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22 Best Founder Conferences for Growth and Learning

David Rice
By
David Rice
David Rice Senior Editor

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.

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QUICK SUMMARY

Attend one of more these founder conferences to gain valuable insights and strategies for launching, scaling, and managing your business while connecting with industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs.

Founder conferences generic best of

Attending founder conferences is a fantastic way for entrepreneurs and startup founders to stay on top of industry trends, network with peers, and learn from experts.

But with so many option to choose from, deciding which is going to be most valuable for you can be tricky, hence why I compiled this shortlist.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge, explore new technologies in startups, develop partnerships with exhibitors, or understand the latest market dynamics, these conferences are a great place to start.

Best Founder Conferences Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best founder conferences I think are worth attending in 2024 and 2025:

  1. Web Summit 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal (November 2024)
  2. Slush 2024 - Helsinki, Finland (November 2024)
  3. World Summit AI - Multiple Dates and Locations
  4. Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 2025)
  5. CES 2025 - Las Vegas, NV (January 2025)
  6. The Business Show - Multiple Dates and Locations
  7. Turing Fest 2025 - Edinburgh, UK (May 2025)
  8. ViennaUP 2025 - Vienna, Austria (May 2025)
  9. SaaStr Annual 2025 - SF Bay Area, CA (May 2025)
  10. Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 2025)
  11. GITEX Europe - Berlin, Germany (May 2025)
  12. Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 2025)
  13. Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 2025)
  14. Founders Forum Global - London, UK (June 2025)
  15. Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 2025)
  16. Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 2025)
  17. Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 2025)
  18. Oslo Innovation Week 2025 - Oslo, Norway (September 2025)
  19. Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 2025)
  20. Expand North Star - Dubai, UAE (October 2025)
  21. SaaStock Dublin - Dublin, Ireland (October 2025)
  22. MicroConf Europe - TBD

Find more details about each conference below

Overview of the Best Founder Conferences

1. Web Summit 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal (November 2024) 

A presenter at the Web Summit
A roundtable discussion at the Web Summit (Source)

Overview: Web Summit is one of the largest tech conferences in the world, covering various topics such as technology, innovation, and sustainability. The event features high-profile speakers, including CEOs, co-founders, and political figures, and highlights upcoming events that explore the future of the tech industry.

Why You Should Attend: The conference is valuable for its networking opportunities, with over 70,000 attendees from across the globe. Its strategic agenda fosters meaningful connections and collaborations, helping attendees gain actionable insight into tech trends and potential partnerships that could impact a business or career. 

2. Slush 2024 - Helsinki, Finland (November 2024)

Participants gathering during the Slush 2023
Participants gathering at the Slush 2023 (Source)

Overview: Slush is a breakout startup and tech event that connects early-stage startups with top-tier investors, industry leaders, and influential media. It offers global startup founders access to a curated audience with targeted sessions on scaling, product development, and global market entry.

Why You Should Attend: The event focuses on actionable topics like market strategy, product innovation, and sustainable scaling, with opportunities to pitch, learn from industry thought leaders, and participate in roundtables for connections. It also offers Matchmaking Tool to efficiently schedule meetings with relevant attendees, maximizing your time and potential collaborations.

3. World Summit AI - Multiple Dates and Locations

An exhibition at the World Summit AI
World Summit AI Conference (Source)
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
  • Website: World Summit AI
  • Social Media: YouTube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Conferences Locations and Dates for World Summit AI: 

LocationsDates 
WSAI MENA | Doha Exhibition & Convention CenterDecember 10-11, 2024
WSAI Americas | Venue TBDFebruary 2025
WSAI Amsterdam | Taets Art & Event Park, AmsterdamOctober 8-9, 2025

Overview: The World Summit AI focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning. It features experts, researchers, and industry leaders discussing AI’s impact on industries and society. 

Why You Should Attend: The summit provides deep tech talks, showcases groundbreaking AI applications, and facilitates discussions on responsible AI practices, for attendees to stay ahead of trends and challenges. It also helps enhance projects and strategies through networking opportunities and exposure to advanced AI solutions.

4. Startup Grind Conference - Silicon Valley, CA (April 2025)

Participants gathering at the Startup Grind Conference fo founders
Networking at the Startup Grind Conference (Source)

Overview: Known for its community-focused approach, Startup Grind gathers entrepreneurs and innovators to share their stories. It covers startup growth, funding, and leadership and includes successful founders and investors as key speakers. 

Why You Should Attend: The event features over 175 interactive sessions, including Q&A panels, hands-on workshops, and pitch opportunities that provide actionable insights for scaling a startup. More than 400 venture capital funds participate in this conference, making it an ideal place for securing investment and forming strategic partnerships. 

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5. CES 2025 - Las Vegas, NV (January 2025)

Attendees gathering at the CES 2024 conference for founders
The CES 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: CES is a premier tech event that showcases the latest consumer electronics and innovations. It covers a broad range of topics, including IoT, smart cities, and digital health.

Why You Should Attend: This event offers insights into future market demands and firsthand experience of the latest technological advancements across various sectors, from consumer electronics to automotive tech. It also provides keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry leaders, offering knowledge on emerging technologies and business strategies

6. The Business Show - Multiple Dates and Locations 

A speaker at the Business Show's Mastercall
A Business Show Conference’s Masterclass (Source)
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Free for attendees 
  • Website: The Business Show
  • Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Conferences Locations and Dates for The Business Show:

LocationsDates
The Business Show Miami | Miami Beach Convention Center May 7-8, 2025
The Business Show Singapore | Sands Expo & Convention CentreAugust 27-28, 2025
The Business Show Los Angeles | Los Angeles Convention CenterOctober 22-23, 2025

Overview: The Business Show is a premier event series that supports entrepreneurs to start, grow, and develop their businesses. It focuses on business innovation and growth strategies, featuring seminars and workshops on entrepreneurship, marketing, and business improvement.

Why You Should Attend: The event features interactive masterclasses led by industry experts, covering essential topics such as financing, marketing, and business development. It hosts a diverse seminar agenda with keynote speakers from renowned organizations like Google and Microsoft, offering valuable perspectives on current industry trends and innovations. 

7. Turing Fest 2025 - Edinburgh, UK (May 2025)

Participants gathering at the Turing Fest conference for founders
The Turing Fest Conference (Source)

Overview: Turing Fest is Europe's premier cross-functional tech conference. It emphasizes bridging technology and business, offers insights into building successful European tech-driven companies, and provides attendees with practical knowledge to take innovation to the next level across the tech industry.

Why You Should Attend: The conference features three specialized tracks—BUILD, GROW, and LEAD—providing actionable insights into product development, scaling strategies, and leadership in the tech industry. The event's blend of educational content and social activities across Edinburgh creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, and personal growth. 

8. ViennaUP 2025 - Vienna, Austria (May 2025)

Attendees networking at the ViennaUP 2024 conference for founders
Networking at the ViennaUP 2024 (Source)
  • Dates: May 8-16, 2025
  • Location: In-person in Vienna
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Website: ViennaUP
  • Social Media: Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Overview: ViennaUP is an annual startup festival that facilitates networking with a diverse, international audience. Its decentralized nature allows attendees to explore Vienna's innovation hubs, offering a comprehensive understanding of the city's changing business environment.

Why You Should Attend: ViennaUP features over 80 events, including pitch sessions, hackathons, and seminars, providing platforms to showcase ideas and gain insights from industry leaders. It offers specialized tracks on deep tech, creative industries, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and venture capital, providing actionable learning. 

9. SaaStr Annual 2025 - SF Bay Area, CA (May 2025)

Attendees networking at the SaaStr Annual 2024
Participants gathering at the SaaStr 2024 (Source)

Overview: SaaStr Annual is the world's largest community gathering for cloud and SaaS professionals with three days of learning, networking, and growth. Attendees can gain insights from industry leaders, expand their professional network, and acquire strategies to scale their business effectively.

Why You Should Attend: This event features over 300 speakers from leading SaaS and cloud companies, like Andrew Bialecki from Klaviyo and Elizabeth Pemmerl from Github, offering over 50 hours of actionable content and tactical takeaways. Participants can also engage in one-on-one meetings via Braindate, interactive roundtables, and workshops and have direct access to potential investors, facilitating funding opportunities. 

10. Podim - Maribor, Slovenia (May 2025)

Attendees at the Podim's Deal Room
Participants at Podin’s Deal Room (Source)

Overview: Podim is a premier startup and tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe. It connects startups, scaleups, investors, and business executives and helps founders understand regional markets.

Why You Should Attend: The conference features over 70 international speakers, including Jost Capito of Nitrocross, Anna Boyarkina from Miro, and Katie Lockwood of Twin Path Ventures, across three stages, providing insights into industry trends and innovations. It has a curated Startup Catalogue that showcases over 150 handpicked startups, offering a comprehensive view of emerging ventures in the region.

11. GITEX Europe - Berlin, Germany (May 2025)

Participants gathering at the Gitex Europe 2024 conference
The Gitex Global 2024 Conference (Source)

Overview: GITEX Europe is an extension of the renowned GITEX Global, aiming to unite Europe's dynamic tech industry. It showcases the latest technology and innovation, covering AI, blockchain, and digital transformation.

Why You Should Attend: The conference features 14 stages covering areas like AI and intelligent connectivity, with keynote speeches and panel discussions. It fosters collaboration within the startup community, offering networking events to explore trends and drive cross-sector innovation.

12. Latitude59 - Tallinn, Estonia (May 2025)

Speakers at the Latitude59 event
Panel discussion at the Latitude59 2024 (Source)

Overview: Latitude59 is a leading startup and tech event in the Baltics, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. It brings over 3,500 participants from 65 countries, allowing attendees to gain insights and explore potential partnerships to drive business growth

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can join pitching competitions, networking sessions, and hands-on workshops to spark innovation and collaboration in the global tech scene. The conference also offers mentoring, panels on green tech, blockchain, and AI, plus a startup competition with potential funding opportunities.

13. Infoshare Conference - Gdańsk, Poland (May 2025)

Attendees gathering at the Infoshare Conference
The Infoshare Conference 2024 (Source)

Overview: Infoshare is the largest technology and startup conference in Central and Eastern Europe. It covers IT, marketing, and business growth and brings together over 6,500 attendees to create a community focused on innovation and knowledge sharing. 

Why You Should Attend: The conference features over 150 speakers across eight stages, covering AI, cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing. It also hosts a Startup Contest with a €20,000 prize for tech-for-good projects and offers extensive networking through matchmaking tools and side events.

14. Founders Forum Global - London, UK (June 2025)

Speakers at the Founders Forum Global
Panel discussion at the Founder Forum Global (Source)

Overview: Founders Forum Global is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering that unites top-tier tech founders, CEOs, investors, and policymakers worldwide. It holds open debates, collaboration, and innovation through panel discussions, fireside chats, and interactive sessions. 

Why You Should Attend: The event has interactive sessions into breakthrough technologies like AI, biotech, and sustainability. It gives attendees opportunities to engage with influential figures and access to a community of leaders and post-event resources to get new perspectives and spark new ventures.

15. Viva Technology - Paris, France (June 2025)

Speakers at the Viva Technology Conference
A panel discussion at the VivaTech Technology Conference (Source)

Overview: VivaTech is a major tech event in Europe that brings together startups, tech leaders, major corporations, and investors to accelerate innovation and address global challenges. It features over 2,800 exhibitors and over 400 world-renowned speakers, including SpaceX’s Elon Musk, Salesforce’s Clara Shih, and Amazon’s Dr. Werner Vogels.

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can explore advanced technologies, engage in insightful discussions, and network with industry experts. It connects a diverse range of investors actively seeking innovative ventures, providing opportunities to secure funding and strategic partnerships.

16. Startups World - Porto, Portugal (June 2025)

The Startups World webpage
The Startups World Homepage (Source)

Overview: Startups World is a one-day event connecting a diverse community of professionals to share knowledge. Its matchmaking and networking features create an environment for building partnerships and drive growth. 

Why You Should Attend: The event focuses on actionable strategies for scaling, securing investment, and leveraging tech trends, providing entrepreneurs with practical insights. It features hands-on workshops, pitch sessions, and demo showcases for startups to present ideas to potential investors and partners.

17. Startupfest - Montréal, Quebec, Canada (July 2025)

Attendees networking at the Startupfest 2024
Networking at the Startupfest 2024 (Source)
  • Dates: July 9-11, 2025
  • Location: In-person in Montréal
  • Pricing:
    • Non-Startup workers: CA $570.12
    • Students: CA $302.96
  • Website: Startupfest
  • Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Overview: Startupfest is Canada's premier startup conference and is a must-attend event for tech enthusiasts. Its informal atmosphere makes interactions easier and more meaningful for entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders. 

Why You Should Attend: Attendees can join one-on-one sessions with mentors, hear inspiring stories from top speakers, and take advantage of networking opportunities. The event includes specialized segments like AcceleratorFest, HardtechFest, and Startupfest VF, tailored to various interests in the startup industry.

18. Oslo Innovation Week 2025 - Oslo, Norway (September 2025)

Speakers presenting at the Oslo Innovation Week 2019
Speakers at the Oslo Innovation Week 2019 (Source)
  • Dates: September 22-September 26, 2025
  • Location: TBD in Oslo 
  • Pricing: Varies per event
  • Website: Oslo Innovation Week

Overview: Oslo Innovation Week is an annual event for innovators and entrepreneurs to address global challenges through sustainable solutions. It features 80 events that highlight actual solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Why You Should Attend: Emphasizing green technology, social impact, and responsible innovation, the event explores transformative ideas in renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and circular economy models. It offers insights into sustainable innovations and strategies for embedding sustainability into business and urban infrastructure.

19. Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival - Munich, Germany (September 2025)

Participants of the Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival 2024
Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival 2024 (Source)

Overview: Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival is a premier three-day event that brings together 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders for learning, networking, and business development during the Munich Oktoberfest.

Why You Should Attend: The festival features inspiring keynotes, pitch competitions, and workshops with actionable insights on scaling, funding, and tech trends. A highlight is the Table Captain networking at Oktoberfest, where attendees form partnerships over a traditional beer hall experience.

20. Expand North Star - Dubai, UAE (October 2025)

Attendees networking at the Expand North Star
Bits & Pretzels Founders Festival 2024 (Source)

Overview: Expand North Star is the world's largest startup and investor connector event. It gathers thousands of exhibiting startups and investors from over 100 countries, creating an environment for business growth, investment opportunities, and insights into technological advancements.

Why You Should Attend: The event features a comprehensive program with keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking, focusing on AI, blockchain, fintech, and sustainability. Attendees can participate in the Supernova Challenge, the largest early-stage startup pitch competition, and benefit from initiatives like the Corporate Arena, Tech Transfer 3.0, and NS Scaleups to boost collaboration and growth.

21. SaaStock Dublin - Dublin, Ireland (October 2025)

Participants gathering at the SaaStock Dublin
Networking in SaaStock Dublin (Source)

Overview: SaaStock Dublin is a premier annual conference that brings together over 5,000 SaaS founders, executives, and investors from around the globe. It provides access to an extensive SaaS community with strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.

Why You Should Attend: The conference offers meaningful networking, insights on SaaS trends, and growth strategies. It features programs like the Startup Program, Global Pitch Competition, and SaaS.City boot camps, focusing on growth marketing, customer success, and revenue scaling.

22. MicroConf Europe - TBD

A presenter at the MicroConf Europe 2021
A speaker at the MicroConf Europe 2021 (Source)

Overview: MicroConf Europe is an annual conference tailored for self-funded and indie-funded startups, particularly those in the SaaS sector. The event brings together a diverse group of over 200 attendees from more than 30 countries, fostering an environment for knowledge sharing and networking. 

Why You Should Attend: Participants can connect with industry experts through keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions on marketing, product development, and customer acquisition. The event also promotes the “hallway track” for informal networking, fostering valuable insights and partnerships.

What’s Next? 

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David Rice
By David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.

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