Image credits: Bits & Pretzels
In the world of entrepreneurship, startup conferences have always played an important role in helping founders exchange ideas and sharing knowledge for the growth and development of the community.
Startup conferences not only bring together entrepreneurs and founders, but also industry leaders and experts, VCs, angel investors and other stakeholders for the benefit of the ecosystem.
They enable entrepreneurs to grow knowledge, foster ideas, and turn them into innovative solutions and market defining products.
One such conference is the Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival.
Organised every year in Munich, the festival brings together founders, experts and enthusiasts from the global startup ecosystem. And this year, being the 10th-edition, the festival is all the more special.
Bits & Pretzels: Shining spotlight on European tech sector
Started in 2014, Bits & Pretzels is an annual three-day festival that connects 5,000 founders, investors, startup enthusiasts, and other decision-makers of the startup ecosystem.
The festival shines a spotlight on the European entrepreneurial tech sector.
Its primary objective is to equip founders with the tools, network, and knowledge they need to create world-class products and services, and ultimately shape a better future.
Bits & Pretzels has garnered international acclaim due to its esteemed lineup of speakers, including, Sir Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group), Tarana Burke ( Founder of the #metoo movement), Jessica Alba ( Founder of The Honest Company), Nico Rosberg (F1 World Champion and investor), Barack Obama ( 44th President of the United States of America), and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Former Governor of California).
Bits & Pretzels 2023: 10th-anniversary edition
The 10th-anniversary edition is all set to take place in a unique setting at and around the original Munich Oktoberfest from September 24 – 26, 2023.
Bits & Pretzels has already unveiled a roster of speakers for the upcoming 10th edition Founders Festival.
“Every year we are asking our community which speakers they want to see next, and Michelle Obama topped this list year after year,” say the hosts of Bits & Pretzels Andy Bruckschlögl, Bernd Storm van’s Gravesande, and Felix Haas.”
“As the main reason our audience repeatedly states her powerful and engaging public speaking style, her leadership experience, and her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. All of which we believe can provide valuable inspiration and guidance for our startup community,” the hosts say.
At the event, the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, will participate in a moderated conversation with Nathan Blecharczyk (Co-Founder of Airbnb), Daniel Dines (Co-Founder & Co-CEO of UiPath), Nicolas Julia (Co-Founder of Sorare), Ophelia Brown (Founder of Blossom Capital), and Zeynep Yavuz (Partner at General Catalyst)
The panel will see Mrs. Obama share her story of determination, community, and personal conviction, joining hundreds of unicorn founders and young aspiring entrepreneurs.
As co-founder and strategic partner at a public benefit company with a “mission to create higher standards for how the United States makes and markets food and beverages for kids,” and years of experience as a lawyer, author, musician, wife, mother, and former first lady, Mrs. Obama will highlight the significance of diversity and inclusivity.
Like over 500 previous speakers, Mrs. Obama will share her stories and insights on PLEZi Nutrition, a newly co-founded healthy food and beverage company for kids at Bits & Pretzels.
Why should you attend Bits & Pretzels 2023?
When it comes to events, size does matter and Bits & Pretzels 2023 strikes the perfect balance with a limited attendance of 5,000 attendees.
This intentional capping ensures that quality takes precedence over quantity, creating an ideal environment for startups to network and build meaningful connections.
Unlike larger conferences where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, Bits & Pretzels offers a more intimate setting that allows startups, investors and corporates to stand out and make lasting impressions.
Here are a few reasons why you should attend:
For startups: Are you an aspiring startup aiming to carve a niche for yourself in the competitive market? If so, the Startup Exhibition presents an unmissable opportunity for you.
This event offers a platform for networking with key stakeholders and potential investors, opening doors to invaluable connections.
Another highlight in the Startup Exhibition is the Startup Pitch Competition. Imagine being in front of over 1,000 influential angels and venture capitalists, showcasing your innovation and ideas.
As you progress through the competition, your journey will be amplified by substantial media coverage, with the grand finale putting you in the spotlight in front of a substantial audience, including hundreds of journalists and an esteemed panel of judges.
For startups seeking to amplify their visibility, the exclusive Startup Book beckons.
All participating startups will earn a spot in this book — a comprehensive list of data that will be made available to more than 1,000 attending investors.
It provides an amazing opportunity to stand out to potential backers, ensuring that your startup’s profile resonates with those who hold the power to transform its trajectory.
For investors: Investors who want to stay ahead in the investment landscape consider the Bits & Pretzels conference a top priority.
This year, the event promises even more growth, hosting 3,000 founders actively seeking capital and facilitating 20,000 one-on-one meetings between visionary entrepreneurs and astute investors.
Last year, around a thousand investors injected €390B in capital, accelerating innovation and fueling growth. Building on this foundation, this year’s event aims to set the stage for even more ambitious investment initiatives.
By becoming a part of this elite circle, investors can elevate their prestige and play a significant role in an exclusive gathering of industry luminaries.
A cornerstone of the event is the emphasis on peer-to-peer meetings. Investors have the chance to connect, collaborate, and share insights with like-minded peers, paving the way for new alliances and strategic partnerships across the European investment landscape.
For corporates: The 10th edition of Bits & Pretzels will unite over 1,500 esteemed C-level executives hailing from diverse sectors including FinTech, SaaS, E-mobility, Energy, IoT, and AI. This is the place where business meets vision, ideas turn into opportunities, and connections count.
Explore startup ecosystem: Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival also lets you explore the most interesting topics from the startup ecosystem. Consequently, the conference features various stages:
- Bits & Pretzels stage: Hear global icons like Barack and Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Richard Branson share insights that ignite action and shape the future.
- Ways of Financing: Discover cutting-edge funding methods in a changing economy. Learn from experts about tracking progress, navigating investments, and new financing strategies.
- Academy stage: Immerse yourself in essential entrepreneurship themes. Gain skills in storytelling, strategic communication, and market pioneering through interactive sessions.
- Corporate innovation: Delve into rapid changes in corporate innovation, discussing Energy, Impact, AI, and Industry advancements. Top industry speakers lead open discussions.
- European stage: Spotlighting Europe’s startups, innovators, and venture capitalists. Get insights into the latest trends and success stories shaping the European ecosystem.
Oktoberfest: Connect with 5,000 founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts and dive into meaningful conversations over beer and enhance your network.
Match making: Bits & Pretzels provides the perfect environment for networking, giving you access to relevant contacts.
Side events: Discover a wealth of additional networking possibilities and connections through our partner-driven side events, expanding the horizons of the conference experience.
After party: Continue the Bits & Pretzels experience after hours! Attend the after party at the Werksviertel, Munich’s newest nightlife hub, to unwind, network, and make meaningful business connections in a lively atmosphere.
Are you a startup looking to establish yourself in the market?
If you want to network with key stakeholders and investors, Bits & Pretzels 2023 is the perfect opportunity to gain an early competitive advantage for your company.
Apply here now!
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