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Top Venture Capital Conferences & Events in 2024

Looking to attend a top venture capital conferences, summit or forum this year? Read more to find the perfect event for you.

January – Venture Capital Conferences

CES 2024

January 9-12, Las Vegas, USA

CES is one of the most powerful tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where brands get business done, meet new partners and where the industry’s sharpest minds take the stage to unveil their latest releases and boldest breakthroughs.

sTARTUp Day 2024

January 24-26, Tartu, Estonia

sTARTUp Day is not just an event; it’s a dynamic entrepreneurial experience waiting to unfold. Immerse yourself in a stage program brimming with inspiration, where talented speakers ignite the entrepreneurial spark within you. Sharpen your skills with specialized workshops led by world-class experts, ranging from basics to industry-specific insights.

February – Venture Capital Conferences

Step Conference 2024

February 21-22, Dubai, UAE

Step started out as a series of workshops and small gatherings , and over 11 years has grown to become the largest tech festival in Dubai. Furthermore, with 6 main tracks, more than 400 global startups showcasing, hundreds of global investors, and 8000+ global attendees over two days, Step brings the tech world to Dubai.

4YFN 2024

February 26-29, Barcelona, Spain

In its 10th anniversary year, 4YFN is amplifying its impact on startups. Halls, stages, and speakers are multiplied, programs are enhanced for more interaction and hands-on experience. Themes like Growth, The Age of AI, and Startup Funding are expanded, offering attendees the chance to multiply their insights and investments.

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Source: 4YFN

SAVCA 2024 Private Equity Conference

February 27-28, Cap Town, South Africa

SAVCA hosts its annual Private Equity in Southern Africa Industry Conference, a fixture since 2008 and a significant contribution to the private equity ecosystem. Its core objectives include creating a compelling business case to highlight the socio-economic value that private equity brings to the Southern African region and contributing to the capacity building of industry players through engaging sessions and impactful content.

The Future Investor: Navigating a Complex, Data-Driven World

February 27, Chicago, USA

In an era dominated by AI and advanced analytics, the 2024 Future Investor series explores the pivotal role of data in financial landscapes. It shapes behaviors for fast-growing companies, influences holistic investment strategies, and democratizes investing. The series delves into the balance between algorithms and human intelligence for ethical and transparent financial decision-making, charting a course for a future where data drives innovative enterprises.

Emergence 2024

February 28-29, Sydney, Australia (Hybrid)

The innovation space is about to go through its most rapid transformation since the birth of the internet. AI, Web3/blockchain, Software, Robotics, Energy Storage, Advanced Manufacturing, Platforms, Life Science / Genomics, Food, and Agriculture are all going through rapid transformations and adoptions at Emergence.

March – Venture Capital Conferences

LEAP 2024

March 4-7, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

LEAP is a cutting-edge event uniting leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to address global challenges and propel us into a digital future. Leaders focus on key issues, professionals gain insights from futurists, entrepreneurs connect with innovators, and investors discover new tech talent. LEAP is where the future happens, fostering collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities.

AVCJ Private Equity Forum Australia & New Zealand

March 5-7, Sydney, Australia (Hybrid)

Over 280 LPs are expected to join AVCJ in March, engaging in discussions about strategies employed in navigating challenges and identifying opportunities in the current environment. The forum, featuring interactive panels, debates, presentations, and educational case studies, aims to offer timely insights to guide participants in navigating the regional and global dealmaking, fundraising, and exits landscape.

SXSW Conference 2024

March 8-16, Austin, USA

An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, professional development and networking opportunities, tech competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

South Summit Brazil 2024

March 20-22, Porto Alegre, Brazil

South Summit Brazil is a unique blend of global exposure and meaningful connections. As a bridge uniting continents and fostering collaboration, it brings together top investors, entrepreneurs, and startups. As such, this event is more than networking; it’s a catalyst for business opportunities and partnerships that transcend borders. In Brazil, South Summit plays a pivotal role in driving entrepreneurial growth and innovation, making it a vital force in shaping the business landscape.

Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2024

March 21-22, Paris, France

Hello Tomorrow Global Summit stands at the forefront of innovation, annually uniting visionaries, entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers to explore the future of deep tech and scientific advancements. Through a dynamic blend of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and startup showcases, the summit fosters collaboration and sparks meaningful conversations, making it a premier platform for those driving transformative change across various fields.

ChangeNOW 2024

March 25-27, Paris, France

During 3 days, ChangeNOW brings together some of the most innovative solutions and impactful changemakers tackling our planet’s biggest challenges, to take action, together. ChangeNOW builds bridges and creates opportunities for thousands of key actors of change, in an inspiring and action-oriented event.

Scale Up with Wolves and European CVC Awards

March 26, Berlin, Germany (Hybrid)

Scale Up with Wolves – connects growing companies with their next stage of Investors (those that are funding post-Seed or Series A rounds). Therefore, this event is for growing companies that already have a proven business-model, initial clients, growing revenues, and have moved into expansion mode.

Emergence 2024

March TBD, Singapore

The innovation space is about to go through its most rapid transformation since the birth of the internet. AI, Web3/blockchain, Software, Robotics, Energy Storage, Advanced Manufacturing, Platforms, Life Science / Genomics, Food, and Agriculture are all going through rapid transformations and adoptions at Emergence.

April – Top VC Conference

SuperReturn US West

April 9-10, Los Angeles, USA

Facilitating connections between West Coast LPs and global GPs, SuperReturn offers a networking opportunity with 350+ private market leaders, including 100+ LPs and 150+ GPs from the US and beyond. Attendees can gain insights into the latest trends in fundraising, LP allocations, capital deployment, private credit, secondaries, AI, and more.

Sesame Summit 2024

April 11-12, Biarritz, France

Sesame Summit, an exclusive gathering in Biarritz, France, is the pinnacle of tech event innovation. Dive into an exclusive environment curated for meaningful connections, expert insights, and unmatched networking. Join us in this transformative experience to redefine your impact in the tech event sphere, connect with influential leaders, and secure your spot for a factual, impactful, and unforgettable journey.

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VALENCIA, SPAIN – 5 April 2019: Startup Sesame Summit 2019. (Photo by Dan Taylor – ©Dan Taylor).

TechChill Riga 2024

April 17-19, Riga, Latvia

TechChill, one of the largest Baltic Tech events, is bringing international, local investors, founders and ecosystem players for 3 days in Riga. Explore game-changing technologies set to redefine industries, gain startup foundations with essential skills, and learn to thrive in a changing world through adaptability and innovation.

Startup Grind Global Conference 2024

April 22-25, San Fransisco, USA

Startup Grind Global Conference serves as a dynamic gathering point for startups, investors, and industry leaders. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference provides a platform for participants to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem.

World Summit AI Americas

April 24-25, Montreal, Canada

One of the world’s leading AI summit for the Americas brings together the  global AI ecosystem. World Summit AI is the only AI summit in the world that matters, and we showcase the world’s brightest AI brains on our stages with innovative, cutting-edge, topical content, tackling the most burning AI issues right now. 

May – Top VC Conferences

Wolves Summit CEE

May 8-9, Warsaw, Poland (Hybrid)

Wolves Summit CEE serves as the nexus of Central and Eastern European innovation, providing a comprehensive platform for startups to pitch their ideas to potential investors. Through a series of insightful panel discussions and networking sessions, the event facilitates meaningful connections between entrepreneurs and industry leaders, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the tech landscape in the region.

EU-Startups Summit 2024

May 9-10, Malta

With over 2,000 attendees, including founders, investors, corporates, and media, EU-Startups Summit offers prime networking opportunities through a dedicated app. It serves as a meeting point for those aspiring to build international tech companies, featuring fireside chats, keynotes, and a thrilling pitch competition showcasing some of Europe’s most promising startups selected from over 1,300 applicants.

ACA 2024 – The Summit of Angel Investing

May 13-15, Columbus, USA

Explore hot industries, build ecosystem partnerships, and gain new perspectives. As the flagship event of the angel investing industry, ACA Summit brings together over 15,000 angels and represents 250+ organizations worldwide. It’s the must-attend platform for the latest industry findings, best practices, and diverse networking to make informed investment decisions.

PODIM 2024

May 13-15, Maribor, Slovenia

PODIM is a dynamic conference designed for startups, investors, executives, and entrepreneurial enthusiasts, where innovation converges with opportunity. The event boasts over 1,300 one-on-one meetings in two days, bringing together 400+ investors and corporate representatives, along with 150+ top handpicked startups. With insights from 70+ international speakers across three stages.

SaaStock USA

May 13-15, Austin, USA

The conference, designed for startups, investors, and industry professionals, breaks down barriers, offering funding opportunities and a chance to meet global SaaS decision-makers. With structured agendas and specialized bootcamps, SaaStock USA provides a tailored experience for achieving business goals and fostering meaningful connections.

Qatar Economic Forum

May 14-16, Doha, Qatar

The Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, is the Middle East’s leading news-driven event dedicated to global business and investment. The Forum’s three day program, curated by the Bloomberg Newsroom, spotlights the Heads of State, notable Ministers and international CEOs who are providing fresh and unique perspectives on the issues driving global boardroom conversations and money markets.

Tech.eu Summit 2024

May 16-17, London, UK

Tech.eu Summit London 2024 brings together 2,000 forward-thinkers to shape the future of global tech innovation. Network with industry leaders, contribute to sustainable growth, and define responsible paths for startup ecosystems. Taking place on May 16-17, 2024, in London, this summit offers a collective exploration of the evolving technology landscape.

EBAN Congress 2024

May 20-22, Tallinn, Estonia

The 2024 EBAN Annual Congress in Tallinn, Estonia will bring together 500+ angel investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from around the globe to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the startup ecosystem. From insightful sessions and workshops to engaging keynotes and cultural activities! Stay tuned!

MedCity INVEST 2024

May 21-22, Chicago, USA

For well over a decade, INVEST has united active investors with promising start-ups  — be they in biopharma, diagnostics, medical devices or health tech. The conference content has highlighted the opportunities and challenges as the industry tries to navigate the winds of change – a greater need for consumer convenience, the shift to value-based care, the desire for seamless care coordination and last, but not least, a more equitable and affordable healthcare for all.

Capital Camp 2024

May 21-23, Columbia, USA

Embark on 3 days and 3 nights of serious investing conversations in a relaxed setting, where shorts and sandals set the tone. Enjoy interactive programming, outdoor activities, and an endless supply of food, drink, and entertainment. Capital Camp is tailored for curious, kind, and thoughtful individuals, including investors, capital providers, entrepreneurs, and executives pushing the frontiers and breaking new ground.

Infoshare 2024

May 22-23, Gdansk, Poland (Hybrid)

Software developers, business leaders, startuppers, investors, marketers, and enthusiast of technology gather in Gdańsk to learn and get inspired at this celebration of the digital world. Every year InfoShare bring together thousands of people looking for a platform to connect and evolve, which makes this conference one of the biggest tech and startup event in CEE.

Latitude59 2024

May 22-24, Tallinn, Estonia

Latitude59 is a startup and tech event offering a platform for startups to showcase to 3,000 visitors and meet 500+ investors. Investors can connect with 800+ vetted startups during the Investor Day, while partners have opportunities to present their brands. The event also features the L59 Pitch Competition, with a €1M prize fund in 2023.

VivaTech 2024

May 22-25, Paris, France

VivaTech is not just an event; it’s a global phenomenon and a highlight on the calendar for tech enthusiasts worldwide. As one of the largest tech events globally, it attracts some of the most prestigious speakers and attendees, making it a beacon of innovation and collaboration. With its highly anticipated date each year, VivaTech is a dynamic platform where the brightest minds, influential speakers, and industry leaders converge to explore cutting-edge technologies, share insights, and shape the future of the tech landscape.

Invest Canada ’24

May 28-30, Montreal, Canada

Invest Canada is an opportunity to network and engage with all of your peers and contacts in the industry. Connect with top industry influencers, including international venture capital and private equity investors, debt providers, institutional funds, government entities, corporations and service providers who are all accelerating Canada’s innovation and growth ecosystem.

Dublin Tech Summit 2024

May 29-30, Dublin, Ireland

The Dublin Tech Summit is distinguished by its diverse, international audience, comprehensive agenda covering emerging technologies, and engaging format that facilitates networking. Set in the vibrant city of Dublin, the event uniquely combines a dynamic tech ecosystem with cultural experiences, making it a distinctive and valuable gathering for professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

startup days 2024

May 30, Kursaal, Switzerland

startup days (SUD) are the nationwide business and networking platform for startups, investors, enablers, SMEs and corporates in Switzerland. Every year, the Swiss startup ecosystem meets to network, exchange know-how and discuss relevant topics of the startup ecosystem. It’s a vibrant family reunion, where you’ll meet all key players in one day.

AI World Congress 2024

MAy 30-31, London, UK

The AI World Congress is an annual event that brings together professionals, experts, and thought leaders in the field of AI. It serves as a platform for discussions, presentations, and workshops on the advancements, challenges, and applications of AI across various industries.

Emergence 2024

May TBD, London, UK

The innovation space is about to go through its most rapid transformation since the birth of the internet. AI, Web3/blockchain, Software, Robotics, Energy Storage, Advanced Manufacturing, Platforms, Life Science / Genomics, Food, and Agriculture are all going through rapid transformations and adoptions at Emergence.

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Source: Emergence

June – Venture Capital Conferences

Money20/20 Europe 2024

June 4-6, Amsterdam, Netherlands

At Money20/20 Europe, the transformative influence of ideas, inspiration, and impactful conversations is well understood. Previous speakers have dynamically reshaped the industry from its stages, and the call is out for unique individuals to become part of this influential cohort. The official search is underway, with a mission to discover the most brilliant and diverse minds spanning the global financial landscape.

South Summit Madrid 2024

June 5-7, Madrid, Spain

South Summit Madrid is a global gateway to influential conversations, heightened brand impact, and expanded international reach. Beyond a mere event, it’s a dynamic platform where voices resonate across continents, linking entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and startups. Join a vibrant community where networking cultivates dreams and builds legacies, setting the stage for growth through innovation.

Hinterland 2024

June 13, Bielefeld, Germany

As Bielefeld becomes the epicenter where startups ignite, investors envision, and corporates pioneer, Hinterland of Things 2024 invites you to go beyond the conventional. It’s more than just a gathering; it’s a confluence of inspiration and innovation.

Collision 2024

June 17-20, Toronto, Canada

Collision is a globally acclaimed tech conference hosted in Toronto. It gathers industry leaders and companies shaping the future of technology. Recognized as one of the world’s largest tech conferences, Collision is renowned for its significance and as a prime networking and knowledge-sharing platform.

TNW Conference 2024

June 20-21, Amsterdam, Netherlands

At the TNW Conference, technology stands as the beating heart of their mission. The event is dedicated to informing and connecting the tech community with both present and future challenges. TNW Conference invites individuals to join forces with international industry leaders, policy makers, startups, and investors. Together, they collaborate to build a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future.

July – Venture Capital Conferences

Turing Fest 2024

July 9-10, Edinburgh, Scotland

One of Europe’s leading tech event at the intersection of product, growth, capital, and people. Turing Fest is a uniquely multi-disciplinary event with extremely high value content, connections, and conversations for people building and scaling technology businesses.

Bloomberg Green Festival

July 10-13, Seattle, USA

Operating at the crossroads of sustainability, design, culture, food, tech, data, science, policy, and entertainment, the Bloomberg Green Festival will immerse attendees in solutions-driven experiences with world-renowned experts to inspire climate action. 

Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit

July 31, Singapore

The Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summits bring together business leaders and investors globally to drive innovation and scale best practices in sustainable business and finance. Amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical challenges and ever-changing regulations, companies are under pressure to drive business value and meet their ambitious ESG goals.

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Source: Bloomberg

September – Venture Capital Conference

TechBBQ 2024

September 11-12, Copenhagen, Denmark

TechBBQ has become the heartbeat of the startup and innovation ecosystem in Scandinavia. It began as a humble BBQ gathering for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in 2013, but has since evolved into a large, scale summit that draws attendees from around the world for two days of inspiration, networking, and growth.

France Digitale Day

September 18, Paris, France

From across France and Europe, over 4000 founders, investors and innovation leaders gather for the whole day (and night !) to get inspired, discuss last trends in business, tech and society, close (big) deals with new partners, network, and meet with your peers in a village-like venue in the heart of the French capital for France Digitale Day.

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Source: France Digitale Day

Wolves Summit SEE

September TBD, Sofia, Bulgaria (Hybrid)

The event focuses on fostering cross-border collaborations and facilitating strategic discussions between startups and investors. With a keen emphasis on the region’s technological advancements, Wolves Summit SEE plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Southeast European entrepreneurship.

The OurCrowd Global Investor Summit 2024

September TBD, Jerusalem, Israel

For one week in Israel, the startup world gathers for the OurCrowd Gloabl Investor Summit, one of the premier events in the tech industry, and the largest investor event in the Middle East.  The 2024 Summit will take place in September at the Internation Convention Center (Binyanei Hauma) in Jerusalem, with events across Israel during Summit week.

Bits & Pretzels 2024

September 29-October 01, Munich, Germany

From humble beginnings with 80 attendees and grand aspirations, Bits & Pretzels has grown into a gathering of 5,000 founders, investors, and industry leaders. This three-day event is dedicated to learning, networking, and doing business. Hundreds of startups, investors, and corporates recognize the value of being part of Bits & Pretzels each year.

October – Venture Capital Conferences

Sifted Summit 2024

October 02-03, London UK

Sifted Summit is an annual event that brings together founders, operators, investors, and partners for challenge-focused discussions, lively debates, and high-level networking sessions. The summit aims to cut through the noise and provide valuable insights for industry professionals.

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Source: Sifted Summit

World Summit AI 2024

October 09-10, Amsterdam, Netherlands

World Summit AI will once again gather the global AI ecosystem of Enterprise, Big Tech, Startups, Investors and Science and the brightest brains to tackle head-on the most burning AI issues and set the global AI agenda.

SaaStock Dublin

October 14-16, Dublin, Ireland

With 6,000 attendees, 200 partners, and 600 investors, SaaStock Dublin serves as a vital networking hub in the SaaS ecosystem. The conference is known for its practical insights, featuring expert speakers like Nathan Latka. SaaStock provides a platform for startups to showcase solutions to key decision-makers in the SaaS industry.

Future Investment Initiative 8th Edition

October 29-31, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Established in 2017, FII Institute initially began as an annual event focused on fostering investment in promising solutions. Recognizing the need for continuous, impactful action beyond a yearly gathering, it has evolved into a comprehensive global non-profit foundation with an investment arm. The core mission of the FII Institute is singular and compelling: to drive positive impact on humanity. This transformation reflects a commitment to sustained efforts in catalyzing ideas into actions for the betterment of the world.

November – Venture Capital Conferences

Web Summit 2024

November 11-14, Lisbon, Portugal

Web Summit is a massive technology conference that gathers professionals, startups, investors, and industry leaders for networking and knowledge-sharing. With its global reach, the event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and exhibitions, covering diverse topics in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Slush 2024

November 20-21, Helsinki, Finland

Slush is a premier not-for-profit startup event, focusing on founders and company building. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and stellar reputation, Slush is a must-attend conference for ambitious founders globally. The unique Slush Matchmaking Tool enhances networking with extensive startup data. Slush Week includes 300+ side events for diverse connections and inspiration.

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Source: Slush

Wolves Summit Europe

November TBD, Vienna, Austria (Hybrid)

Through a series of panel discussions and networking opportunities, Wolves Summit Europe plays a crucial role in driving collaborative initiatives that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing to the advancement of business and technology across the European landscape.

Not seeing your favorite Venture Capital Conferences / event(s) here? smrs/link.add-event

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Event strategy for VC

When I started working in VC, conferences were treated as a nice extra. Something you sprinkled on top of a sourcing strategy that lived elsewhere, often in a partner’s address book. Being an investor meant you mainly had to spend a few days out of the office per week for dealflow meetings, you attended the occasional panel slot if you had a friend on the programme team, shared a few tweets and that was it. But today conferences are part of the core marketing infrastructure that keeps the firm in the flow of founders, operators, LPs and peers. These events act as a pretext to re-engage with warm or cold leads, whether a fund is at the beginning of their investment cycle or deep in fundraising for their next flagship fund.  Every tech city has its own flagship event. If you are a generalist VC, chances are you can easily identify 20 conferences that you are expected to show up at, and 40 that you could attend.  So, where do you start? How do you really decide whether it’s a good reason to attend? Most investors only see the tip of the iceberg: the logo of the headline conference. They rarely see the resource constraints that come with executing the field work. That tension creates too familiar operational dramas for marketing teams, including last-minute “Where is my ticket?” message, partner demands for main-stage slots, and the flurry of FOMO driven interest because another prestigious fund has been announced as a partner. And yet, despite common belief, investors don’t attend conferences for the parties.  When I look at the 100 plus conferences I have attended over my career, I tend to group the real reasons into 10 buckets. 1. Qualified dealflow Good conferences act as magnets. They pull in the startups that are relevant for a specific thesis, geography or stage. For generalist VCs, niche events are a way to see a concentrated sample of the market in two days. For more specialist firms, these events are a way to go deeper into a vertical, and to be visible in that niche. 2. On-the-shelf networking Conferences provide “on the shelf networking”: the infrastructure of meetings, lounges, apps and social events is already built. You simply step into it. For investors, that is valuable across several fronts: they can connect with  founders and future founders, operators for senior hires, practical experts and   LPs exploring new funds.  3. LPs and the (secret) permanent fundraise Most funds are always fundraising. Events that attract LPs are therefore particularly attractive. Even a handful of good LP conversations can justify several days out of the office, especially if this involves underground Berlin (Super Return) or a roundtrip to the French Riviera (IPEM).  4. Media relationships Some partners only have meaningful conversations with journalists at conferences, mainly because engaging with the media is not part of their day-to-day routine. For them, conferences provide an efficient way to concentrate press engagement in one place without having to pitch themselves. For marketers handling complex logistics across several markets, an event is often the one moment where the stars align. 5. Thesis signalling Good investors have local-based theses and want to attract dealflow consistently across several years, whether or not they have cash to invest. Attending Stockholm-based conferences is a way to say, “we are serious about the Nordics” without having to buy billboards in the airport (although some folks do exactly that). In that sense, VCs and event organizers are sometimes competing as community enablers. Both are trying to become the natural node for a given ecosystem. 6. Speaking and thought leadership Speaking slots are a form of social currency in venture – and comes with a few perks such as “speaker dinners”. Many partners enjoy being on stage and the status premium associated with it. I guess there’s a reason why some people are more interested in how they will look like on their Slush stage picture than what they are going to say. Beyond ego, speaking opportunities give VCs a platform to articulate their thesis, test a narrative in front of a live audience, and attract founders at the very top of the funnel. Some of the best inbound I have seen has come within a week of a talk. A founder who heard a line and followed up. A journalist who spotted a quote for a later story. Someone who waited backstage with a pitch. This is part of why VCs can be VERY intense about speaking slots. From their perspective, stage time is not simply a visibility perk. It is a key input into the marketing engine. 7. Curation Some conferences have a strong reputation for curation. You trust that if you turn up at TEDx, DLD, or similar events, you will be challenged and inspired. For investors who spend most of their year buried in spreadsheets, this is attractive. Alas, I think the content quality has nosedived these last couple of years so it’s less true. 8. Portfolio support Serious investors use conferences to help portfolio companies with commercial introductions, support them on talent hunting, offer stage visibility and access to LPs, journalists, and peers. When a portfolio company is having a big moment, everything else tends to rearrange around it.  9. IRL experiences Many VC franchises have grown used to operating digitally. What is often missing is a reliable in person interface for the broader community around the fund. Conferences solve this by using those moments to crystallise the community you are building.  A simple breakfast, an LP catching up with several of your founders in one afternoon: these are small touches, but repeated over ten years they are part of how trust compounds.  10. Watching to competition Conferences are one of the few places where you can literally see how competitors behave with founders, with LPs, with the media and with each other. Who is always surrounded by founders. Who is quietly building a niche. Who is sponsoring heavily in a

Rift raises €4.6M for aerial reconnaissance platform
Fundraising 4 months ago

Europe’s defence technology sector is witnessing unprecedented investment momentum, driven by shifting geopolitical realities and increasing demand for autonomous surveillance solutions. At the forefront of this transformation sits Rift, a Paris-based startup that has just secured €4.6 million in Series A funding to build Europe’s first on-demand aerial reconnaissance network. The round was led by AlleyCorp, the New York-based venture firm known for backing enterprise technology companies. This investment signals growing transatlantic interest in European defence tech capabilities, particularly as NATO allies prioritise technological sovereignty and autonomous reconnaissance systems. AlleyCorp leads aerial reconnaissance funding round AlleyCorp’s decision to lead this round reflects a broader strategic shift among US investors towards European defence technology startups. The firm, which has previously backed companies like MongoDB and Paperless Post, sees significant potential in Rift’s approach to democratising aerial intelligence gathering across civilian and military applications. “Rift’s technology addresses a critical gap in the European surveillance market,” noted a spokesperson from AlleyCorp. “Their ability to deploy on-demand reconnaissance missions using autonomous systems represents exactly the kind of dual-use innovation we expect to define the next decade of defence technology.” The investment comes at a time when European governments are accelerating defence technology procurement, with the EU’s European Defence Fund allocating €8 billion for collaborative defence research and development programmes. This regulatory tailwind positions Rift advantageously within a market expected to reach €24 billion by 2027. Building Europe’s autonomous surveillance network Rift’s platform combines advanced drone technology with artificial intelligence to provide real-time reconnaissance capabilities across multiple sectors. Unlike traditional surveillance methods that require significant infrastructure investment, the company’s on-demand model enables clients to access aerial intelligence through a software-as-a-service platform. The startup plans to use the funding to expand its autonomous fleet and enhance its AI-powered analytics capabilities. With operations currently focused on France and Germany, Rift aims to establish coverage across major European markets by 2026, positioning itself as the continent’s primary alternative to US-based surveillance providers. “European organisations need surveillance solutions that comply with GDPR and other regional privacy regulations,” explained Rift’s CEO. “Our platform is built from the ground up with European data sovereignty in mind, something that resonates strongly with both government and enterprise clients.” This funding positions Rift to compete directly with established players like Palantir and Anduril, whilst offering European clients the regulatory compliance and data localisation they increasingly demand. As defence technology becomes increasingly intertwined with civilian applications, Rift’s European-first approach may prove to be its strongest competitive advantage.

energy infrastructure funding, grid technology investment, BESS funding
Fundraising 4 months ago

Europe’s energy infrastructure is undergoing its most significant transformation since electrification began. As renewable energy sources strain aging grid systems and electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the continent, Munich-based Delta Charge has secured €3.7 million to address critical gaps in energy storage and distribution. The funding round, led by Vireo Ventures and Rethink Ventures, positions the startup to capitalise on Europe’s urgent need for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and grid modernisation solutions. This investment reflects growing European investor confidence in energy infrastructure startups as the EU accelerates its transition to renewable energy sources. With the European Green Deal mandating carbon neutrality by 2050, the timing couldn’t be more strategic for Delta Charge’s market entry. Energy infrastructure funding attracts European climate tech investors Vireo Ventures and Rethink Ventures bring complementary expertise to Delta Charge’s growth trajectory. Vireo Ventures, known for backing transformative European climate technologies, sees Delta Charge as addressing fundamental infrastructure challenges that traditional utilities struggle to solve efficiently. Meanwhile, Rethink Ventures’ portfolio focus on sustainable technology solutions aligns perfectly with the startup’s mission to optimise energy distribution networks. “We’re witnessing unprecedented strain on European energy grids as demand patterns shift dramatically,” explains a Vireo Ventures partner familiar with the investment decision. “Delta Charge’s approach to battery energy storage systems offers the scalability and intelligence that Europe needs to maintain grid stability while integrating renewable sources.” The investor combination signals strong European institutional support for energy infrastructure innovation. Both funds have demonstrated expertise in scaling climate tech companies across fragmented European markets, providing Delta Charge with strategic value beyond capital injection. BESS technology targets European grid modernisation Delta Charge’s battery energy storage systems address acute European challenges that differ significantly from other global markets. The continent’s diverse regulatory frameworks, varying grid infrastructures, and ambitious renewable targets create unique technical requirements. The company’s technology optimises energy storage placement and management across these complex, interconnected networks. The €3.7 million funding will accelerate product development specifically for European market conditions and support expansion across key markets including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Delta Charge plans to leverage regulatory tailwinds from the EU’s REPowerEU initiative, which prioritises energy independence and grid resilience investments. “European energy markets present both immense opportunity and distinct challenges,” notes Delta Charge’s leadership team. “Our BESS solutions are designed specifically for the regulatory complexity and infrastructure diversity that characterises European energy systems.” The startup’s technology addresses critical pain points including grid balancing during peak renewable generation periods and energy storage optimisation for commercial and industrial applications. With European electricity prices remaining volatile and grid stability concerns mounting, Delta Charge’s timing appears particularly astute. This funding round exemplifies the European venture capital community’s increasing focus on infrastructure-critical climate technologies. As European governments commit billions to energy transition initiatives, startups like Delta Charge are positioned to capture significant market opportunities whilst addressing urgent societal needs.

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