Conference Program
Our program is currently a work in process and will be updated regularly in the upcoming weeks leading up to this year's edition.
Striking the Right Balance: Founders’ Mental Health
The entrepreneurial journey is often an emotional rollercoaster, pushing 49% of founders to consider leaving their startups in 2024. This sentiment is heightened by the current challenging economic conditions in the tech market. Outside of their growth challenge, founders also face additional pressures, including maintaining work-life balance and navigating internal conflicts as their companies grow. But a positive shift is emerging: mental health in the startup ecosystem is becoming a more open conversation. Founders and industry leaders are increasingly sharing their personal experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering awareness about mental well-being. This session explores practical ways to build support systems for founders and their teams. Together, we’ll discuss how to normalize mental health conversations in the tech ecosystem and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for innovation.
Founders’ Story with Factorial & Atomico
Discover the story behind the innovations and the collaborative networks that propelled their startup forward through the unique journey of its founder.
Exit Backlog: What Alternatives To The Traffic Jams?
2024 was a slow year for startup exits, with the backlog of companies awaiting an exit surging to over 55,000, according to PitchBook—a record high. While smaller startup exits continued at a steady pace, the absence of IPOs created a bottleneck, slowing down both late-stage companies and the broader VC market. This stagnation has forced mature startups to explore alternative exit strategies, including secondaries, M&As, or extended private market stays, while in Europe, many startups are looking across the Atlantic for IPOs or acquisition opportunities. Some anticipate a return to normalcy in 2025, with a wave of unicorn IPOs. However, the geopolitical climate could disrupt these expectations, reshuffling the exit landscape. This session will explore how seasoned VCs in the US, China, and Europe are navigating the backlog and what alternative exit strategies are emerging.