Startup? Apply for our 2024 startup programme.

Our startup programme – ALPHA – shines a spotlight on early-stage startups with outstanding potential, connecting them with the world’s most influential people and companies.

Applications for 2024 are now open.

A person appears to be addressing a small crowd of people. The person is gesturing with both hands as if emphasising a point. Visible in the background are people and exhibition stands.

Check out the investors joining us at Web Summit

Pär-Jörgen Pärson
Pär-Jörgen Pärson
PartnerNorthzone
Eileen Burbidge
Eileen Burbidge
Founding PartnerPassion Capital
Katelin Holloway
Katelin Holloway
Founding PartnerSeven Seven Six
Pedro Santos Vieira
Pedro Santos Vieira
Partner500 Global
Kanu Gulati
Kanu Gulati
PartnerKhosla Ventures
Jenny Zeng
Jenny Zeng
Founder and Managing PartnerMSA Capital
Marjut Falkstedt
Marjut Falkstedt
Chief ExecutiveEuropean Investment Fund
Zach Coelius
Zach Coelius
FounderCoelius Capital
Pedro Ribeiro Santos
Pedro Ribeiro Santos
PartnerArmilar Venture Partners
Cristina Fonseca
Cristina Fonseca
Managing PartnerIndico Capital Partners
Jordan Noone
Jordan Noone
Co-Founder & GPEmbedded Ventures
Magdi Amin
Magdi Amin
Founder & General PartnerAfrican Renaissance Partners
Ertan Can
Ertan Can
Managing PartnerMultiple Capital
Cara Tobin
Cara Tobin
PartnerClean Energy Ventures
Edith Yeung
Edith Yeung
General PartnerRace Capital

What is the Web Summit startup programme?

Our startup programme – ALPHA – offers you the chance to join a global community of startups. You’ll get three tickets to Web Summit, access to Investor to Startup meetings, and be eligible to apply for PITCH competition, Startup masterclasses, Mentor Hours and more.

Some of our startup alumni

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They attend and report

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The networking at Web Summit is like no other tech conference.
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The connections you make at Web Summit are unparalleled. We met users from all over the world.
The Oscars for startups in Europe.

Join our ALPHA startup programme

 

"Web Summit is now the largest gathering of entrepreneurs."

 

–  Inc.

Dmitriy Vasilyev CBDO & Co-founder of Cognimate Inc presents on Centre Stage during the Pitch Final on day three of Web Summit 2023 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon

"The world’s biggest tech event."

 

–  Euronews

Startups interacting at the Alpha Startup area of Web Summit 2023

"The largest technology conference in the world.”

 

–  Forbes

What happens when I apply?

Chat to our specialist team

One of our startup experts will be in touch to discuss your company, goals and objectives for Web Summit.

Assessment and selection

Our team dedicates countless hours to finding the most exciting, high-potential startups to join our events.

Prepare with our startup success team

Your dedicated startup success manager will work with you to help guide you through the startup journey and get the best out of attending Web Summit.

Time for Web Summit

Now for the main event Take part in PITCH, our startup battle; Mentor Hours, our advisory sessions with business leaders; investor to startup meetings, and more.

Startup activations at Web Summit

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Pitch winner, Henrique Ferreira, CXO, Cofounder, Inspira, on Centre Stage during day three of Web Summit 2023
PITCH

PITCH is our startup competition that brings together the world’s leading startups for a live pitching battle. 105 of our strongest startups will be pitted against each other in a battle to be crowned the champion.

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A crowd walking into Masterclass area 2 during Web Summit 2023
Startup Masterclasses

Learn directly from tech’s leading investors, accelerators, incubators and executives. Startup masterclasses cover the essential elements of startup success, from building a winning pitch deck and startup PR to harnessing the corporate innovation explosion.

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Gbenga Sesan of Paradigm sitting at a table with other attendees, participating in Mentor Hours
Mentor Hours

Mentor Hours are a series of pre-scheduled, 45-minute group meetings between our high-level attendees and startups. It’s carefully designed to foster both individual and collective growth.

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Investor to Startup meetings area at Web Summit
Investor to startup meetings

High potential startups meet with leading investors in a series of 15-minute, pre-scheduled meetings specially designed to give their startup an edge. This is where you’ll get insider advice on making your startup irresistible to investors.