On 26 May, Startup Fair. Connect 2022 – the international startup ecosystem event that is the largest of its kind in Lithuania – will be taking place for the tenth time. This year, an even larger circle of participants in the Lithuanian and foreign startup ecosystem will be coming to “connect” in person. Registration is already open for the traditional Startup Fair Pitch Battle, during which the best startups with the most potential will present themselves to investors.  

This year, the keynote for the event is “connect” – as the pandemic restrictions ease, the Startup Fair is returning to normal and inviting Lithuanian and foreign startup ecosystem participants as well as professionals and talents from various fields to meet live, take part in B2B meetings, renew old contacts and establish new ones.  

“The past few years have shown how important it is to build strong relationships and cooperate. The Startup Fair is a great opportunity for members of the fast-growing startup ecosystem to meet, reconnect, reminisce about the past year that was such a good one for startups, and share experiences and success stories. Startups really have something to say and be proud of – sales and exports rose sharply last year, and there were record-breaking investments, with startups attracting almost EUR 430 million from foreign and Lithuanian investment funds,” says Roberta Rudokienė, head of Startup Lithuania, the startup ecosystem development unit of The Innovation Agency Lithuania.

A valuable and inspiring conference is in store for Startup Fair. Connect 2022 participants – Lithuanian and foreign investors and speakers will be talking about the topics that are the most relevant and important for startups, such as startup development and expansion, insights on opportunities for attracting investments, and today’s hottest trends, like sustainable energy solutions and Web 3.0. During the discussions, different ideas and views of professionals will “connect”, and startups that have already achieved global success will share their stories, such as carVertical, which is developing a car history registry, and Flo Health, the startup behind the Flo women’s health app. 

Everyone who is interested in the startup ecosystem and business, or who is considering beginning a startup, is invited to participate in the event completely free of charge.  

Startups will compete for titles and prizes 

During the Startup Fair Pitch Battle, startups will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the international startup community and investors and compete for titles and prizes.  

A panel made up of Lithuanian and foreign investors will evaluate the teams registered for Pitch Battle and select the most promising startups. The panel will give the startups with the greatest potential to grow into thriving businesses and succeed globally an opportunity to present themselves at the final event. Last year, over 100 startups from 25 countries signed up for the Pitch Battle, and the 40 best presented their ideas on stage. A startup named Cogastro won the competition and attracted an investment of EUR 500,000. 

“During the competition, the startups will have the chance to get up on the international stage – this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the startup community and the most important Lithuanian and foreign investors, grab media attention, establish valuable partnerships, or re-test your business idea and model after receiving professional feedback. In addition, we’ll be holding special training for the startups before the event where they’ll learn how to present their business ideas professionally and attract the attention of investors,” says R. Rudokienė. 

During the Pitch Battle, the panel will evaluate the startups’ business ideas and problems, and how their solutions and innovative ideas are in line with current market needs, business models and the team composition. The best startups will be awarded cash and other prizes. Startups are invited to register for the competition until 9 May: https://www.startupfair.lt/pitch-battle  

About the event: 

Already in its tenth year, the Startup Fair is the largest startup event in the Baltic States; the event is organised by Startup Lithuania, the startup ecosystem facilitator for the Innovation Agency Lithuania (formerly Enterprise Lithuania). The Innovation Agency Lithuania was established on the basis of Enterprise Lithuania and the Lithuanian Business Support Agency and consolidating the functions for the promotion of innovative activities performed by the Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology. The event on 26 May will take place in a hybrid format – guests are invited to participate live at Kablys + Kultūra, and those who are unable to attend will be able to watch the event and participate in B2B meetings remotely. More information about Startup Fair. Connect 2022 and the Pitch Battle is available at: http://www.startupfair.lt.