Top 10 Startup Events in 2025 for Raising Capital

Founders know that the right event can open doors to game-changing capital. In 2025, there’s a packed calendar of conferences and summits designed to connect startups with investors. Attending these events can dramatically increase your funding odds – for instance, finalists at SXSW Pitch have collectively raised over $23.2 billion since the competition began! The key is knowing which events offer the best opportunities for pitching and networking with venture capitalists, angel investors, and other funders.

Below, we’ve compiled the top 10 startup events in 2025 that every fundraising entrepreneur (and savvy investor) should have on their radar. These events were selected for their track record of facilitating investments, the caliber of investors attending, and the sheer scale of opportunities they provide. From massive global tech conferences to focused investor summits, each of these can be a golden ticket to accelerate your raise.

(Events are listed chronologically to help you plan your 2025 schedule. Bookmark those dates!)

1. Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – Las Vegas, USA (January 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: CES is one of the world’s largest tech gatherings, and while it’s primarily an industry showcase, it’s crawling with investors hunting the next big thing in consumer tech. With over 130,000 attendees in 2024 (including executives, media, and plenty of venture capitalists), CES offers unparalleled exposure. Startups can exhibit in dedicated areas like Eureka Park, where many angels and VC scouts roam. The event’s scale means if you have a standout product, you could attract interest from corporate venture arms, accelerators, and traditional investors alike – all in one place.

What to expect: A huge show floor spanning everything from smart gadgets and AI to automotive tech. It’s easy to get lost in the noise, so plan ahead: schedule meetings via the CES app, attend networking events (many VC firms host private mixers), and have a polished demo. Success at CES often comes from making a splash – e.g., winning a “Best of CES” award or getting media coverage can bring investors rushing to you.

Pro tip: Leverage CES as a credibility boost. Being selected to exhibit at Eureka Park or even just saying “we’re showcasing at CES” in your pitch gives you a bit of clout. It signals you’re serious enough to be at the year’s first major tech event. And don’t forget to follow up – investors you meet there will appreciate a post-CES update on your traction.

2. 4YFN (4 Years From Now at MWC) – Barcelona, Spain (February 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: 4YFN is the startup track of Mobile World Congress (MWC) – the huge mobile industry expo. It’s a gem for startups because it concentrates hundreds of early-stage companies and investors in one venue, separate from but alongside the main MWC conference. Telecom and mobile-tech focused VCs, corporate venture arms (think Qualcomm Ventures, Samsung Next, etc.), and international angel investors attend 4YFN to find promising mobile, IoT, and digital startups. It’s an ideal stage if your startup plays in mobile, 5G, fintech, or related spheres.

What to expect: A vibrant hall filled with startup booths, pitch stages, and innovation competitions. The atmosphere is more founder-friendly and less formal than MWC itself. There are pitch contests daily – winning can yield prize money and investor attention. Networking is facilitated with lounges and meetups, and you’ll bump into a global mix of founders and funders. Barcelona’s startup scene also shines during this week, with many parties and side events in the evenings (prime networking time!).

Pro tip: Use the 4YFN meeting planner to set up appointments with investors in advance – their platform often allows investors and startups to connect pre-event. Also, venture outside the 4YFN hall into MWC briefly if relevant; sometimes, you’ll find strategic corporate partners or investors in the main expo who might not stroll into the startup section on their own.

3. LEAP – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (February 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: In just a few years, LEAP has emerged as the Middle East’s biggest tech event, and it’s making waves globally. LEAP 2025 is expected to be massive – with over 215,000 attendees anticipated, including tech leaders, startups, and a growing pool of investors. The Middle East’s venture capital scene is on the rise, boosted by government initiatives and global investors seeking opportunities in the region. LEAP brings together international VCs, regional angel networks, sovereign wealth funds, and corporate investors under one roof. Startups across all sectors (with a slight emphasis on AI, fintech, and smart cities) will find interested capital here, often eager to diversify into new markets.

What to expect: A blockbuster conference feel – world-class speakers on multiple stages, flashy tech demos, and a lot of investment announcements. Riyadh pulls out all the stops for LEAP. There are dedicated startup pitching segments and sizable prizes (previous LEAP contests have had prizes in the hundreds of thousands of dollars). Investors from the U.S., Europe, and Asia fly in, so you get a truly international mix. Also unique is the presence of many family offices and institutional Middle Eastern investors, who might be harder to meet elsewhere.

Pro tip: If you’re not from the region, use LEAP as a gateway to Middle Eastern funding sources. Tailor part of your pitch to how your startup might expand or add value in the MENA region – local investors appreciate when you’ve thought about their market. Also, be prepared for a different business culture: relationships are key, so take the time to socialize and follow up with personal meetings if possible. Lastly, Riyadh in February is pleasant, so take advantage of outdoor networking events commonly hosted during LEAP.

4. South by Southwest (SXSW) – Austin, USA (March 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: SXSW is famous for its mix of tech, music, and film, but at its heart is a startup and innovation festival that has launched many big names (Twitter famously gained traction here). For fundraising, the SXSW Pitch competition is a highlight – its alumni have raised billions, as mentioned earlier. Even if you’re not in the pitch contest, SXSW is swarming with venture investors, from Silicon Valley VCs to corporate innovation scouts and accelerators. The vibe is more casual (it’s Austin in spring, after all), which can facilitate genuine conversations and connections outside stuffy boardrooms.

What to expect: A city-wide extravaganza. Dozens of panels and sessions on entrepreneurship, interactive tech demos, and plenty of parties and networking events every evening. You might attend a daytime panel on venture trends, then find yourself chatting with a VC at a BBQ food truck event at night. Investors often host or attend themed meetups (e.g., “Fintech Founders Happy Hour” or “Women in Startup Investing” brunch). Because SXSW isn’t just a pure-play investor conference, you’ll need to seek out the tech/startup tracks – but the fun atmosphere makes networking feel organic.

Pro tip: Start planning early. SXSW schedules get packed and hotels book up quickly. Identify ahead which events or lounges investors frequent – for example, the Accelerator’s Demo Day or any event at the Capital Factory (a local accelerator) are great bets. When pitching at SXSW, focus on the vision and disruption you offer (fits the innovation theme). And if you can nab a spot in one of the SXSW startup programs (Pitch, Release It, etc.), it’s a huge credibility booster. Even if not, use social media during SXSW to amplify your presence (many deals begin because an investor saw a startup’s SXSW tweet or media mention and hunted them down at the event).

5. RISE – Hong Kong, China (March 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: RISE is Asia’s premiere tech conference (run by the Web Summit team) and is returning in 2025 after a pandemic hiatus. It has been dubbed “the largest tech gathering in Asia”, drawing startups, global tech giants, and a strong showing of Asian and international investors. For startups looking to tap into Asian capital – whether it’s Hong Kong venture funds, Chinese tech investors, or Southeast Asian angels – RISE is the place. It’s also a gateway for Western startups to get exposure in Asia and vice versa. With Hong Kong’s status as a finance hub, expect plenty of family offices, fintech investors, and corporate venture representatives among the crowd.

What to expect: Energetic and cosmopolitan vibes. RISE typically features an ALPHA startup program where hundreds of early-stage companies exhibit. Investors roam these exhibitions actively. Stages have talks with high-profile speakers (think CEOs of global tech companies) which draw media and VIP attendees. Hong Kong in March can be quite bustling with concurrent events – networking often extends to rooftop bars and dim sum lunches in the city. You’ll hear a mix of languages and meet people from all over Asia and the world.

Pro tip: Leverage Hong Kong’s advantages: it’s a financial center, so emphasize any fintech or finance-related angle if applicable (fintech startups especially shine here). Also, Hong Kong investors appreciate metrics and business fundamentals (coming from finance backgrounds), so have your numbers and growth story well prepared. Since RISE is under Web Summit’s umbrella, some Crunchbase data reports often come out around it – familiarize yourself with any published insights (like funding trends) to drop into conversations and impress potential investors with your market savvy.

6. Viva Technology – Paris, France (June 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: VivaTech has rapidly become Europe’s largest startup and tech event, and it’s a magnet for investors and innovators globally. The 2024 edition drew 165,000 attendees and over 2,000 investors from around the world. For startups, VivaTech offers unparalleled access to European VCs (from London, Paris, Berlin, etc.), corporate venture funds (many Fortune 500 firms sponsor and attend), and even US and Asian investors seeking European deals. There’s a strong culture of open innovation – many big companies host startup challenges or labs at VivaTech, sometimes leading to investment or partnership. If you’re raising capital in Europe, this is the event to be seen at.

What to expect: Held in Paris, VivaTech combines classic conference elements (stages, panels) with a huge exhibition of startups and corporate innovation booths. You’ll see everything from cutting-edge AI demos to electric concept cars. Startups can apply to exhibit or pitch as part of various sector programs (fintech, climate tech, etc.). The networking floor is busy – lots of investors walking around with investor badges (VivaTech’s app can help identify and connect with them too). The event also attracts international media, which can give fundraising efforts a boost via exposure. And of course, Paris is Paris – many side events in beautiful venues, and excellent opportunities to invite an investor for an evening wine over discussions.

Pro tip: If you have any tie to Europe in your business, mention it. European investors at VivaTech like to see that a startup has a strategy for their region (even if it’s just “expanding to Europe in 2026” – it shows foresight). The conference is huge, so focus on quality over quantity in meetings. It can be wise to target specific investors beforehand (use the attendee list or LinkedIn to see who’s going) and reach out to secure a quick coffee during the event. Also, use the official “Investor Lounge” if available – sometimes only startups selected or exhibiting have access, but that’s where curated startup-investor meetings happen, so getting into that lounge can be golden.

7. Global Capital Network Investor Conference – Newport Beach, USA (June 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: This event is laser-focused on connecting startups with capital. Hosted by Global Capital Network (GCN) in Southern California, it’s a one-day conference where founders pitch live on stage to a room full of investors. What sets it apart is the ratio – GCN’s conference expects 150+ accredited investors among about 500 attendees. That means nearly one-third of the people in the room could write a check! Investors range from angel groups and venture funds to family offices and high-net-worth individuals, all there specifically to discover and fund promising companies. It’s an efficient way to get in front of many active investors at once (especially if you’re targeting seed to Series A funding).

What to expect: An all-day affair typically featuring presentations, investor panel discussions, and plenty of networking segments. In the morning, you might see sector-focused pitch sessions (e.g., a block of healthtech startups, then fintech startups, etc.), followed by panel Q&As with investor judges or keynote speakers. The atmosphere is professional but friendly – investors often mingle with founders during breaks. Because it’s not as gigantic as say, Web Summit, you can actually meet most people in the room if you work it right. GCN often live streams parts of the event, extending exposure beyond those physically present.

Pro tip: Apply to pitch early if you want to be on stage – slots are limited and competitive. Even if you’re just attending, come prepared as if you were pitching: have a short intro ready, your deck on your phone or tablet, and business cards at hand (investors here will ask for them). During networking, don’t be shy – the whole premise is investors coming to find startups, so they expect founders to approach them. Also, take advantage of GCN’s “investor matchmaking” if offered (they sometimes facilitate one-on-one meetings on-site for interested parties). Finally, Newport Beach is an upscale, coastal environment – dressing sharp (business or smart casual) is wise, as many attendees will be in professional attire.

8. TechCrunch Disrupt – San Francisco, USA (September 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: TechCrunch Disrupt is legendary in the startup world. Its famous Startup Battlefield contest has birthed companies like Dropbox and Mint, and investors flock to Disrupt to find the next breakout. By September, Disrupt serves as a bellwether for the year’s startup trends and a meeting ground for the tech elite. Virtually every major VC firm has representation there, alongside corporate scouts and hundreds of press. Startups that exhibit in the Startup Alley or make it to the Battlefield finals often see a surge in investor interest. Even outside the contests, simply attending Disrupt puts you in the epicenter of Silicon Valley networking.

What to expect: Three days of intense tech energy at Moscone Center (or similar venue). There are stages with interviews of top founders and investors (great conversation fodder for networking later). Startup Alley hosts early-stage startups at booths – investors stroll through this constantly, so if you have a booth, you’re in luck. The Startup Battlefield competition is a huge draw; even if you’re not in it, watching it can provide insight into what polished pitches look like and what investors ask in Q&A. After hours, San Francisco will be buzzing with Disrupt after-parties, often hosted by VC funds or accelerators – prime opportunities to meet investors in a more relaxed setting.

Pro tip: If you can’t get a Startup Alley spot, consider buying the cheaper “expo” pass just for walking the floor and networking (TechCrunch often offers different badge levels). Be proactive in approaching people – a simple “What brings you to Disrupt?” can start a conversation with an investor who might be incognito (not all will wear obvious badges). Also, Disrupt now includes industry-specific pavilions (fintech, AI, etc.); use these to find investors in your domain. Have quick demos or visuals ready on your phone; an impromptu 1-minute demo in the hallway can intrigue an investor to schedule a real meeting later. And follow TechCrunch coverage – if a journalist writes about your competitor or sector during Disrupt, reference it when talking to investors (“Did you see TC’s piece on X? Here’s how we’re different…”). It shows you’re on top of the news and market.

9. Web Summit – Lisbon, Portugal (November 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: Web Summit is often dubbed “Davos for geeks” – a huge global conference where startups meet investors at scale. Lisbon becomes the center of the tech universe each November, attracting over 70,000+ attendees, including thousands of startups and investors from every continent. One big reason Web Summit is superb for fundraising: the investor-to-startup matchmaking is highly developed. They have an app that arranges countless meetings, and there’s a dedicated Investor Lounge where deal-making happens. Web Summit is known to gather top-tier funds (Sequoia, SoftBank, etc.), lots of European VCs, Asian investors looking for Western startups, and vice versa. According to Forbes, “Web Summit in Lisbon is globally recognized for attracting investors from various sectors, including top international funds.” Startups that participate in Web Summit’s ALPHA and PITCH programs often report a bump in their fundraising; Crunchbase data even showed Web Summit startups raised more on average than their peers.

What to expect: A giant arena (the Altice Arena and FIL) filled with multiple stages and country pavilions. You’ll hear accents from everywhere. The ALPHA startup program features early-stage startups exhibiting, while more mature startups might be in the BETA or GROWTH track. PITCH competition on center stage is a highlight (if you get into the semi-finals or finals, you’ll be on every investor’s radar). Web Summit also has peripheral events – from Night Summit parties to mentor hours. It’s intense and can be overwhelming in size, but also incredibly rewarding with the breadth of connections you can make.

Pro tip: Use the Web Summit app aggressively. Set up as many relevant meetings as you can before you arrive – investors’ schedules fill up fast. Also, attend the Night Summit socials; many investors report that’s where they have their most candid chats (over a pastel de nata and a beer in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, you might seal a deal!). If you’re pitching randomly, sharpen your one-liner – everyone will ask, “So what do you do?” and you need to hook them in 10 seconds amid the chaos. Since Web Summit is so global, tailor your approach depending on who you meet (for a US investor, highlight your traction in the US; for a European investor, maybe emphasize any EU angle or market potential). And don’t forget business cards or a quick way to share contacts (the app has scanning features). With the sheer volume of people, making it easy to remember and contact you is key.

10. Slush – Helsinki, Finland (November 2025)

Why it’s great for raising capital: Slush has a unique reputation: a founder-focused, cool vibe event “by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.” It’s smaller than Web Summit but still sizeable (recent Slush events have had ~13,000 attendees, including over 3,300 investors and 5,000 startup founders). Remarkably, 70% of Slush attendees are startups or investors, making it one of the most targeted events for fundraising. Investors love Slush for its efficiency – in 2019, they facilitated around 10,000 investor-startup meetings in two days! If you’re an early-stage startup, Slush’s 100 Pitch competition and showcase opportunities are excellent. Nordic and European VCs come in droves, and increasing numbers of Asian and American investors also join to get a piece of the action (and perhaps enjoy Finland’s famed hospitality).

What to expect: Held in the dark Finnish winter, Slush embraces a rock concert aesthetic – expect neon lights, pumping music, and an exciting atmosphere. Despite the cold outside, inside it’s all energy. Startups can apply to the Slush Startup Showcase, and if selected, you’ll pitch on demo stages and get a booth spot. The core of Slush is matchmaking: they have one of the best systems for scheduling 1:1 meetings between startups and investors (in designated meeting areas). Many attendees say they hardly attend speeches because their schedules are packed with back-to-back meetings. In the evenings, there are cozy after-parties, sauna events (yes, seriously – Finland loves sauna networking!), and speaker dinners where more networking happens.

Pro tip: Apply for everything Slush offers – if you can get into their pitching competition or even be a volunteer, do it. Being more involved increases your visibility. When reaching out to investors for meetings, mention if you have any common connections or similar Nordic angle, since Slush has a bit of a community feel. If an investor you want to meet is fully booked, try to attend a roundtable or smaller session they participate in to speak with them. And absolutely experience some Finnish culture – if someone invites you to a networking sauna, it’s a great way to bond (just follow local etiquette!). Lastly, follow up quickly post-event – Slush is late in the year, so investors might be making decisions for year-end or planning allocations for Q1, making your timing critical.

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These ten events represent prime opportunities to raise capital in 2025. Keep in mind, securing funding still requires a great business and pitch – but being in the right room can make all the difference. As you plan your year, consider which events align best with your startup’s industry and target investor base, and strategize to make the most of each.

A final tip: Don’t get event FOMO – you don’t need to attend everything. It’s often better to fully leverage one or two key conferences (prepare, present, network deeply) than to superficially attend many. The relationships you build at these events, if nurtured, can lead to investment rounds, partnerships, and long-term support.

Good luck, and happy fundraising in 2025! Each of these events is a chance to put your startup on the map – perhaps at one of them, you’ll secure that pivotal term sheet or mentor that propels you to the next level.

Apply to Pitch: Think your startup is ready for the spotlight? Apply to pitch at the next Global Capital Network Investor Conference and meet over 150 investors in one day. It’s an opportunity to fast-track your fundraising journey.

Download Sponsorship Kit: Want to connect with startups and investors at these top events? Download our Sponsorship Kit to learn how Global Capital Network’s events can help your organization reach an engaged audience of founders and funders.

Buy a Ticket: Whether you’re an investor seeking deal flow or an entrepreneur looking to network, don’t miss out. Buy a ticket to Global Capital Network’s upcoming 2025 events and experience a premier startup-investor networking conference firsthand.