On 3 October, Vilnius will host Startup Fair. Pulse 2024, the largest startup community event in Lithuania, for the 12th time. Organized by Startup Lithuania, a division of the Innovation Agency, the event is set to welcome over 2,000 participants and more than 400 investors from over 60 countries. Over 60 speakers will deliver presentations throughout the event. In addition to the main conference, participants can look forward to various side events, including the traditional Pitch Battle competition, a networking event for investors called Investor Camp, and an official closing party. The main partners of the event are SEB Bank, Karma Ventures, and Vilnius TechFusion.

“The Lithuanian startup ecosystem has grown sevenfold in the last seven years, now valued at nearly EUR 14 billion. This remarkable growth underscores the increasing prominence of Lithuanian startups on the global stage. They are developing innovative solutions, raising substantial investments, creating high value-added jobs and products, and playing a pivotal role in the country’s economy. In 2023 alone, Lithuanian startups raised nearly EUR 300 million in investments. Events like Startup Fair not only highlight the strength and potential of Lithuania’s startup ecosystem but also foster its growth by attracting new investments, building business relationships, and sharing knowledge. Most importantly, they unite an international community of enterprising and innovative creators,” says Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

World-Renowned Speakers to Address Key Topics

This year’s event brings together participants from a wide geographic range, with representatives from over 60 countries, spanning from North America to Asia.

According to Karolina Urbonaitė, Head of Startup Lithuania, the main conference will cover a broad spectrum of topics, from raising international investments to discussing the latest trends in the artificial intelligence sector. Attendees will hear success stories from globally renowned startup CEOs, founders, investors, and other ecosystem players, gaining valuable insights and expert knowledge.

This year’s speakers include Dmitry Gurski, co-founder and CEO of Flo Health—a unicorn with ties to Lithuania, Ido Jonathan Engel, Cloud & AI GTM Manager at Microsoft, who played a key role in the launch of ChatGPT, Rick Kelley, former Head of Meta Ireland, and Cate Lawrence, a prominent tech journalist, among many other notable figures.

Opportunities for Startups to Attract Investment

As in previous years, startups from around the world will pitch their ideas to a panel of international investors and the audience on the Pitch Battle stage.

“For innovators, this is not only an opportunity to be noticed by investors but also a chance to secure early-stage investments to develop deep tech, dual-use technologies, robotics, life sciences, and more. Every startup will have the chance to shine and attract funding,” adds Ms. Urbonaitė.

The Lithuanian Business Angel Network (LitBAN), along with Coinvest Capital and Baltic Sandbox Ventures, plan to invest up to EUR 3 million in the top one to three startups. Selected finalists will also have the opportunity to join an accelerator program run by Startup Lithuania and Plug and Play, with a chance to raise an additional EUR 30,000. This year, around 40 startups are expected to participate in the Pitch Battle.

Extensive Networking Opportunities

A dedicated networking space will be available throughout the event, with more than 10 partner events planned. Investor Camp, taking place on the eve of the conference, will give business angels and venture capitalists the chance to explore the Lithuanian startup ecosystem, meet investors and startups from Lithuania and beyond, and build valuable connections. The event is organized by Startup Lithuania, the Lithuanian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LT VCA), and LitBAN and will attract over 400 investors from across the globe.

Jonė Vaitulevičiūtė, Managing Partner at Firstpick, a venture capital fund and technology startup accelerator, Frédéric Leibundgut, Executive Director at UBS, the Swiss asset fund, Thomas Plantenga, CEO of the unicorn Vinted, Kristina Söderberg, Investment Manager at SEB Greentech Venture Capital, and other speakers will give presentations at Investor Camp.

As part of Startup Fair. Pulse 2024, the Innovation Agency is organizing a tasting of future foods. Additionally, Kaunas IN, Practica Capital, and Firstpick are planning their own side events. Karma Ventures is organizing a morning run, Karma Run Startup Fair, and Plug and Play, a US-based startup accelerator, will provide training for selected participants in the Pitch Battle. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the African startup ecosystem at the Africa Day event and attend various other networking sessions.

New Location to Reflect the Vibrancy of Lithuania’s Startup Ecosystem

“This year, Startup Fair will be held for the first time at Paupys Market and the adjacent Cinema Pasaka. While searching for a new venue, we sought a space that reflects the dynamic nature of Lithuania’s startup ecosystem and meets the growing needs of the event. The Paupys district, known for its vibrancy, creative energy, modern architecture, and as a hub for both traditional and innovative businesses, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event,” says Ms. Urbonaitė.

The full Startup Fair. Pulse 2024 program and more information about participants and side events can be found on the official website: www.startupfair.lt.