Web Summit Lisbon is a great starting point for any nearshore business to connect with new business contacts and explore tech trends in Europe’s digital ecosystem. Still pondering if you should go? We already have attended quite a few times, below you will find our insights.
Direct access to Tech providers
Web Summit enables you to find interesting partners and have valuable opportunities to grow your business network. This annual event has around 70.000 attendees and potentially connects you directly with a huge array of tech companies from leading nearshore locations like Portugal, Spain, but also the Nordics and countries in Eastern Europe. In recent years, Portugal has emerged as a rising nearshore hub due to its skilled workforce, competitive labour costs and a strong tech ecosystem, backed by government support. This makes Web Summit an ideal venue to explore your business expansion in the Iberian Peninsula.
Connect with decision makers
During Web summit you will be able to meet up with CEOs, CTOs and other business leaders who are actively seeking nearshore solutions. At the same time the Web Summit world class speakers and attending start-ups share their insights on tech, business, AI, cyber security, fintech, cloud computing and other digital transformation trends that directly impact nearshore business models. The Web Summit serves as a prime location to meet VCs, angel investors and other partners looking to invest. In addition, Web Summit attracts corporations actively looking to nearshore their tech development, thereby creating the perfect environment to build partnerships and close deals. Similarly, many tech companies demonstrate their expertise in software development, IT services, cybersecurity and customer support during the event.
Launchpad for Start-ups
Web Summit Lisbon drives start-up growth by connecting founders with investors, mentors, and potential leads. It is as a key part of Europe’s start-up system because of the networking opportunities and funding exposure. The summit runs several programs for start-ups. One of them is ALPHA for new ventures and Web Summit hosts PITCH competitions to attract start-ups and investors. Participants show their company work, gain new market insights and build partnerships with companies and C-level tech leaders. Lisbon’s start-up scene and government support enhance the event. Web Summit therefore functions as a launchpad for start-ups, making it essential for European founders who want to promote their start-up.
Night Summit & Side Events
Beyond the main conference, Night Summit and other side events play a crucial role in networking and deal-making at Web Summit Lisbon. These informal gatherings, held in Lisbon’s best bars, rooftops and some historical neighbourhoods like Alcântara, Bairro Alto and Beato and provide a relaxed atmosphere for building connections. Many start-ups, investors, and executives use these events to continue conversations from the conference floor in a more casual setting. Industry-specific meetups and invite-only gatherings offer targeted networking. This helps attendees to connect with the right people in a more meaningful way. For everyone looking to maximize business opportunities, the Night Summit and curated side events is just as important as attending the sessions during the day.
Planning Web Summit Lisbon: Tickets, Timing & Travel
To make the most of Web Summit Lisbon prepare your Websummit schedule on time. Tickets range from General Attendee to Executive and Investor passes. There are many early-bird discounts available. The event itself typically takes place in November at the Altice Arena in Parque das Nações. Lisbon gets very crowded nowadays, so booking your flights and hotels well in advance is essential. Public transport, the metro and trams, makes commuting to the venue very easy. Use the Web Summit app to schedule your meetings, plan your sessions, connect with other attendees and RSVP for side events and Night Summit. Arriving a day or a couple of days earlier can help you settle in and explore Lisbon before diving into the event. And stay for the duration of the event, to really get the most out of it and relax a bit in Lisbon, while you are there.
How to Network at Web Summit?
To make the most of Web Summit, define your goals before you go. Use the Web Summit app to book meetings in advance and target industries that rely on nearshore services, like fintech, SaaS, and AI. Map your event in advance and attend networking events, sign up on time for investor meetups and industry roundtables. Above all, don’t underestimate the value of informal connections at Night Summit. Informal networking during drinks and dinner can lead to big opportunities! When meeting potential leads, have a clear pitch deck, case studies, or a demo to showcase your expertise available. Follow up within 48 hours with a LinkedIn message or email and schedule a virtual meeting within a week or two to keep the conversation going. A well-planned approach can turn Web Summit into a major growth opportunity for your nearshore business.
See you in Lisbon?
What do we like to do during the Web Summit? For us, main goals are getting new inspiration, learning about new tech developments, scouting startups and (re-)connecting. Normally we start our week with a visit to a local Tech company, to get a first-hand insight in how the tech is run in Lisbon. During the days we try to mix the inspirational speeches with re-connecting with business friends and making new business contacts. The wine summit is an amazing place to catch at the end of the day (and toto taste amazing Portuguese wines). There are quite a few invite-only events, that we always attend, so reach out to us in person in case you would like check whether that’s an option for you. Superconnectors is an event, not to be missed by us, as we are Superconnectors ourselves. The Climate & Food Tech Mixer was amazing last year, therefore that’s on our To-Do list. The RVO and the Dutch Embassy in Lisbon always organize some special events for invitees. Focusing on introducing Dutch startups in the Portuguese ecosystem. As board members of the Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, we are always happy to attend. Of course, we do not want to miss the Unofficial Web Summit LGBTQ+ Party!
