EUROPE’S NEXT WAVE

START Summit 2025

This is your moment! Be part of europe's largest early-stage Startup event!


20. - 21. March, St. Gallen, Switzerland

START Summit 2025
In numbers

7000 +

Event
Participants

150 +

Expert
Speakers

20 +

Unicorns
on Stage

1000 +

Investors

check out our speakers
at start summit 2025

Jeannette zu Fürstenberg

La Famiglia &
General Catalyst


Dr. Jeannette zu Fürstenberg is Managing Director at General Catalyst (GC), leading its European business. She is also Founding Partner of La Famiglia VC, one of Europe’s most distinguished early-stage venture capital platforms. Today, La Famiglia VC is the nucleus of General Catalyst’s Global Seed Investment Program. Jeannette’s early investment wins include Deel, Forto, Groq, Helsing, Mistral, and Personio.

Thomas Wolf

Co-Founder of
Hugging Face 


Thomas Wolf is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer (CSO) of Hugging Face, a leading open-source platform in AI and machine learning. He is the creator of widely-used tools like the Transformers and Datasets libraries and a driving force behind open-science initiatives such as the BigScience Workshop, which led to the development of the BLOOM language model. With a Ph.D. in Statistical and Quantum Physics and a background as a Patent Attorney, Thomas brings a multidisciplinary approach to advancing accessibility and innovation in AI.

Matt Cohler

Partner at
Benchmark

Matt is a partner at Benchmark, where for over a decade he led early-stage investments in Internet and software startups. Prior to Benchmark, he was vice president at Facebook as the company’s seventh employee, and vice president at LinkedIn, where he was part of the founding team. He currently serves on the board of directors at public companies like KKR, Asana, and 1stdibs, as well as private companies such as DeepL. He previously held board positions at major companies including Instagram, Tinder, and Uber.

Dr. Klaus Hommels

Founder & Chairman, Lakestar / Chairman, NATO Innovation Fund

A leading force in venture capital and defense tech, Dr. Klaus Hommels has shaped Europe’s innovation landscape through Lakestar, one of the continent’s top VC firms, and as Chairman of the NATO Innovation Fund. Recognized multiple times on the Midas List, he has backed transformative startups while steering critical investments in defense and security technology. With Europe at a turning point, his insights into defense-tech and strategic investments are more relevant than ever.

Fabian Thylmann

Founder of Pornhub

Fabian Thylmann is a German entrepreneur best known as the founder of MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub and other leading adult platforms. Through strategic acquisitions, he built MindGeek into the industry’s dominant player, pioneering data-driven content distribution. In 2013, he sold his stake and transitioned into angel investing, now running SN Invest to support early-stage startups across Europe.

Cornelius
Menke

Sequoia

Cornelius Menke is a Partner at Sequoia, focusing on seed and early-stage investments. Growing up in Northern Germany, he developed a deep curiosity for technology, which led him to gain hands-on experience at companies like Udacity, KRY, and Klarna. With a background in machine learning and network analytics, he later worked at BCG, advising software companies on emerging technologies. At Sequoia, Cornelius seeks founders with a strong mix of curiosity and execution speed, with a particular interest in automation, manufacturing, and AI-driven supply chains.

Investors Attending
start summit!

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12

SPEAKER QUOTES at
START SUMMIT

Instagram story - 186-4
Instagram story - 170-1
Instagram story - 187-2
Instagram story - 167-2

they trust us
for 2025!

GET YOUR TICKET!

Which problems do startups tackle at START Summit?

  • Low levels of funding

  • Talent scouting
  • Poor visibility in the market

  • Struggling with customer aquisition

  • Incomplete skillset in the founding team

WHY other startups are
START SUMMIT 2025!

INCREASE YOUR DEALFLOW

10.000 Investor - Founder meetings in two days

Maximize Brand Visibility

Pitching at START Summit puts you in front of top investors & media

New customers

Meet more potential clients in 2 days than in 2 months of outreach

The best european talents

Students from Europe’s top universities

Startup
formats & events

START Summiteer

Pitch in front of world class investors
START Summiteer offers 20 early-stage startups the opportunity to present their venture in front of industry leaders, serial founders and Europe’s most renowned VCs. Summiteer will be THE source of inspiration for the next and current generation of founders, and VCs and Angels. After the Quarters and Semis, the Final will take place on the main stage and will mark one of the most memorable events of the START Summit.

START Fair

Your free both filled with your ideas
Start Fair is about networking with industry experts, leg endary founders, top-class investors, and many other top class Startups. The Fair is an integral part of START Summit and offers earlystage Startups one free Booth ate START Summit- and, it adds the “hands-on” interactive component to the Summit. We aim to offer all attendees the chance to experience what Europe’s best startups have to offer! The participants will find the hottest new prototypes, the sickest booths and custom meeting spaces, allowing them to truly delve into what the entrepreneurial ecosystem is all about.

Pitching Competitions

Pitch your startup. Win investors. Scale faster.
Compete in industry-specific pitching competitions and showcase your startup to top investors, corporates, and media. Whether you’re building the next breakthrough in DeepTech, revolutionizing SaaS, or driving impact in Sustainability, this is your chance to get funded and gain massive visibility. Apply now and take the stage!

Founder focused side events

HOSTED BY SEQUOIA, ACCEL, NORTHZONE, cherry AND MANY MORE
Two days of networking, insights, and great company await you. A handful of investors will be welcoming handpicked groups of founders in intimate settings during their founder-focused side events. These events will bring the most daring founders at START Summit together with some of the leading global and European investors.

WHO ATTENDS
START SUMMIT?

7'000 participants include:

Get your STARTUP
ticket now!

Startup

349.-

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and companies just starting out, the Startup Ticket provides an all-access pass to START Summit 2025. Perfect for those seeking their first funding and looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey, this ticket offers invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and exposure to industry pioneers.

One startup ticket is valid for one person. Each team-member needs its own ticket.

Matchmaking Tool Speed-dating Workshops Side Events Apply for pitching competitions Apply for a free booth Access to Afterparty
BUY TICKETS!

FAQ

General
Tickets
Startups

FAQ

General

What is START Summit?

START Summit is Europe’s leading student-run conference for entrepreneurship and technology, bringing together over 7000 startups, investors, corporates, and young talents for two days of inspiring stage sessions, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking.

With a strong focus on innovation, fundraising, and ecosystem-building, START Summit provides a unique platform for early-stage startups to connect with investors, for corporates to discover disruptive ideas, and for students to dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

Beyond the main conference, START Summit offers exclusive side events, pitching competitions, and interactive sessions to maximize learning and networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build, invest, or connect, START Summit is the place to be

Where and when will START Summit 2025 take place?
START Summit 2025 will be held at the Olma Halls in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on March 20–21, 2025. Additionally, we will host a special Day-0 event on March 19 for selected startups, investors, media representatives, and partners. Details about applications will be shared through our social channels once they open.
How do I get to St. Gallen and where can I stay during START Summit?

Public transport:

By bus: From St. Gallen Train Station, take bus lines 3, 4, or 6 to the stop “Olma Messen”.

By train: The nearest train station is St. Gallen St. Fiden, located just a 4-minute walk from the Olma Halls. However, if you’re arriving at St. Gallen Train Station, you can also reach the venue conveniently by taking bus lines 3, 4, or 6 to the “Olma Messen” stop.

By plane: The closest airport is Zürich Airport, approximately one hour by train from St. Gallen.

Accommodation:

We’ve pre-selected several hotels for attendees. You can find details about the hotels in St. Gallen here. If you prefer a quieter stay, there are also excellent hotels just outside the city, only about 20 minutes away by public transport.

How can I register for the online platform?
Our online platform will open about three weeks before the event. Registering on the platform is essential for making the most of your START Summit experience. After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a registration link via email approximately three weeks before the event. The platform will allow you to schedule meetings, sign up for workshops, and register for side events. Be sure to sign up early and download the mobile app before attending!
Can I schedule meetings in advance?
Yes! Pre-scheduling meetings is key to making your START Summit experience as productive as possible. You can use filters to search for participants based on nationality, industry, and job role and book meetings through the online platform or mobile app. These features will be available as soon as the platform is launched.
Do I need to pre-register for workshops and side events?

Yes, workshops have limited seating, so you’ll need to register in advance before spots fill up. Workshop registration is available via our online platform.

For side events, you can browse and apply to participate via our event page. Additional side events will be announced over time, so keep checking back for updates and sign up for our newsletter!

What are the START Summit Side Events

START Summit side events take place before, during, and after the main event, creating unique networking and learning opportunities beyond the conference itself. These events include exclusive investor dinners, startup meetups, industry-specific gatherings, and casual networking sessions across St. Gallen. They allow attendees to connect in a more personal setting, making START Summit a truly immersive experience.

New side events will be announced regularly, so keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates!

Can I meet the speakers in person
Yes! Many of our top speakers will host Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) sessions after their stage appearances. These sessions have limited capacity, but they offer a unique opportunity to interact with speakers directly.
When should I arrive in St. Gallen?
We recommend arriving in St. Gallen on March 19, 2025, the day before START Summit officially begins, especially if you are attending one of our Day-0 events. Please ensure you apply in advance, as access is not guaranteed.
I have a large community that wants to attend START Summit. Can I become a network partner?
Absolutely! We are always looking for new network partners to bring great communities to START Summit. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, please reach out at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll be happy to discuss potential partnership opportunities.
How do I contact the START Summit team
You can reach out to us anytime at growth@startsummit.ch regarding any questions you may come up with. For bulk ticket purchases or any questions regarding your visit, also feel free to contact us via email. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Tickets

How can I purchase a ticket for START Summit 2025, and what payment methods are available?

You can purchase your ticket directly on our ticket page. We accept a wide range of payment methods, including debit and credit cards, PayPal, Twint, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and many more.

If none of these options work for you, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

What are the different ticket types?

We offer different ticket categories for Startups, Investors, Students, Corporates, and General Attendees. All tickets provide access to the two-day event and the full START Summit experience, including networking opportunities, stage sessions, and side events.

However, some workshops and side events may be exclusive to specific ticket categories. You can find a detailed overview of what each ticket includes on our ticket page.

Where can I find my ticket?

After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with your invoice. A few weeks before the event, you’ll also receive an invitation link to register on our event platform and be able to access your ticket trough the event app.

Your QR ticket for check-in will be generated shortly before the event, so don’t worry if you don’t have it yet! Just make sure to sign up on the event platform as soon as you receive the registration link.

Can I buy tickets on behalf of my team or colleagues?
Yes, you can purchase multiple tickets for your team or other attendees. During checkout, you’ll be asked to assign each ticket to the correct participant. This allows you to complete all purchases in one transaction while ensuring each attendee is properly registered.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else or update my details?

Yes, ticket transfers and information changes are possible, but only under special circumstances. If you are unable to attend due to unforeseen events or need to update your registration details, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch.

When and where do I get my START Summit badge?

To speed up check-in and avoid long lines, we will offer pre-badge pickup at various locations, such as Zürich Airport and St. Gallen Train Station, in the days leading up to the event.

The exact pickup locations and times will be announced before the event. If you don’t pick up your badge in advance, you can still collect it on-site at the venue.

Will I be refunded if I can’t attend?
START Summit tickets are generally non-refundable. However, in cases of extenuating circumstances, we may be able to offer a refund. If you are unable to attend due to unforeseen events, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll review your case.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, there’s no need to print your ticket! Your QR code ticket will be available on our event app, and you’ll simply need to show it at check-in to claim your badge and enter the event.
Can you help with my visa application?
Before reaching out, please check the Swiss visa requirements for your country. Once you have the necessary information, email us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll assist you in obtaining the required documentation.
Can I buy tickets in bulk?
Yes, we offer bulk ticket purchases. If you are interested in buying a large number of tickets for your organization or group, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll provide further details.
Does every member of my startup need their own ticket?
Yes, every ticket is valid for one person only. If multiple team members from your startup are attending, each person will need their own ticket.

Startups

Who can buy Startup ticket?

Every employee, intern, or founder is eligible to buy a Startup ticket. Please note that each start-up ticket is only valid for one person and not the whole Startup team.

How do I apply for the Summiteer pitching competition

Applications opening for the Summiteer pitching competition will be announced at the end of October through our Social Media channels.

How can I apply for a START Fair booth?

The opening of the applications for START Fair booths will be announced at the end of October on our Social Media channels.

Can I book one-on-one meetings with investors or other Startups prior to the event?

Yes! Our in-app Matchmaking tool lets you reliably connect with investors and other members in the  START Global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Matchmaking tool enables participants to discover the most interesting fellow attendees and schedule meetings with them in advance of START Summit. You’ll be able to filter participants by industry, funding stage, or nationality.

Got a question for us? Get in touch

CONTACT THE START GLOBAL TEAM