Startup University

You’re following the same path as the startups that grew into the world’s largest companies. Take advice from founders, CEOs and investors at Startup University, and see how they got from where you are to where they are.

Join them in Lisbon this November.

Speaker Ana Maiques, Co-founder & CEO, Neuroelectrics, on the Startup University Stage during day two of Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.
Ana Maiques
Co-founder & CEO
Neuroelectrics

What's happening?

No one prepared you for this in school. Welcome to Web Summit’s crash course on building and growing your startup, with curated content and insights from some of the world’s most famous startup success stories. Your ticket gives you access to all Startup University sessions, as well as to roundtables, masterclasses and other 24 tracks at Web Summit.

Rubens Zanelatto, CEO & Founder, Mottu, on Growth Summit stage during day two of Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.
From startup to scale-up

No startup has all the answers at the beginning. Here, the biggest success stories take to the stage to share what they’ve learned along the way. Discover which business models and which strategies are taking startups to new geographies and new growth.

Funding landscape in 2023

The funding landscape has changed dramatically, and there’s a new reality for raising money. With inflation and recession on the rise, what are investors looking for in the new market? Founders, unicorns and investors discuss the challenges and opportunities they’re facing and debate the lessons that can be learned from the turmoil of recent months.

Next-gen technologies

What’s the next big thing? Where is the new wave of tech innovation taking us? What are the coolest technologies that are going to make a difference in the next five years? Meet the startups innovating across AI, biotech, the sharing economy, agritech, healthtech, robotics and more, as they deliver the next wave of creative change.

The company you keep

Have you got the right co-founder? Have you hired the right team? What about a board? Who you surround yourself with as a founder is one of the most important decisions you can make. Early hiring, recruiting for hypergrowth and leaning on your co-founder are all hugely important parts of the startup journey. Learn from founders who have succeeded – and failed – in getting the right people for their company.

Meet our 2023 startup speakers

Maya Noël
Maya Noël
Managing DirectorFrance Digitale
Sacha Michaud
Sacha Michaud
Co-founderGlovo
Sita Chantramonklasri
Sita Chantramonklasri
Founder & PrincipalSiam Capital
Mike Sigal
Mike Sigal
FounderSigal Ventures
Eric Garsleitner
Eric Garsleitner
Co-founderKoalo
Silvina Moschini
Silvina Moschini
FounderUnicoin
Sarah Al-Hussaini
Sarah Al-Hussaini
Co-founder & COOUltimate
Gil Azevedo
Gil Azevedo
Executive DirectorStartup Lisboa
Juan Pablo Ortega
Juan Pablo Ortega
Co-founder & CEOYuno
Jenny Ruth Hrafnsdottir
Jenny Ruth Hrafnsdottir
Founding PartnerCrowberry Capital
Hanna Marie Asmussen
Hanna Marie Asmussen
Co-founder & CEOLocalyze
Mário Campolargo
Mário Campolargo
Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Administrative ModernisationGovernment of Portugal

Companies that attend

Attendees network during BETA Happy Hour on day one of Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Every company is faking it till they make it. There’s no making it. The story doesn’t end.”

Jager McConnell, CEO, Crunchbase

Clubby Games Inc startup booth during day one of Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.

“You have to deeply care about your mission.”

Michele Romanow, Co-founder, Clearco

Pavilion 1; Startup Booths

“Finding the first incentive for the user to use the app is the first challenge.”

Juan Pablo Ortega, Co-founder, Rappi

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