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.

Laura Modiano

Head of EMEA Startups at OpenAI

Laura leads Startups in EMEA for OpenAI, where she works with VCs and accelerators, startup teams, and the developer community in EMEA. Previously she was at AWS, where she worked with top VCs and their portfolio companies, such as Sequoia, Index Ventures, General Catalyst, Accel, A16z, Lightspeed, and others, led BD and Strategy for Gen AI Startups since 2022, and Healthcare and Lifescience Startups in EMEA since 2020.

Investors Attending
start summit!

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SPEAKER QUOTES at
START SUMMIT

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Startups that attended
start summit in their early days

GET YOUR TICKET!

WHY Students are ATTENDING
START SUMMIT 2025!

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

Meet 1,050+ startups & 200+ partners hiring talent.

LEARN FROM LEADERS

Get insights from top founders & experts.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

Connect with students, investors & entrepreneurs.

EXPERIENCE THE SUMMIT

Join side events, networking & the legendary afterparty.

formats & events

START Fair

Where Future Innovators Meet
START Fair is where students connect directly with top early-stage startups, gaining firsthand exposure to the entrepreneurial world. Whether you’re looking for internships, job opportunities, or simply want to network with founders and investors, this is the place to be. Companies like N26 once stood at START Fair before becoming major industry players. It’s a unique chance to meet the next big innovators, learn from their journeys, and take the first step toward your own career in tech and startups.

Speed-dating

Your Fast Track to Opportunities
In the fast-paced world of business, connections are everything. At START Summit Speeddating, students and startups get the chance to pitch themselves in front of top investors and corporates in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re looking for an internship, a co-founder, or funding for your venture, this is your moment to make an impression. Be prepared, be bold, and seize the opportunity—because one conversation could change everything.

Ask me anything

Your Chance to Connect with Industry Leaders
Ever had a question for a top entrepreneur, investor, or industry expert? At Ask Me Anything, you get 30 minutes in an intimate setting to engage directly with our speakers—no stage, no filters, just real conversations. This is your opportunity to ask Matt Cohler, Fabian Thylmann or Jeannette zu Fürstenberg anything you’ve always wanted to know, gain exclusive insights, and discuss the topics that matter most to you. Simply choose a session, join the discussion, and get firsthand knowledge from those shaping the future.

START Summit Afterparty

The Night You Don’t Want to Miss
When the Summit ends, the real fun begins. Wrap up an inspiring day of networking and innovation with the legendary START Summit Afterparty. Connect with fellow attendees, celebrate new opportunities, and dance the night away. This is your chance to unwind, make lasting memories, and experience the Summit energy at its peak. Don’t miss out—this is where the magic happens!

WHO ATTENDS
START SUMMIT?

7'000 participants include:

Get your ticket now!

Student

149.-

Perfect for young, aspiring students who want to enhance their knowledge of entrepreneurship, network with like-minded individuals, and have a great time. The package is specifically designed with students in mind, offering an all-access pass to START Summit 2025, ensuring you won't miss out on any of the exciting opportunities and experiences the event has to offer.

Requires proof of Student ID

Matchmaking Tool Speed-Dating Workshop Side Events Access to Afterparty
BUY TICKETS!

FAQ

General
Tickets
Students

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.

Students

Who is eligible to purchase a Student ticket?

The Student ticket is available to students from all countries and educational backgrounds. This includes:

  • University students (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
  • Students from higher grades in secondary schools who are eager to explore entrepreneurship and technology.

If you’re a student looking to expand your network, gain industry insights, and connect with startups and investors, the Student ticket gives you full access to START Summit at a special discounted rate.

What opportunities are offered for students at START Summit?

START Summit is the perfect place for students to immerse themselves in the startup ecosystem, gain industry insights, and kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. As a student, you can:

Connect with leading startups, investors, and corporate innovators to explore career and internship opportunities.

Engage in exclusive student networking sessions and meet like-minded peers from across the world.

Gain insights from top entrepreneurs and industry experts through keynote speeches and panel discussions.

Participate in interactive workshops and side events to develop hands-on skills.

Explore internship and job openings at the START Fair and through networking with top companies and startups.

Compete in innovation challenges and pitching competitions that could help launch your startup idea.

Enjoy the full START Summit experience at Summit Afterhours and the Afterparty, where attendees come together to connect, unwind, and celebrate.

Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, mentorship, or unforgettable experiences, START Summit provides the perfect platform to learn, connect, and have fun.

Will free student accommodation be available?
Yes, a limited number of free accommodations will be available for students attending START Summit 2025. However, space is very limited, and we recommend applying as soon as possible once registrations open. The spaces will be given out on a first-come-first-serve base
How can I experience START Summit for free?

If you’re on a tight budget or want to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Europe’s leading startup conferences, you can apply to be a volunteer at START Summit.

As a volunteer, you’ll get:

  • Free access to the full event.
  • The chance to work closely with the organizing team.
  • Exclusive networking opportunities with startups and investors.

Volunteering is a great way to gain hands-on experience, meet inspiring people, and be part of something exciting. Find out more and apply here.

Got a question for us? Get in touch

CONTACT THE START GLOBAL TEAM