Connect, collaborate, and create: The EU-Startups Summit 2025 networking guide

On 24-25 April, we’ll be heading back to sunny Malta for the 11th edition of the EU-Startups Summit – an exciting two-day event bringing together some of Europe’s most ambitious founders, forward-thinking investors, and corporate innovation leaders.

The Summit offers a packed agenda with inspiring talks, insightful panel discussions, a buzzing exhibition hall, and a thrilling pitch competition. But beyond the stage and the spotlight, what truly powers this event is the energy of human connection.

Whether you’re looking to raise your next round, scout talent, explore partnerships or simply exchange ideas, this is where it happens. To help you make the most of your time, here’s how this year’s setup makes networking easier, smarter and more impactful than ever

Your networking HQ: The EU-Startups Summit App

Our dedicated networking app will be your go-to companion throughout the event. With it, you can explore the attendee list, message fellow participants, and arrange 1:1 meetings seamlessly.

Once downloaded (just search for ‘EU-Startups Summit’ in your app store or scan the QR code next to this text), you can set up your profile and let the AI-powered matchmaking tool suggest relevant profiles to connect with. Swipe, match, chat and schedule – all within the app. You’ll also get real-time updates and full access to the event agenda, speaker info and your personalised schedule.

The Meetings Room: Where deals are made

Looking to schedule focused, one-on-one meetings? The Meetings Room in Vassalli Hall, located on the first floor of the venue, is your go-to space for exactly that. Designed to support meaningful conversations, it’s the ideal spot to sit down with investors, potential partners, or fellow founders in a quieter, more professional setting. You can book a space in this room directly through the EU-Startups Summit app, making it easy to coordinate and secure meeting slots in advance.

While the main purpose of the Meetings Room is to facilitate pre-arranged meetings, it will also host a number of themed networking sessions throughout both days. These include speed networking, Women in Tech meetups, and a Blue Economy-focused gathering – all designed to spark quick, engaging interactions. To stay up to date on what’s happening in this space, check the app regularly and plan your schedule accordingly.

The Networking Lounge: Relax and connect

Sometimes, the best conversations happen when you’re not rushing between sessions or ticking off your meeting schedule. That’s where the Networking Lounge comes in. Located at the end of the exhibition hall, this inviting space is designed to offer a more laid-back environment for spontaneous chats, informal catch-ups, and moments of reflection between all the action.

Whether you’re reconnecting with someone you met earlier, discussing a panel you just attended, or simply taking a breather, the lounge offers a comfortable setting to pause and engage. It’s also a great spot to meet new contacts outside of scheduled meetings – you never know who you’ll bump into over a cup of coffee.

Networking Drinks with a view

As the day wraps up, we take the networking to new heights – quite literally. Join us for the official EU-Startups Networking Drinks on both Day 1 and Day 2 at the Grand Harbour Terrace of the Mediterranean Conference Center.

From 17:30 to 21:30, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, chill music, and breathtaking views of Malta’s coastline. It’s the perfect setting to keep conversations going and meet new faces in a more relaxed setting. Just remember: the terrace has limited capacity for up to 900 people, so plan ahead!

From speed networking and AI matchmaking to sunset drinks by the sea, the EU-Startups Summit 2025 is built for connection. Get ready for two unforgettable days of collaboration, insight, and opportunity. Visit our event page to learn more about the Summit, the speaker line-up, and the latest updates!

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation, by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

OUR SPONSORS

Scytale helps startups get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat.

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With their proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.

EUROCROWD is an independent network organisation aiming to support and promote crowdfunding as an alternative funding mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative projects. EUROCROWD promotes and supports the development of Crowdfunding mechanisms as a viable funding source to European entrepreneurs and funders.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a flagship initiative of the European Commission to turn disruptive European science into groundbreaking commercial propositions and accelerate the scale-up of “game-changing” innovations. It is a key building bloc of a reinforced European ecosystem and the New European Innovation Agenda, filling the gap between R&D support, private investors, and the market. With a budget of over €10 billion under the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027), it seeks to position Europe as a global leader in the current wave of deep tech innovation.

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