These conferences are here to help scale your startup and build meaningful connections.
In the ever-evolving world of startups and tech, standing still means falling behind. For entrepreneurs, it is crucial to not just follow trends—you need to create them to stay ahead and stand out. One of the best ways to fuel your innovation and make transformative connections is by attending top-tier global events where ideas come to life and partnerships are forged.
In 2025, four major events—Web Summit Qatar, VivaTech, Startupfest and Slush—provide exactly that, helping you accelerate your business and expand your networks. These gatherings cater to innovators worldwide, each with unique opportunities and regional focuses. Let’s explore why these should be your must-attend events for the year.
1. Web Summit Qatar (Doha, Qatar)
Screenshot of YouTube video “Web Summit Qatar 2024 | Event Highlights”
Dates: February 23-26, 2025
Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Qatar
After its successful debut in 2024, Web Summit Qatar is making a grand return for its second edition. This event connects a new generation of entrepreneurs with top investors, journalists and thought leaders from around the world. It is part of the prestigious Web Summit series, which also includes events in Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Hong Kong.
The inaugural Web Summit Qatar in 2024 attracted more than 15,000 attendees from 118 countries, including over 1,000 startups—the largest gathering of international startups in the region’s history. High-profile speakers from last year included Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and Trevor Noah, political commentator and author.
Why you should attend Web Summit Qatar in 2025:
- Networking opportunities: Expect over 15,000 attendees, including startups, investors and business leaders.
- World-class speakers: Leaders like Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, Yassine Saidi, Chief Product Officer of Under Armour, and Jay Shetty, author and podcast host, will deliver keynotes.
- Business expansion: Build partnerships in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern tech market.
With the Middle East emerging as a hub for tech and entrepreneurship, Web Summit Qatar offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to explore this vibrant market and walk away with fresh ideas and invaluable connections.
2. VivaTech 2025 (Paris, France)
Image from VivaTech
Dates: June 11-14, 2025
Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France
As Europe’s largest startup and tech conference, VivaTech is all about pushing boundaries. This year’s theme, “The New Frontiers of Innovation”, promises to showcase groundbreaking solutions to global challenges. Since 2016, VivaTech has brought together startups, industry leaders, major corporations, and investors to accelerate innovation.
In 2024, over 165,000 attendees and 13,500 startups gathered at VivaTech, with a major spotlight on Canada’s thriving AI sector. Once again, Canada will take center stage in 2025 as the “Country of the Year”. Scale AI, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster focused on artificial intelligence, will lead the Canadian business delegation. Key areas of focus for this year’s edition include AI, deep tech and sustainability, climate and mobility.
Why you should attend Viva Technology in 2025:
- Global reach: Meet innovators from over 174 countries.
- Industry insights: Gain actionable advice from more than 400 world-renowned experts. Past speakers included Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Serena Williams, tennis legend and entrepreneur, and Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic.
- Networking and funding: Opportunities to connect with top VCs and pitch in front of a global audience.
If you’re looking to expand your network within the European startup scene or collaborate on tech-driven projects, VivaTech is a must-attend.
3. Startupfest (Montreal, Canada)
Screenshot of YouTube video “A look back at a decade of Startupfest!”
Dates: July 9-11, 2025
Location: Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, Canada
As Canada’s original startup event, Startupfest has earned a reputation as a must-attend conference for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders worldwide. Known for its relaxed, festival-style vibe, Startupfest offers a refreshing blend of business and creativity. This is particularly valuable for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to connect, learn and grow in an inspiring environment.
With the theme “Ambition+” for 2025, Startupfest is all about giving founders the resources and networks they need to turn big dreams into reality. The event features several specialized tracks designed to cater to a wide range of interests. These include:
- AcceleratorFest: Insights into best practices and challenges for startup accelerators.
- GPFest: A hub for venture capitalists.
- ImpactFest: A showcase for startups addressing social and environmental challenges.
Why you should attend Startupfest in 2025:
- Mentorship opportunities: Engage in intimate roundtables with experienced founders and VC. Notable past speakers include Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, and Heather Reisman, CEO of Indigo.
- Global community: Meet entrepreneurs from across North America, Europe and beyond.
- Innovation showcases: Compete in pitch competitions to demo your product and win cash rewards like Best of the Fest Investment Prize, Women in Tech Investment Prize and Black Entrepreneur Investment Prize.
Startupfest’s emphasis on collaboration, combined with its creative festival vibe, offers entrepreneurs a refreshing take on traditional business conferences.
4. Slush (Helsinki, Finland)
Image from Slush
Dates: November 19–20, 2025
Location: Messukeskus, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Finland
Renowned for its focus on startups and early-stage innovation, Slush brings together a curated crowd of European startups, world-class investors and tech enthusiasts in Helsinki. The event emphasizes relevance over scale, aiming to provide tangible value and actionable company-building advice to its attendees. Beyond the physical event, Slush also offers a year-round digital platform, “Slush Online,” that helps founders and investors stay connected.
Last year, Slush drew over 13,000 attendees, including 5,500 startups and 3,300 investors. Some of the past speakers at Slush included Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, Justin Kan, co-founder of Stash and Twitch, and Nik Storonsky, founder & CEO of Revolut.
Why you should attend Slush in 2025:
- Founder-centric: Participate in over 500 side events like mentoring, matchmaking and workshops.
- Investment opportunities: Compete in the Slush 100 Pitching Competition for early-stage investment.
- Cutting-edge insights: Engage with top experts on topics like AI, robotics and sustainability.
For entrepreneurs eager to connect with Europe’s most promising startups and investors, Slush offers an unparalleled platform to spark new partnerships and ideas.
Maximizing your event experience
While attending these events, preparation is key to getting the most out of your experience. Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead: Identify sessions, speakers and exhibitors you want to connect with.
- Network strategically: Leverage networking apps and platforms offered by the event to arrange meetings in advance.
- Follow up: After the event, promptly follow up with new contacts to solidify partnerships and collaborations.
By immersing yourself in these four global events, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge and connections to propel your entrepreneurial journey forward. Whether you’re scaling a startup, seeking investment or exploring new markets, these conferences offer endless opportunities to grow and succeed in 2025.
Also read:
- 5 Must-Attend Cybersecurity Conferences for Startup Founders in 2025
- Navigating the Next: A Window into the Future at HKTDC EFAE 2024
- How to Pick the Right Accelerator for Your Startup?
Header Image from Freepik
