Bits & Pretzels 2025: A closer look at Europe’s founder festival in Munich (Sponsored)
Europe is entering a pivotal phase in its innovation journey. Geopolitical tensions, technological dependencies and increasing global competition for talent and capital are reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurial growth. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, the founders of Bits & Pretzels view these challenges as an opportunity for Europe to take the lead in global innovation. Achieving this will require closer collaboration between business, capital and politics.
Taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2025 during Munich’s Oktoberfest, Bits & Pretzels returns with a renewed focus on creating impact. Under the theme “Connecting Europe”, the event will bring together 7,500 participants, including 2,500 investors, more than 70% international speakers and a wide range of Europe’s leading growth companies. The festival aims to drive meaningful conversations between startups, investors and political leaders to help shape the next phase of European innovation policy.
A new concept for deeper engagement
What began as a humble founders’ breakfast has evolved into one of Europe’s most influential platforms for entrepreneurship. In 2025, Bits & Pretzels will unveil an expanded concept that places practical business value at its core. Stage time will be reduced by 60% to make room for more focused exchanges, including roundtables, curated matchmaking formats and small-group Q&A sessions with high-level figures from business and politics.
Topic-specific rooms will cater to key groups such as early-stage startups, female founders, CFOs and corporate leaders. This setup is designed to ensure content depth, practical insights and direct access to decision-makers.
“Bits & Pretzels has always been a place for inspiration. In 2025, we’re focusing even more putting inspiring ideas into practice,” said Andy Bruckschlögl, co-founder of Bits & Pretzels. “In a fragmented market like Europe, startups and scale-ups need clear answers on scaling, funding structures and innovation projects. And they need direct access to decision-makers. We can provide that.”
Strengthening cross-border cooperation
In line with its Connecting Europe theme, the 2025 edition will emphasise international cooperation more than ever. The festival will welcome additional European country partners and international guests, creating a dynamic space for cross-border dialogue.
New formats such as the Investor Summit, featuring over 2,500 capital providers (including more than 500 limited partners), and the CIO Summit will place key industry leaders at the centre of the conversation.“Europe has enormous entrepreneurial potential. Now it’s time to make it economically impactful,” said Felix Haas, co-founder of Bits & Pretzels. “To do this, we need capital, exit perspectives and a culture that rewards entrepreneurial courage. That’s where we come in.”
Artificial Intelligence at the forefront
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate public discourse. While it is often treated as a distant promise or risk factor, Bits & Pretzels will bring AI into focus with tangible use cases and strategic discussions. The event will feature Europe’s most innovative AI startups, top technology leaders and key policymakers, exploring economic opportunities, regulation and technological advancements.
“Europe must not focus exclusively on ethical frameworks and fairness debates when it comes to artificial intelligence,” said Bernd Storm van’s Gravesande, co-founder of Bits & Pretzels. “What’s crucial is that we view AI as an economic tool, for radically optimising processes, advancing products and redesigning entire service ecosystems. Our festival provides the stage for this very goal. We bring together the brightest minds, from pioneers in the AI startup scene to investors and political decision-makers, as well as innovation leaders from established companies.”
More on Bits & Pretzels
Bits & Pretzels is not just another event. It is an annual festival that gathers 7,500 participants, including founders, investors and key decision-makers from the startup ecosystem.
Created by Andy Bruckschlögl, Felix Haas and Bernd Storm van’s Gravesande, the event takes place during Oktoberfest in Munich. Since its inception in 2014, it has gained global recognition, hosting world-class speakers such as Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Jessica Alba, Tarana Burke, Nico Rosberg and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This year’s line-up features influential voices from technology, entrepreneurship, society and politics. You can explore the full list of confirmed speakers here. For more information, visit the official website. See you in Munich!
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