London, Paris, Helsinki, Lisbon, Amsterdam… Valencia! In other words: Tech Week, VivaTech, Slush, Web Summit, TNW… and VDS!
Yes, VDS has been featured among the ‘Top 2025 European Startup Events’ according to StartupBlink, making it a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations worldwide.
The eighth edition of VDS, set to take place on October 22-23 at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, is expected to break all previous records, uniting over 3,000 startups, welcoming more than 15,000 attendees from 120+ countries, and fostering meaningful connections between international corporations and 800+ investors managing assets exceeding €300 billion.
Top European Startup Events for 2025
StartupBlink’s global ranking is led by Slush, a true classic in Northern Europe and the final stop of the year for many entrepreneurs and startups. The list also includes other well-known events such as Viva Technology (Paris), South Summit (Madrid), and TNW Conference (Amsterdam)—the latter even hosted a side event last year to showcase Valencia’s innovation potential in the Dutch capital.
An in-depth look at the top startup events in Europe reveals Spain as a standout country, hosting four major summits—the most of any nation. Additionally, Southern Europe emerges as the leading region with seven top-tier events, highlighting its growing influence in the startup ecosystem.
Here are the top tech events in Europe, according to StartupBlink, listed in chronological order:
ViennaUp Startup Festival
– Location: Vienna, Austria
– Date: May 8-16, 2025
– Description: With 10,000+ participants and 50 events, it offers countless networking opportunities for startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
Latitude59
– Location: Tallinn, Estonia
– Date: May 21-23, 2025
– Description: Although smaller in size, it provides meaningful networking opportunities and hosts a €1 million startup pitch competition.
Dublin Tech Summit
– Location: Dublin, Ireland
– Date: May 28-29, 2025
– Description: Brings together global innovation, tech, and business leaders to discuss emerging trends and technologies.
South Summit
– Location: Madrid, Spain
– Date: June 4-6, 2025
– Description: A leading social innovation startup event, connecting top entrepreneurs with investors and major corporations.
London Tech Week
– Location: London, United Kingdom
– Date: June 9-13, 2025
– Description: Gathers top speakers, executives, policymakers, investors, and startups to drive significant change in the tech ecosystem.
Viva Technology
– Location: Paris, France
– Date: June 11-14, 2025
– Description: Accelerates innovation by bringing together startups, tech leaders, major corporations, and investors to tackle key challenges.
The Next Web (TNW) Conference
– Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
– Date: June 19-20, 2025
– Description: Connects 1,000+ founders, investors, and tech professionals to discuss present and future challenges.
TechBBQ
– Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
– Date: August 27-28, 2025
– Description: Started in 2013 as a small gathering, it has grown into Scandinavia’s premier startup event, known for its welcoming atmosphere and networking opportunities.
VDS
– Location: Valencia, Spain
– Date: October, 22-23, 2025
– Description: The event, which serves as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and investors with assets under management exceeding €300 billion.
Smart City Expo World Congress
– Location: Barcelona, Spain
– Date: November 4-6, 2025
– Description: A major event focused on smart cities and urban innovation solutions.
Slush
– Location: Helsinki, Finland
– Date: November 19-20, 2025
– Description: A global event connecting startup founders with investors through pitch competitions and networking sessions.
VDS Listed on ‘Top European Startup Events’: What To Expect?
Valencia’s flagship tech summit is as well included on this year’s list of top European startup gatherings.
The ranking highlights VDS as “a tech event held annually at the iconic City of Arts and Sciences” that “brings together startups, investors, corporations, and industry leaders to explore innovation, foster connections, and drive the future of technology”, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge advancements, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Overall, StartupBlink describes VDS as “a great platform for networking.”
VDS 2025 promises to be more than just a tech event—it’s a catalyst for change. As one of Europe’s leading startup gatherings, the summit will once again transform Valencia into a global hub for innovation, investment, and collaboration.
This year’s gathering will delve into the powerful concept of “Symbiosis”, exploring how collaboration and conscious connections between individuals, technology, and innovation can drive a transformative impact on the future of humanity. At the core of this vision is a strong focus on deep tech and emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, VR/AR, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and photonics—key enablers of progress across industries.
Also, VDS 2025 will launch Startup Valencia’s ‘Tech for Resilience’ Program—a groundbreaking initiative designed to develop technological solutions that mitigate the impact of natural disasters. After the tragic floods that hit Valencia in October 2024, it could not be otherwise. The tech sector has the capability, the will, and the commitment to be part of the solution to these challenges. This program is a testament to how innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven tech can build a stronger, more prepared society.
Stay tuned for more announcements on key speakers, startup competitions, and much more.
Book your tickets now for one of Europe’s top startup events of the year!
