5 top talks for startups and investors at Web Summit 2024

As we launch the first 20 talks on our schedule, check out some of the startup- and investor-related talks taking place across the Web Summit stages.

With more than 1,000 investors and 2,750-plus startups coming to Web Summit in Lisbon this November, there will be a huge focus on the world of VC and market movements. 

With the announcement of the first talks on our schedule, here’s a taster of what to expect across our Startup University and New Venture Summit stages, dedicated to all things startups and investors.

There are plenty more talks to come, so make sure to keep an eye on our schedule. 

404: Funding for women not found – Startup University, Wednesday, November 13

In a landscape where funding is often scarce for women-led startups, learn about the challenges and strategies for securing investment. Explore the barriers that women entrepreneurs face, unlock success stories, and gain insights into navigating the funding maze. Learn from those who have defied the odds, and get practical tips for breaking through the funding ceiling. 

Join DataSnipper CEO Vidya Peters and Clue chief product officer Audrey Tsang for a discussion on the reality of funding for women and the paths to overcoming barriers.

Thawing VC winter – Startup University, Wednesday, November 13

Amid the VC winter, Cart.com successfully raised US$85 million Series C total, achieving a US$1.2 billion valuation. The company believes the overall financing environment for equity and debt is improving for high-quality, high-growth companies that have excellent operating discipline and are profitable – or have a path to profitability – while maintaining strong year-on-year growth.

Discover the full story from company co-founder and chief growth officer Remington Tonar.

Eco-nomics and the VC green wave – New Venture Summit, Tuesday, November 12

Investment in climate tech continues to rise, with the latest data suggesting that fund values will exceed those of 2023. With several funds this year closing in the hundreds of millions, what unique opportunities are drawing venture capitalists to green ventures?

Join World Fund founding partner Craig Douglas and Contrarian Ventures co-founder and managing partner Rokas Peciulaitis for a deep dive into the VC green wave.

Rethinking venture capital – New Venture Summit, Tuesday, November 12

With global deal volume less than half of what it was at its peak in 2022, the heady days of a few years ago seem like a distant memory. Is AI the great new hope for venture capitalists, or is the VC model in need of a complete overhaul? Should VCs abandon their traditional strategies and start anew? 

Join Transpose Platform co-founder and general partner Trang Nguyen and Latitude Capital founder Ansaf Kareem to get answers to these questions, and explore the current and future state of VC.

Untapping the potential of secondary markets – New Venture Summit, Tuesday, November 12

Venture has faced a funding winter since 2022, and capital scarcity is de facto for the immediate future. While the bar for funding is increasing and down rounds are becoming more common, there are many opportunities for investors, with venture secondaries in particular becoming attractive. Yet, many of these opportunities remain untapped.

Explore why in this session with Angel School founder Jed Ng, and delve into the challenges of secondary markets, exploring how they can be a source of liquidity to fuel venture ecosystems.

Web Summit 2024 will take place in Lisbon from November 11-14. Tickets are available now. Book today and don’t miss out. 

Main image of a full house at the Venture stage at Web Summit 2023: Sportsfile/Web Summit (CC BY 2.0)