Top startup events in Europe you should not miss in 2025

As 2024 is coming to an end, we are excited to already have our calendars full of interesting events to attend in 2025. We have created a list with the events you should not miss. So, get ready to mark your calendars and pack your bags!

EU Startup Summit

A gathering of 2,500 international founders, VCs, business angels on the beautiful island of Malta. What could be better? On April 24-25th this event offers countless networking opportunities, fireside chats and keynotes with inspiring successful founders or other leaders from the industry. Selected startups will have the opportunity to present their ideas on stage in a competitive pitch competition with Europe’s leading teams. 

Latitude59

On May 21-23rd, the next edition of Latitude59 will take place in the city of Tallinn. Despite often being overlooked, Estonia leads the world in both the number of unicorns and investment per capita, making it an ideal place for a startup conference. With its bustling atmosphere and engaged audience, this event managed to be one of our highlights for 2024, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for 2025. This event may be smaller than some of the others on the list, but it has an almost 50/50 startup-investor ratio, you will definitely have the opportunity to make meaningful connections. 

GITEX Europe

If you are looking for an alternative in Germany, the debut event of GITEX Europe will also take place from May 21-23rd in Berlin. This event that originally started in Dubai is one of the largest global tech and startup events and will be expanding to Europe in 2025. The international background of this event will bring together tech leaders, investors, developers, and many more from over 100 countries. A wide range of topics from AI, blockchain, cybersecurity to future mobility and climate tech will be presented in a wide-range of formats. 

LEAD TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. 

Save the date for May 8-9, 2025, when LEAD TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. (LTST) takes place in Vienna. This event aims to transform the European tech landscape by focusing on innovation, scalability, and diversity. This event is made for ambitious startups ready to engage with venture capital investors, LTST highlights gender diversity and social impact across sectors like Climate Tech, Health Tech, FemTech, FinTech, and the Circular Economy. Participants will not only gain visibility across Female Founders’ influential network, reaching over 75,000 entrepreneurial minds, but also have the chance to pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of venture capitalists and investors. Don’t miss this chance to meet exciting new people and hopefully secure the investment you need to grow!

High-Tech Gründerfonds Family Day

On 20th and 21st of May 2025, the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) Family Day will return to STATION Berlin, welcoming investors, entrepreneurs, and global venture capitalists to one of Europe’s most anticipated startup events. This exclusive two-day gathering offers a unique platform for fostering connections within the startup ecosystem, with a focus on deep tech, climate tech, life sciences, and digital innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on current trends such as sustainability and diversity, while also exploring HTGF’s diverse startups' portfolio.

Hinterland of Things

On 5th June 2025, the Hinterland of Things Conference will take place at Stadthalle Bielefeld, offering a platform for founders, investors, and industry leaders to collaborate and exchange ideas. Focused on the intersection of technology and sustainability, the conference highlights Germany’s most innovative startups, while also welcoming participants from over ten countries. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect with selected Series A/B startups, engage in discussions with CEOs and industry pioneers, and learn from inspiring founder stories. With a strong emphasis on shaping a sustainable digital future, the Hinterland of Things provides a dynamic environment to foster innovation, build connections, and gain insights from thought leaders who are driving change within the startup ecosystem.

HHL SpinLab Investors Day

Join us on June 18, 2025, for our annual HHL SpinLab Investors Day at the historic Spinnerei complex in Leipzig. This exclusive event connects startups from the SpinLab group with investors and corporations from Germany and beyond. Twenty promising startups from the SpinLab ecosystem will be selected to present solutions in Agtech, Deep tech, eHealth, Smart City, and Energy. Do not miss the chance to network with top venture capitalists and angel investors from firms like KfW Capital and Earlybird, while enjoying keynote speeches, masterclasses and panel discussions. To wrap up the day, the event culminates with an exclusive dinner for more intimate networking opportunities. To stay updated on the latest event details and schedule, subscribe to the SpinLab newsletter, so you do not miss any information.

MACHN Festival

Parallel to the HHL SpinLab Investors Day, the MACHN Festival - the biggest startup festival in central Germany takes over the Spinnerei grounds on June 18-19, 2025, turning it into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry experts. This lively event features interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and roundtable discussions with successful founders and innovators. It's the perfect space to exchange ideas, gain new skills, and build connections. With hands-on speakers, you'll not only leave with insights, but also practical advice to help drive your startup forward. In combination with the HHL SpinLab Investors Day, you are guaranteed to get the most out of your trip to Leipzig. 

Summer School for diverse Startups pitch event 

On July 24, 2025, the Summer School for Diverse Startups will come to an end with a pitch event in Leipzig. After attending a SpinLab one-week bootcamp, we are inviting a refreshingly diverse group of teams to the stage. With the mission to give underrepresented founders a platform to showcase their ideas and to connect and grow their networks, SpinLab and HHL DIGITAL SPACE organize this event annually to celebrate diversity as a catalyst for creativity and success in the startup world. Follow us on LinkedIn in order not to miss the registration for the pitch event.

Stage two

In autumn 2025, Stage Two, Europe’s largest university venture competition, will take place in Berlin. Top student founders from across the continent will be invited to showcase their business ideas. Featuring over 50 nominated teams from 40+ university entrepreneurship centers, along with wildcard participants, this event brings early-stage ventures face-to-face with 60+ top venture capital firms and 30+ industry leaders. Beyond the pitch competition, Stage Two is a launchpad for Europe’s brightest minds, offering invaluable exposure, funding opportunities, and access to international markets.