Startup sessions

Startup Sessions offer the founders of emerging companies advice and direction for facing the challenging modern business environment. These online webinars are designed to help your startup pick up key skills and knowledge that will help set you up for success.

Please note that only startups participating in the Web Summit startup programme are eligible for Startup Sessions.

António Dias Martins, CEO, Startup Portugal, on Startup University Stage during day one of Web Summit
António Dias Martins
CEO
Startup Portugal

What are startup sessions?

Startup Sessions will take place in the run-up to Web Summit. These digital webinars will run for 45 minutes, and will be hosted by business experts and leaders in the tech industry. Startups who have successfully applied to our startup programme will receive an invitation to join Startup Sessions as part of their event package.

Session hosts will speak on a pre-selected topic and facilitate interactive discussions for 30 minutes. There will also be 15 minutes set aside at the end for a Q&A.

Check out some of our past sessions

Tackling fake news and false facts: Startup myth busting

Many emerging companies fail because they buy into myths and misinformation around how startups scale and sell themselves. Dive into the truth behind what makes startups tick.

Pitcher this: Creating the perfect elevator pitch

When you’re facing engaged investors, you only have a few seconds to nail your elevator pitch. This is your chance to learn from experts with the tips and tools you need to out-pitch the rest.

How can ‘tech for good’ startups measure and communicate their impact?

Startups using tech for good are becoming increasingly desirable. We’ll focus on how these Impact startups can demonstrate their positive effect on the planet and share that widely.

Alternative fundraising options for founders

There’s more than one way to raise funds. Non-dilutive alternatives offer entrepreneurs the chance to leverage venture debt. This allows founders to optimise their startup for valuation.

Investors who host sessions with us

"Be very crisp on 'why this product, and why now?'."

Beth Ferreira, Managing Partner, FirstMark

"Startups die more often than they get killed."

Brett Gibson, Managing Partner, Initialized Capital

"What am I looking for in companies? A unique viewpoint about the world."

Fred Destin, Stride.VC

Sign up now to apply for our startup programme

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.