionally, the Startup Program supports B2B founders through investor matchmaking, while the Global Pitch Competition offers invaluable exposure. “It’s a chance to pitch in front of the region’s top VCs and funds, positioning your business as one-to-watch.” Final Thoughts For SaaS startups and established players alike, SaaStock Europe offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. With a range of expert speakers, structured networking, and practical workshops, the event is set to provide invaluable insights and connections for all attendees. As the SaaStock team says, “this is your opportunity to connect with like-minded SaaS enthusiasts and swap ideas and challenges.” SaaStock continues to bridge the global SaaS community throughout the year with initiatives like the SaaStock Founder Membership, a private community for SaaS founders to learn and grow together. As David Neuhaus, CEO of SocialHub, notes, “the number of founders I know today is 50x what it was years ago. The insights you gain are priceless.” Stay tuned for more SaaStock events and opportunities coming up next year!

What began in 2013 as a simple meetup in a Copenhagen park has blossomed into one of Scandinavia’s largest and most anticipated Tech events. “TechBBQ started as a networking event for local entrepreneurs, and it has grown because of the need to connect the Danish and Nordic ecosystem with the rest of the world,” says TechBBQ’s Head of Marketing, Vera Liscinska. Now, the event serves as a vital hub, offering founders world-class networking, media exposure, and opportunities to engage with investors and like-minded peers. “We want TechBBQ to be where every fifth handshake is relevant and impactful.” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ 2024 Theme: “One Giant Leap” The theme for TechBBQ 2024, “One Giant Leap,” is inspired by the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. “We believe that ‘One Giant Leap’ embodies that feeling of being a founder; a constant leap of faith in something you believe in,” according to TechBBQ’s Head of PR & Communications, Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej. The theme highlights how small steps contribute to broader leaps in innovation, sustainability, and equity, reflecting the urgency of today’s challenges. “Together, small actions propel us toward a brighter future.” Maintaining a ‘Hyggelig’ Atmosphere Amid Growth TechBBQ is renowned not only for its size but also for its welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. “The way we do business in the Nordics is very informal, and it’s important that our event reflects these values,” says the team. Despite its growth, the event remains cozy and inclusive, emphasizing collaboration and diversity. “Our team comes from various cultural and educational backgrounds, which makes us more empathetic and inclusive in our interactions.” Beyond the Summit: Year-Round Support for Startups TechBBQ offers more than just an annual summit. Throughout the year, it runs various initiatives aimed at supporting startups. “We always have side projects that engage and support our target audience: startup founders,” they explain. One standout program is their Hero Academy, which offers tailored courses for seed and pre-seed startups. “Hero Academy helps startup founders establish themselves on the market and access crucial resources,” the team shares. . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ Sector-Specific Focus: UrbanTech and Life Science The 2024 event will also feature expanded focus areas like UrbanTech and Life Science. “We foster innovation and growth in the UrbanTech ecosystem, accelerating the development of smart, green cities,” the organizers explain. The Life Science area will focus on both Planetary Health and Human Health, showcasing innovation in these crucial fields. “We are bringing back our Life Science area to showcase the best of the local ecosystem.” Opportunities for Investors: Nordic Investor Day and Matchmaking Investors have plenty to look forward to at TechBBQ 2024. Nordic Investor Day, held on September 10th, focuses on the state and future of Nordic ventures. “We will highlight and discuss the opportunities of today and the challenges of tomorrow,” says the team. Additionally, an LP/VC Matchmaking event will facilitate connections between limited partners and venture capitalists. Finally, TechBBQ just launched, in collaboration with Lab08, their newest AI matchmaking tool, TechBBQ Vicinity, to assist investors in their effort to meet the most relevant startups during the event. “All investor and business angels ticket holders can upload their thesis, get a list of the most relevant startups for you, and connect with them on our networking app, Brella.” Advice for First-Time Attendees to TechBBQ For those attending TechBBQ for the first time, the team offers simple yet impactful advice: “Network as much as possible with anyone relevant to your business growth.” Whether it’s a future investor, supplier, or co-founder, connections are key. “It doesn’t need to be a big sales pitch each time. A quick LinkedIn connection can lead to deeper meetings post-summit.” Finally, they add with a smile, “don’t forget to try our BBQ!” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ

#KEEPBUILDING: How to Web 2024 Focuses on Resilience The theme of the How to Web Conference 2024, #KEEPBUILDING, emphasizes resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. The event’s organizer highlights, “The key is to keep building, regardless of external circumstances.” This powerful message is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators to stay focused on their vision and persevere despite external obstacles. Actionable Insights from Keynote Speakers The How to Web Conference features keynote speakers with deep expertise in product development, UX design, engineering, marketing, team development, investment, and startups. These industry leaders deliver actionable insights in their 40-minute talks. By combining the wisdom of seasoned experts with fresh perspectives from emerging voices, the conference offers a dynamic blend of experience and innovation, catering to both established entrepreneurs and newcomers. The Evolution of UX in Business Growth Fonz Morris, Product Design Lead at Netflix, shares valuable insights into the critical role of UX design in his keynote, “UX for Business Impact: A Netflix Story.” Morris stresses that in today’s digital landscape, product design is essential for driving business growth. Additionally, product positioning expert April Dunford highlights the importance of effective positioning, stating, “Strong positioning isn’t just about branding, it’s about ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.” How To Web 2024 Break Barriers for Eastern European Startups For many startups, especially in Eastern Europe, securing funding is a significant challenge. How to Web tackles these issues through its Spotlight and Dealflow programs, designed to connect founders with investors and mentors, fostering growth and long-term relationships. The conference also utilizes AI-powered networking tools to help attendees forge meaningful connections that lead to valuable outcomes like partnerships and funding. Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation and Growth Strategic partnerships with major companies such as Google and Stripe enhance the How to Web Conference experience. These partnerships provide attendees with access to cutting-edge tools and personalized mentorship. As envisioned by the organizer, the conference aims to become the premier platform connecting global and regional tech players, driving continuous innovation and growth within the Eastern European tech ecosystem.

S-Tron Shanghai 2024, China’s largest tech innovation event, expects over 12,000 attendees from 20+ countries. Featuring 150 speakers, 2,000 startups, and 1,500 investors, it’s a key platform for entrepreneurs to access vital resources. “We aim to help entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with innovation resources,” said organizer Sean. This year, S-Tron focuses on fostering collaboration, sparking ideas, and creating opportunities to launch startups onto the global stage. From Slush China to S-Tron The shift from Slush China to S-Tron is a strategic rebranding, but the mission remains the same. Organizers say, “The world needs more connections in the post-pandemic era.” The rebranding reflects a push for a more independent identity while keeping close ties with Slush. S-Tron still aims to foster innovation and global tech entrepreneurship. Dare to Disrupt The theme for S-Tron Shanghai 2024, “Dare to Disrupt,” encourages startups and corporations to challenge the status quo. Organizers say it’s designed to push both large companies and entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones. This theme will be central, from keynotes to pitch competitions, urging attendees to embrace disruptive innovation in tech. Balancing Content and Engagement S-Tron Shanghai 2024 is structured to offer a balanced experience between showcasing innovative startups and providing valuable content for all attendees. The event will feature 120 startup booths and four stages dedicated to pitching and sharing insights from industry leaders. “S-Tron’s event is akin to a carnival, ensuring that every attendee can participate in a way they prefer,” the organizers note. This approach fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, creating an environment where tech innovation can thrive. Beyond the Event S-Tron offers ongoing support for startups, extending its impact beyond the annual event. “We host a variety of ecological activities every month, tailored for startups, large corporations, entrepreneurial communities, and university students,” the organizers highlight. These activities include monthly pitching sessions, innovation community parties, and closed-door forums with industry leaders. By providing continuous support, S-Tron ensures its influence extends well beyond the two-day event, helping startups connect with investors and industry leaders. Empowering Grassroots Innovation Organizing a large-scale innovation event like S-Tron comes with unique challenges, especially in balancing governmental involvement with the needs of the international startup ecosystem. “In China, it’s rare to have events driven by young people and volunteers like ours,” the organizers admit. Despite these challenges, S-Tron has cultivated an independent and vibrant atmosphere, distinguishing itself from other officially organized activities and enhancing its appeal to the global tech community. S-Tron’s Global Aspirations Looking to the future, S-Tron aims to solidify its position as a key hub for global tech innovation. The organizers are committed to maintaining the event’s grassroots nature, driven by youth and volunteers, while also expanding its international reach. “We hope S-Tron will continue as a youth-led event, becoming a key hub for global tech innovation,” they share. With plans to enhance its global presence and continue supporting young entrepreneurs, S-Tron is poised to become one of the most dynamic and engaging innovation events worldwide.

OIW, founded in 2004 by Oslo Business Region, has become a key event in the global startup ecosystem. Its mission is to support Oslo’s growing startups and connect them with public organizations. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, OIW now hosts over 70 events, attracting more than 16,000 attendees worldwide. “What started as a local initiative has grown into a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability,” an OIW representative shared. Key Highlights from Recent Editions of OIW Oslo Innovation Week fosters a strong sense of community and continuous collaboration. Notable companies like Kahoot!, Oda, No Isolation, and Strise have participated in OIW, contributing to the ecosystem. “Seeing startups that once pitched their ideas now hosting their events is a true testament to the power of this community,” said the OIW team. This growing collaboration has positioned OIW as a platform for emerging leaders and problem-solvers. Themes Driving OIW Each year, Oslo Innovation Week adopts a theme aligned with global innovation trends. The 2024 theme, “Pioneers,” celebrates individuals and organizations pushing the boundaries of innovation. “We engage with the ecosystem daily to ensure our themes resonate with the startup and innovation community. Climate innovation and sustainability have always been core,” an OIW organizer explained. This focus on addressing climate change has been a consistent driver behind OIW’s success. A Global and Industry-Agnostic Event Oslo Innovation Week attracts diverse participants, including startup founders, investors, and public leaders. OIW is industry-agnostic, with events spanning sectors from health and life science research to the blue economy to ClimateTech and SportsTech. 30% of attendees come from outside Norway, reflecting OIW’s growing global presence. “It’s important to engage with international participants to expand Oslo’s reach beyond the Norwegian bubble,” the OIW team noted. International Collaboration and Global Outreach Managed by the Oslo Business Region, Oslo Innovation Week actively engages with the international innovation community. This involves collaboration with embassies, investors, and Nordic neighbors, and attending events in the UK, Germany, and the US to attract talent and investment to Oslo. “This year, we will welcome back a team from Hokkaido, Japan to the program, hosting an event to support initiatives for female entrepreneurship in the Hokkaido prefecture,” an organizer shared. OIW’s international collaborations continue to strengthen its global reputation. Commitment to Sustainability and Diversity Sustainability is central to OIW, with every event supporting at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The event has implemented practices like the Zero Waste Takeaway project to reduce waste,” As an umbrella event, we collaborate with over 200 organizers to create sustainable events, promoting vegetarian meals, environmental impact reduction, and providing the City of Oslo’s Climate and Environment Guide for guidance. Additionally, OIW emphasizes diversity and inclusion, requiring gender balance among speakers and hosting DEI workshops, “Last year 52% of all speakers were female. This year, we’ve added a workshop on diversity and inclusion for all event organizers by Diversify, which organizes the  Diversify Nordic Summit, emphasizing the importance of DEI in growing successful companies.” “Our goal is to ensure that every attendee finds value in the event while promoting sustainable and inclusive practices,” stated an organizer. OIW continues to evolve, connecting global innovators with Nordic pioneers and expanding its impact. For more information on Oslo Innovation Week : ➡️ Visit the Oslo Innovation Week program for details on events. ➡️ Sign up for the Oslo Innovation Week newsletter to learn about becoming an OIW event organizer.

B2B Rocks is celebrated as the 3rd largest SaaS event in the world and the 1st in mainland Europe. Held at Station F in Paris, this event connects over 1,600 attendees from 40+ countries, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth in the SaaS industry.

Maya Noël, General Director at France Digitale, unveils the exciting plans for FDDay 2024. From co-hosting CES 2024 Tech Trends to facilitating networking and collaboration among attendees, this event promises to be a game-changer in the European startup scene. Dive in to discover more about this innovative gathering.

VivaTech 2024, held from May 22 to May 25 at Paris Porte de Versailles, has again proven to be a global epicenter for tech innovation and sustainable advancements. With more than 400,000 business connections made and over 13,500 startups participating, this event has solidified its place as a crucial meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. This VivaTech 2024 recap will highlight the standout moments and key innovations that defined the event.

Join us to discover cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and mobility taking center stage during VivaTech 2024 in Paris.

Join us as we explore how the Waves of Change 2024 Forum fosters dynamic collaboration and sustainability, creating a unique platform for impact-driven organizations to turn connections into action.

Dive into a decade of innovation and growth at the EU-Startups Summit. Attracting thousands of attendees, millions in funding raised, and top industry speakers, it's a must-attend event. Get ready for practical insights, networking opportunities, and the vibrant spirit of Malta.