Opening remarks

Unlocking the Future: Web Summit Lisbon 2025 Kicks Off New Venture Stage with Deep Dive into AI, Climate Tech, and VC Trends

The Web Summit Lisbon 2025 commenced its New Venture Stage with a warm welcome from Mr. Luis Garay, a Partner at Samaipata. As MC, Mr. Garay represented Samaipata, an early-stage venture fund investing in European companies with network effects.

Samaipata’s core mission, as articulated by Mr. Garay, involves empowering the next generation of founders. The firm aims to reimagine industries through technology, fostering innovation and growth within the European tech ecosystem.

The New Venture Stage serves as a pivotal gathering for venture capital minds. Experts will convene to formulate and refine investment theses, driving discourse on future technological and economic landscapes.

The agenda is packed with critical discussions. Attendees can anticipate engaging debates and insights on Artificial Intelligence, climate change challenges, and the evolving state of venture capital markets in Europe and the United States.

Mr. Garay emphasized that the day promises valuable insights, innovative ideas, robust debates, and significant opportunities. These discussions are poised to redefine the future trajectory of investment strategies and technological advancements.

The first session immediately delved into “the planet and the profit,” exploring the complex relationship between environmental sustainability and financial returns, particularly concerning recent investment trends.

The discussion highlighted a notable decline in climate tech investment in recent years. Despite this downturn, the global climate crisis continues unabated, underscoring the critical importance of sustained innovation and funding.

The central question posed was whether this period represents an opportune moment for increased climate tech investment, or if it necessitates a more cautious approach. This dilemma sets the stage for a compelling debate.

To address these pressing questions, Mr. Garay welcomed a distinguished panel. Speakers included Mr. Caleb Silver, business editor at People Inc, who would moderate the discussion.

Joining Mr. Silver were Mr. Nikolaovas from TDK Ventures, offering corporate venture capital insights, and Mr. Marcus Ball, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Next, providing an entrepreneurial viewpoint on climate innovation and investment strategies.