Web Summit is one of the world’s largest technology events, bringing together leaders across business, technology, politics, and culture. Founded in Dublin in 2009 by Paddy Cosgrave, it has grown from a 150-person meetup to a global series that now includes Web Summit Rio, Web Summit Qatar, Web Summit Vancouver, and RISE in Asia.
Each year in Lisbon, the flagship event gathers over 70,000 participants, 1,000+ speakers, and thousands of startups and investors to discuss trends shaping the global tech landscape.
Focus areas in 2025
The event will feature 20+ content tracks, including:
- Venture – trends in early-stage funding and VC
- SaaS Monster – B2B software, productivity tools, enterprise innovation
- Auto/Tech & DeepTech – robotics, autonomy, and engineering breakthroughs
- Crypto, AI, and Creator Economy – rapidly evolving technologies and monetization models
- Planet:tech – sustainability, energy, and climate-tech solutions
Each track is supported by dedicated stages, workshops, and networking zones.
Speakers
Confirmed speakers for 2025 include: Anton Osika (Co-founder & CEO, Lovable), Maria Sharapova (Tennis Legend), Alex Schultz (CMO, Meta), Cristóbal Valenzuela (Founder & CEO, Runway), Michele Catasta (President, Replit), Toto Wolff (Team Principal & CEO, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team), Nigel Morris (Managing Partner & Co-founder, QED Investors), Jameela Jamil (Podcast Host, Actress & Activist), and Cristiano Amon (President & CEO, Qualcomm), among others.
Networking and Community
Networking is a central part of Web Summit’s experience.
- Night Summit hosts curated meetups and smaller gatherings across six Lisbon neighbourhoods – Santos, Principe Real, Bairro Alto, Graça, Marvila, and Alvalade.
- AI-powered networking tools connect attendees with relevant peers, founders, and investors based on shared interests.
- Masterclasses and meetups led by experts provide practical insights, case studies, and collaboration opportunities.
Startups at Web Summit
Web Summit operates one of the largest startup programs globally, with opportunities for early-stage teams to:
- Exhibit products at booths in front of thousands of attendees
- Pitch on stage to panels of investors and journalists
- Join mentor hours, roundtables, and industry-specific sessions
- Match with investors using the platform’s algorithmic networking tool
Participation is selective – teams apply to the ALPHA or BETA startup programs depending on stage. The goal is to provide visibility, connections, and context for global scaling.
Dates: November 10-13, 2025
Location: Lisbon, Portugal