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
Event
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!
















SPEAKER QUOTES at
START SUMMIT




Startups that attended
start summit in their early days






WHY EVERYONE is ATTENDING
START SUMMIT 2025!
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Connect with 7'000 talents, investors & entrepreneurs.
LEARN FROM LEADERS
Get insights from top founders & entrepreneurs.
The best european talents
Students from Europe’s top universities passionated.
EXPERIENCE THE SUMMIT
Join side events, networking & the legendary afterparty.
Our formats & events

START Fair
Where Future Innovators Meet

Speed-dating
Your Fast Track to Opportunities
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Pitching Competitions
Witness the Battle for the Future at START Summit!

Ask me anything
Your Chance to Connect with Industry Leaders
WHO ATTENDS
START SUMMIT?
7'000 participants include:
1'000
Investors




2'000
Founders




3'000
Talents






1'000
Attendees




Get your ticket now!
Investor
899.-
Exclusively crafted for venture capitalists and seasoned investors, the Investor/VC Ticket unlocks privileged access to Europe's most promising Startups and high-potential scaleups at START Summit 2024. Immerse yourself in curated pitching sessions, one-on-one meetings with visionary founders, and unparalleled networking opportunities, all geared towards discovering investment gems that align with your portfolio objectives.
Matchmaking Tool Workshops VIP Lounge Fast Lane Entry Priority Registration for Side Events & Formats Company Profile Access to Afterparty
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 Workshop Side Events Apply for pitching competitions Apply for free booth Access to Afterparty
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
Attendee
699.-
Ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. This ticket grants you full access to START Summit 2025, where you can engage with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking technologies, and network with a diverse community of like-minded individuals.
Matchmaking Tool Workshop Side Events Access to Afterparty
Corporate
1999.-
Unlock a world of opportunities with our Corporate ticket, tailored exclusively for forward-thinking organizations seeking to boost their growth. Whether you're on the lookout for fresh talent, eager to forge strategic partnerships, or simply aiming to broaden your professional network with like-minded industry leaders, this ticket is your key to a dynamic and transformative experience at the Start Summit.
Matchmaking Tool VIP Lounge Fast Lane Entry Priority Registration for Side Events & Formats Access to Afterparty
FAQ
General
Tickets
Investors
Students
Corporates & Attendees
Media
FAQ
General
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
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.
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!
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!
Tickets
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Investors
The Investor ticket is designed for decision-makers from firms interested in investing in startups or venture capital funds. This includes:
- Venture Capitalists (VCs)
- Angel Investors
- Limited Partners (LPs)
- Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs)
If you’re actively looking to invest in early-stage startups and high-growth ventures, the Investor ticket provides full access to START Summit’s networking, deal-making, and exclusive investor events after application.
START Summit provides investors with a dynamic environment to connect with startups, fellow investors, and key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Key opportunities include:
- Meeting early-stage startups across multiple industries.
- Applying for the exclusive Investor Day-0 event, designed for high-level networking and discussions.
- Using the in-app Matchmaking tool to schedule 1:1 meetings with startups and investors before the event.
- Gaining insights into emerging sectors through keynote speeches and panel discussions.
With thousands of entrepreneurs and investors in attendance, START Summit is the ideal place to build connections and explore new investment opportunities.
START Summit attracts startups from a wide variety of industries, including:
- FinTech
- SaaS
- DeepTech & Hardware
- Consumer Tech
- HealthTech & BioTech
- AI & Data
- SpaceTech
- DefenseTech
- Sustainability & Impact
- GreenTech & ClimateTech
- Mobility & Transportation
- Cybersecurity
- AgriTech & FoodTech
- EdTech
- Web3 & Blockchain
- SportsTech & Gaming
- IndustrialTech
- PropTech & ConTech
Most startups at the event are in the pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages, but later-stage companies also attend to network and explore new partnerships.
The Investor Day-0 event is an exclusive, application-only pre-Summit gathering taking place on March 19, 2025. It is designed specifically for investors and includes:
- High-level networking with VCs, LPs, Angels, and CVCs.
- Industry insights and discussions on emerging investment trends.
- Curated matchmaking opportunities to connect with startups and fellow investors.
As space is limited, participation is by application only. More details will follow soon.
Yes! Our Matchmaking tool, available through the START Summit app, allows you to connect in advance with:
- Startups looking for investors and funding.
- Fellow investors for co-investment opportunities.
- Industry leaders and potential business partners.
The tool lets you filter attendees by industry, funding stage, and nationality, making it easy to find the right connections before the event even begins.
Yes! If your company or fund would like to make a special announcement - such as a new fund closing, a major partnership, or a product launch - START Summit provides a great platform to reach a highly engaged audience.
For more details and possibilities, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch.
Students
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.
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.
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.
Corporates & Attendees
The Corporate ticket is designed for professionals working in established companies who are looking to:
• Engage in Corporate Venture Clienting, an exclusive opportunity for corporates to connect with startups offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to corporate challenges.
• Discover innovative startups and emerging technologies.
• Explore strategic partnerships with founders, investors, and other corporates.
• Gain industry insights through expert panels and discussions.
• Engage in deal-making opportunities and connect with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you’re from a large multinational, a fast-growing scale-up, or an innovation-focused enterprise, the Corporate ticket provides full access to START Summit’s networking, keynotes, and side events.
START Summit is a powerful platform for corporations to engage with the startup ecosystem and drive innovation. As a corporate attendee, you can:
- Meet high-potential startups to explore investment or partnership opportunities.
- Gain insights from industry leaders on disruptive technologies and market trends.
- Network with top investors, founders, and executives in networking sessions.
- Participate in exclusive roundtables and workshops tailored for corporate innovators.
- Strengthen your brand presence by engaging with young talents and entrepreneurs.
If your company is looking to stay ahead of industry disruptions, connect with innovative founders, or invest in breakthrough technologies, START Summit provides the ideal setting.
Yes! If your company or fund would like to make a special announcement - such as a new fund closing, a major partnership, or a product launch - START Summit provides a great platform to reach a highly engaged audience.
For more details and possibilities, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch.
The Attendee ticket is designed for individuals who want to experience START Summit but do not qualify for Student, Startup, Investor, or Corporate tickets. This includes:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring the startup ecosystem.
- Tech enthusiasts and industry professionals interested in the latest trends.
- Business professionals looking to network with startups and investors.
- Innovation-focused individuals who want to connect with the startup world but don’t fit into other ticket categories.
If you’re eager to immerse yourself in innovation, connect with like-minded people, and gain insights from industry leaders, the Attendee ticket gives you full access to keynotes, workshops, networking sessions, and more.
Media
START Summit is Europe’s leading student-run conference for entrepreneurship and technology, bringing together thousands of startups, investors, and industry leaders. As a media representative, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain exclusive insights into the latest trends in startups, venture capital, and innovation.
- Interview top founders, investors, and speakers shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
- Get early access to breaking news from emerging startups and disruptive technologies.
- Network with key players in the startup ecosystem, from early-stage founders to corporate executives.
- Attend invite-only media events and press conferences.
Whether you’re a journalist, blogger, or content creator, START Summit provides a dynamic platform to cover the next big stories in tech and entrepreneurship.