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.

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What is the Web Summit startup programme?

Our startup programme – ALPHA – offers you the chance to join a global community of startups, each one selected by the Web Summit team for its potential, uniqueness and world-changing ideas. If chosen, you’ll get three tickets to Web Summit, access to Investor to Startup meetings, and be eligible to apply for PITCH, Startup masterclasses, Mentor Hours and more.

Join us in Lisbon in 2024.

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Brand awareness

The world’s leading media publications and journalists will join Web Summit looking for the next big news story. They’ll help you share your startup’s message with the world – and the world’s leading businesses.

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Funding

Investor to Startup meetings are pre-scheduled sessions between the world’s most influential investors and the startups that excite them. If selected you’ll get insider advice on making your startup irresistible to investors.

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Networking

Networking opportunities are woven through every Web Summit experience. Start networking weeks before the event with the Web Summit app – reach out to investors, sign up for Mentor Hours, and find potential leads.

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Learning
Schedule meetings with founders who’ve overcome all the odds and trendsetting companies in your industry. And follow up on these leads after the event. You never know who may become your new business partner, investor or mentor.

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. Fill your time at Web Summit with our many startup activations: PITCH, our startup battle; Mentor Hours, our advisory sessions with business leaders; and more.

Meet some of the investors who have joined us at Web Summit

Albert Wenger
Albert Wenger
Albert Wenger
Managing PartnerUnion Square Ventures
Cristina Fonseca
Cristina Fonseca
Cristina Fonseca
Managing PartnerIndico Capital Partners
Zach Coelius
Zach Coelius
Zach Coelius
FounderCoelius Capital
Annelie Ajami
Annelie Ajami
Annelie Ajami
Founder & General PartnerAnamcara
Eileen Burbidge
Eileen Burbidge
Eileen Burbidge
DirectorFertifa
Ertan Can
Ertan Can
Ertan Can
Managing PartnerMultiple Capital
David Cruz e Silva
David Cruz e Silva
David Cruz e Silva
FounderEUVC
James Heath
James Heath
James Heath
Investment Principaldara5
Geert Kruiter
Geert Kruiter
Geert Kruiter
Partner33 Equity
Scott Ford
Scott Ford
Scott Ford
Cofounder & PartnerZigzag Ventures
Vera Baker
Vera Baker
Vera Baker
Venture PartnerUnconventional Ventures
Ihar Mahaniok
Ihar Mahaniok
Ihar Mahaniok
Managing PartnerGeek Ventures
Paulo Emediato
Paulo Emediato
Paulo Emediato
CMO & Ecosystem Engagement Oxygea
Teresa Fiúza
Teresa Fiúza
Teresa Fiúza
Executive VPPortugal Ventures
Sergio Massano
Sergio Massano
Sergio Massano
PartnerAntler
Akilah Leblanc
Akilah Leblanc
Akilah Leblanc
General ManagerShell
Nicholas Stocks
Nicholas Stocks
General PartnerWhite Star Capital
Tamara Steffens
Tamara Steffens
Tamara Steffens
Managing DirectorThomson Reuters Ventures
Zixin Pan
Zixin Pan
Zixin Pan
Principal / Associate DirectorGresham House Ventures
Carlos Fisch
Carlos Fisch
Carlos Fisch
Partner | Venture Capital - Climate TechSeaya

Meet some of the startups that have joined us

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

Web Summit Centre Stage viewed from a distance, with a packed crowd.

 

–  Inc.

"The world’s biggest tech event."

 

–  Euronews

"The largest technology conference in the world.”

Kubo Robotics co-founder and CEO Tommy Otzen celebrates with arms in air after winning PITCH at Web Summit 2016.

 

–  Forbes

Join our startup programme in 2024.

Step 1 of 2

Startup activations at Web Summit

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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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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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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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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.