Whether you’re a founder aiming to enter new markets, an investor hunting for the next unicorn, or an innovator seeking inspiration, local and international startup events offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth. From pitch competitions and fireside chats to business speed dating and deep dives into emerging tech, these gatherings are where the next big ideas are born and scaled.
Below is your definitive listicle of the most impactful startup events worldwide from May to December 2025. Each event is handpicked for its unique networking value, learning potential, and ability to connect you with the movers and shakers of the global startup scene.
May 2025
1. Turing Fest
Dates: May 7–8, 2025
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Turing Fest celebrates its 10th edition by uniting over 1,200 startup founders, product leaders, and more than 100 early-stage investors. With keynotes, debates, and side events, it’s an ideal place to build relationships and gain actionable insights from Europe’s top tech minds1.
2. ViennaUP
Dates: May 8–16, 2025
Location: Vienna, Austria
This city-wide festival brings together founders, investors, and professionals from around the world. Organized by 35+ program partners, ViennaUP is a deep dive into Vienna’s thriving startup ecosystem, featuring workshops, pitch sessions, and networking galore17.
3. SusHi Tech Tokyo
Dates: May 9–10, 2025
Location: Tokyo, Japan
A global innovation conference tackling urban challenges through sustainable solutions. With pitch contests, thought leadership sessions, and business matching, it’s a must for those interested in urban tech and cross-border collaboration2.
4. Upstream Festival
Dates: May 21–22, 2025
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Upstream gathers founders, investors, and corporates for fireside chats, pitches, and speed dating, all while spotlighting the Dutch startup ecosystem1.
5. GITEX Europe
Dates: May 21–23, 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
GITEX Europe is a new powerhouse for tech and startups, featuring global enterprises and thousands of tech leaders. Expect AI showcases, investor meetings, and a vibrant expo floor1.
6. Latitude59
Dates: May 21–23, 2025
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
With 3,500 founders, 800+ investors from 65 countries, and a focus on future tech, Latitude59 is a networking hotspot for startups looking to scale internationally1.
7. InnoVex
Dates: May 20–23, 2025
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Known for its international forums and pitch demos, InnoVex is a dynamic platform for startups to showcase ideas, connect with investors, and gain global exposure2.
8. Infoshare Conference
Dates: May 27–28, 2025
Location: Gdansk, Poland
Infoshare brings together over 6,500 attendees, 150 speakers, and 500 startups, focusing on tech, collaboration, and the future of innovation in Central and Eastern Europe1.
9. Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG)
Dates: May 27–29, 2025
Location: Singapore
ATxSG covers AI, quantum computing, sustainability, and more, with exclusive plenaries and roundtables that foster high-value connections among Asia’s tech elite2.
10. Mashup
Dates: May 27–28, 2025
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Mashup is a festival-style event for startups, investors, and innovators, featuring workshops, pitches, and creative networking formats1.
June 2025
11. Echelon
Dates: June 10–11, 2025
Location: Singapore
Echelon is Southeast Asia’s flagship startup conference, offering market insights, a startup growth program, and the TOP100 pitch competition for early-stage startups. It’s a launchpad for regional exposure and funding2.
12. Mobile World Congress Asia (MWC Shanghai)
Dates: June 18–20, 2025
Location: Shanghai, China
MWC Shanghai is the go-to event for connectivity and emerging tech. The 5GIn event connects investors with startups, making it pivotal for those in telecom, IoT, and digital innovation2.
July 2025
No major global startup events found for July 2025 in the provided sources. Use this month for follow-ups and preparing for the packed August–September calendar.
August 2025
13. Techsauce Global Summit
Dates: August 4–5, 2025
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
One of Southeast Asia’s largest tech summits, Techsauce brings together 20,000+ attendees, 400+ speakers, and 130+ sessions. It’s a melting pot for global networking, business matching, and exploring the latest in tech innovation2.
September 2025
14. TechSparks 2025
Dates: September 10–12, 2025
Location: Bengaluru, India
Organized by YourStory, TechSparks is India’s flagship startup event. It features dynamic pitching sessions, networking with investors, and keynotes from industry leaders, making it a central hub for India’s booming tech ecosystem6.
15. Entrepreneur 2025
Date: September 23, 2025
Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
A premier gathering for entrepreneurs and investors, this event offers inspiring talks, networking, and insights into the future of business in India and beyond3.
October 2025
October is often a month for regional events and follow-up meetings post the busy September calendar. Keep an eye on emerging local meetups and accelerator demo days.
November 2025
16. Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025
Dates: November 19–21, 2025
Location: Bengaluru, India
With participation from over 20 countries, this summit is a showcase of AI, IoT, and biotech innovations. It’s a prime venue for startups to secure investments, partnerships, and global exposure through expert-led panels and exhibitions6.
December 2025
17. Entrepreneur 2025
Dates: December 5–7, 2025
Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
This three-day summit focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment strategies. It’s a must for those seeking to connect with India’s top business leaders and explore the roadmap to 20303.
Year-Round & Recurring Local Events
18. Global Startups Club Startup Networking (Bengaluru, Monthly)
Location: 2gethr @ HSR, Bengaluru, India
This monthly networking event is perfect for founders, VCs, and consultants seeking focused, high-impact connections. With elevator pitches, business speed dating, and community-driven collaboration, it’s a consistent opportunity to build your local network and stay ahead of trends4.
Why Local Events Matter for Global Networking
While global conferences provide scale and diversity, local events are the secret weapon for founders entering new markets. They offer:
- Immediate access to local investors, mentors, and partners
- Insights into regional trends and regulatory landscapes
- A platform for testing pitches and refining your value proposition
- The chance to build a grassroots support network before scaling globally
By strategically combining attendance at marquee international events with consistent participation in local meetups, founders can maximize their reach, learnings, and impact.
Quick Reference of the Events
| Event Name | Date(s) | Location | Focus/Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turing Fest | May 7–8 | Edinburgh, Scotland | Product, growth, leadership, networking |
| ViennaUP | May 8–16 | Vienna, Austria | City-wide, innovation, workshops, pitches |
| SusHi Tech Tokyo | May 9–10 | Tokyo, Japan | Urban tech, sustainability, pitch contest |
| Upstream Festival | May 21–22 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Dutch ecosystem, pitches, speed dating |
| GITEX Europe | May 21–23 | Berlin, Germany | AI, startups, global enterprises |
| Latitude59 | May 21–23 | Tallinn, Estonia | Innovation, investors, future tech |
| InnoVex | May 20–23 | Taipei, Taiwan | Pitch demos, international forums |
| Infoshare Conference | May 27–28 | Gdansk, Poland | Tech, collaboration, CEE region |
| Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) | May 27–29 | Singapore | AI, quantum, sustainability, closed-door sessions |
| Mashup | May 27–28 | Malmö, Sweden | Workshops, creative networking |
| Echelon | June 10–11 | Singapore | Southeast Asia, startup growth, TOP100 pitches |
| MWC Shanghai | June 18–20 | Shanghai, China | Connectivity, 5G, tech demos |
| Techsauce Global Summit | August 4–5 | Bangkok, Thailand | Networking, business matching, tech innovation |
| TechSparks 2025 | September 10–12 | Bengaluru, India | Pitching, keynotes, India tech ecosystem |
| Entrepreneur 2025 (Delhi) | September 23 | New Delhi, India | Business trends, networking, India 2030 |
| Bengaluru Tech Summit | November 19–21 | Bengaluru, India | AI, IoT, biotech, global exposure |
| Entrepreneur 2025 (Pragati Maidan) | December 5–7 | New Delhi, India | Entrepreneurship, innovation, investment |
| Global Startups Club (Monthly) | Monthly | Bengaluru, India | Focused networking, pitches, collaboration |
How to Maximize Your Event ROI
- Prepare in Advance: Research attendees, speakers, and companies. Set clear networking goals.
- Engage Actively: Attend side events, workshops, and after-hours meetups for deeper connections.
- Follow Up: Post-event, reach out to new contacts with personalized messages to solidify relationships.
- Leverage Local Events: Use monthly meetups to test ideas, find co-founders, and stay plugged into grassroots trends.
Final Thoughts
Startup events are not just about collecting business cards-they’re about building relationships that fuel your journey from ideation to global scale. In 2025, the world’s most vibrant startup ecosystems are opening their doors to founders ready to learn, connect, and innovate. Mark your calendars, pack your pitch decks, and get ready to network your way to the top.
Sources: Vestbee, StartupBlink, Orange Owl Marketing, FounderLabs, Scytale, Alehar, and more
