At the Center of Innovation: WAIFC 2024

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.