Blog — sTARTUp Day - Most Startup-Minded Business Festival

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Previous sTARTUp Day Speaker Contest Winner Peep-Ain Saar keynote

Peep-Ain Saar, managing partner at Arco Vara KVB, pastor, and seasoned entrepreneur, delivered a heartfelt keynote on overcoming adversity and thriving in both business and life.
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Pitch Coach David Beckett at sTARTUp Day 2024: How to Stay Afloat: Pitching to Raise Money and Moving Investors From No to Yes

At sTARTUp Day 2024, pitch coach David Beckett delivered a keynote, "How to Stay Afloat: Pitching to Raise Money and How to...
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Digital Innovator Jaanika Merilo at sTARTUp Day 2024: Lessons Learned From Ukraine or How to Challenge the Unexpected

Jaanika Merilo, a seasoned tech innovator with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, delivered a keynote at sTARTUp Day that...
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Marelle Ellen keynote at sTARTUp Day 2024: Growth Strategies I've Learned from Top Estonian Startups

Marelle Ellen, the co-host of the grit. podcast is a seasoned CMO, marketing mentor, and podcast host. With a diverse background, including...
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Kalev Kaarna keynote at sTARTUp Day 2024: “Practical magic of growing sales in a falling market”

Kalev Kaarna's keynote at sTARTUp Day provided an insightful guide for businesses striving to grow their sales despite a declining market. Drawing...
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Conquering Everest: Kunnar Karu at sTARTUp Day 2024

At sTARTUp Day 2024, Kunnar Karu shared his inspiring journey to the summit of Mount Everest. His speech was about perseverance, determination,...
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President Alar Karis at sTARTUp Day — “The Future of Innovation in Estonia”

We asked for sTARTUp Day 2024 visitor feedback, with one of the questions being about the most memorable speaker. The most popular...
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Dress for Success: Estonian Fashion and Corporate Branding

Tartu Centre for Creative Industries hosted at sTARTUp Day 2024 a panel discussion titled “Dress for Success: Estonian Fashion and Corporate Branding”....
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Startup Estonia Deep Tech Lounge offered insights for deep tech founders

For the second time at sTARTUp Day, Startup Estonia hosted the hugely popular Deep Tech Lounge, featuring engaging conversations with experts and...
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Meet sTARTUp Pitching 2024 winner Esgrid

Esgrid snapped up the syndicate investment of up to €200k by the Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) at sTARTUp Pitching 2024 competition....
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The winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 have been announced!

Altogether, 322 startups entered the race. After fierce competition, the winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 have been announced. EstBAN awarded a syndicate...
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The TOP 5 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 are…!

Today, we met the most promising early-stage startups in the region as the semifinalists of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 showcased themselves at the...
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Three Keys for Unlocking Your IP Potential and Securing Funding

When should you start thinking about protecting your intellectual property (IP) as a startup? The short answer would be today! Timely IP...
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Navigating the Funding Landscape in Today’s Climate: A Founder’s Perspective

Fundraising has been a challenge ever since 2022, but it is still possible.  Mariana Hagström from the legaltech startup Avokaado shares key...
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Elli Valla from TalTech: AI saves time but also enhances the accuracy and accessibility of healthcare services

The massive development in artificial intelligence over the past year represents a significant shift in healthcare. For doctors, it means, among many...
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Peter Sarlin from Silo AI on building a European AI flagship, regulating technology and opportunities created by AI

Established in 2017, Silo AI is Europe’s largest private AI lab that partners up with industry leaders to build AI-driven solutions and...
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What do the startup scene’s big players think about ESG?

In an era where buzzwords often overshadow substance, understanding the essence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is not just a necessity...
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Brand designer Chris Shirley: Startups will need to become more curious about their customers

Chris Shirley is the founder of Haus of Hiatus, a branding studio that designs and markets startups and scale-ups to be successful...
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What Startups Should Expect from Their Payments Provider?

On top of a myriad of other challenges, startup founders also need to handle all the down-to-earth and administrative matters including payment systems...
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Ugne Fink-Jensen on business negotiations in the age of AI and living a nomadic dream on a sailboat

At sTARTUp Day 2023, international business negotiator and entrepreneur Ugne Fink-Jensen shared the story of pursuing her dream of traveling around the...
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Money for Investments in Startups Is Still Available, But More Accountability Is Required

The current economic environment is making many companies face difficult times. At the same time startups seem to have matured, understanding the...
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Shaping Tomorrow's Value: Executive Day at sTARTUp Day 2024

On January 24, sTARTUp Day 2024 invites industry leaders to Executive Day – an exclusive event for Executive ticket holders, focusing on...
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Let’s meet Jan Lätt and Sven Kotkas – EstBAN lead investors at sTARTUp Pitching 2024

It’s time to get to know Jan Lätt and Sven Kotkas, lead investors of the EstBAN syndicate at the sTARTUp Pitching 2024...
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International growth requires courage and ability to stand out

When you have a brave attitude, right partners and you also include the best tools in the mix, you have a great...
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From software to jingles – an ABC of license agreements

Crafting an effective IP licensing agreement involves safeguarding interests and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Whether you are an author or acquirer of...
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What a great conflict to have!

Conflicts are an opportunity to learn. Dare we even say a good conflict can be a gift? Find out what you can actually...
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Announcing the TOP 40 of sTARTUp Pitching 2024!

The wait is over! It’s time to reveal the TOP 40 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 who will be pitching at the...
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sTARTUp Day 2024 program is out!

With 35 days to go until the festival, the sTARTUp Day 2024 program is out now! From survival strategies to sustainable entrepreneurship,...
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Investments have dried up, so founders need to be more creative

It’s no secret that startups are having a tough time. The ideas and the teams’ enthusiasm might be there, but what is...
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Designer Susanna Peters from Franz Raver: Corporate wear can boost employee well-being and company success

Susanna Peters is the founder of Franz Raver and the author of this year's sTARTUp Day merch. Her brand Franz Raver creates...
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Arts of Survival: How Entrepreneurs Make It in Culture and Artists Become Executives

Culture and business can seem as two juxtaposing worlds: one driven by burning artistic passion, the other by cold hard cash. Yet...
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Life coach Killu Kolsar: You don’t have to burn out to be successful

Killu Kolsar is a Co-founder and life coach at ASI ON MINUS!, a social media marketer and event planner. ASI ON MINUS!...
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Meet Sandra Golbreich from Baltic Sandbox Ventures

Sandra Golbreich is a General Partner at Baltic Sandbox Ventures, the first specialized early-stage VC fund in the Baltic region investing in...
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Elite Training for Elite Teams: Lessons from Special Forces for Startup Success

In the dynamic world of startups, the path to success is incredibly demanding and not for everyone. It requires a certain type...
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Mari Luukkainen from Icebreaker.vc: Startups need to be proactive in attracting a more diverse talent pool

Mari Luukkainen is a Principal at Icebreaker.vc with a portfolio of 100+ startups, ex-growth operator and founder of  Herizon.io, a non-profit creating...
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Future of work consultant Lena Thompson: Passion will lead us to our purpose

Lena Thompson has over 15 years of experience in the corporate arena consulting, training and designing systems for global clients. In 2019...
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sTARTUp Day has grown up: our new visual identity

Did you notice our website looks a bit different lately? Ahead of sTARTUp Day 2024, we have refreshed our visual identity to...
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Dmytro Fishman from Better Medicine on using AI to help doctors and the challenges of MedTech industry

Dmytro Fishman, or Dima as he likes to go by, is a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at the Institute of Computer Science,...
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Kersti Vannas from Instar Employer Branding: Don’t strive to be the most attractive empoyer in the world

Fifteen years ago, the concept of Employer Branding was a foreign concept to many business executives in Estonia. However, Kersti Vannas and...
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sTARTUp Pitching 2024 competition comes again with a prize pool of over €300k

Early-stage startups can now apply for the sTARTUp Pitching 2024 contest to compete for syndicate investments by EstBAN, .Contriber Ventures and prizes...
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Let’s take a first glimpse into the sTARTUp Day 2024 program!

The 8th edition of the sTARTUp Day festival, taking place on January 24–26, 2024, in the smart city of Tartu will be...
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sTARTUp Day joins forces with Tartu 2024

Tartu together with Southern Estonia is the European Capital of Culture in 2024. We’re excited to announce Tartu 2024 as one of...
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Marketing expert Marelle Ellen on becoming good at marketing, grit and what we can all learn from startups

Marelle Ellen is the CMO of the influencer marketing tool Promoty, marketing mentor, and Co-host of grit. marketing podcast. Over the last...
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Head of Program Ida Maria Orula on curating the sTARTUp Day and Digit program

It’s time to get to know Ida Maria Orula, Head of Program at sTARTUp Day. Her first task: curating the upcoming Digit...
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Tickets from €159

Tickets

Find your perfect ticket type! All ticket types grant access to all three festival days on 29-31 January 2025. 

Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Visitor

179 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Startup

159 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Investor

259 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Executive

259 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.