Our top 15 startup event picks for 2025

Startup events can be game-changers for founders: investor connections, growth opportunities, and industry insights.

Why startup events can open doors for founders

Startup events aren’t just another networking opportunity, they’re where connections turn into partnerships, ideas evolve into strategies, and pitches land funding. Whether you’re seeking investors, refining your go-to-market strategy, or building your network, the right event can accelerate your journey. These gatherings bring together founders, industry leaders, and investors, creating a unique space for learning, collaboration, and growth.

Are you looking for opportunities to grow your network, showcase your startup, and learn from industry leaders? 2025 is packed with incredible events for founders, investors, and innovators. While Capwave AI offers a full list of 65+ events, here’s a teaser of our 15 top picks you won’t want to miss.

1. SXSW

A mix of technology, media, and entertainment. Includes networking, workshops, and pitch competitions that attract global attention.

City: Austin, TX
Date: March 7, 2025
Sign-up link: SXSW25

Best for: Startups in all industries

2. Florida Venture Capital Conference

Showcase your startup to a national audience of VCs, angel investors, and private equity firms.

City: Miami, FL
Date: March 3, 2025
Sign-up link: FVCC25

Best for: Startups in any industry

3. Product-Led Summit

Learn actionable strategies for scaling through product-led growth while networking with top product leaders.

City: New York, NY
Date: March 19, 2025
Sign-up link: PLSNYC25

Best for: Startups focused on product-driven growth

4. eMerge Americas

A premier conference connecting the Americas through pitches, workshops, and networking opportunities.

City: Miami, FL
Date: March 27, 2025
Sign-up link: EA25

Best for: Startups in any industry

5. TechCrunch Disrupt

Features the famous Startup Battlefield competition, investor networking, and sessions with top entrepreneurs.

City: San Francisco, CA
Date: October 27, 2025
Sign-up link: TCD25

Best for: Startups in any industry

6. Web Summit Lisbon

The world’s largest tech conference, offering networking, investor access, and a showcase of cutting-edge innovations.

City: Lisbon, Portugal
Date: November 4, 2025
Sign-up link: WSL25 

Best for: Startups in any industry

7. Money20/20 USA

A premier fintech event focused on innovation in payments and banking, offering unmatched networking opportunities.

City: Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 26, 2025
Sign-up link: M20/2025

Best for: Fintech startups

8. Startup Grind Global

Gain insights from successful founders and industry leaders, and expand your network through interactive workshops.

City: Silicon Valley, CA
Date: April 29, 2025
Sign-up link: SGG25

Best for: Startups in any industry

9. Venture Atlanta

The largest VC conference in the Southeast, offering pitch opportunities and investor networking.

City: Atlanta, GA
Date: October 15, 2025
Sign-up link: VA25

Best for: Startups in any industry

10. Finovate Spring

A fintech-focused event featuring live product demos, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with investors.

City: San Diego, CA
Date: May 7, 2025
Sign-up link: FS25

Best for: Fintech startups

11. Austin Tech Week

A week-long celebration of Austin’s tech ecosystem, featuring dynamic mixers and curated educational tracks.

City: Austin, TX
Date: October 20, 2025
Sign-up link: ATW25

Best for: Startups in any industry

12. TECHSPO Los Angeles

A two-day technology expo showcasing advancements in Internet, AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS technologies.

City: Los Angeles, CA
Date: April 3, 2025
Sign-up link: TSLA25

Best for: Startups in any industry

13. CIX Summit

Canada’s largest startup awards program, connecting tech founders and investors for networking and deal-making.

City: Toronto, Canada
Date: March 26, 2025
Sign-up link: CIX25

Best for: Startups in any industry

14. TECHSPO Orlando

A two-day technology expo showcasing cutting-edge technologies in AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS innovations.

City: Orlando, FL
Date: May 5, 2025
Sign-up link: TSO25

Best for: Startups in any industry

15. ProductCon Online 2025

The world’s largest product management conference, featuring insights from top PMs at Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

City: Virtual
Date: August 6, 2025
Sign-up link: PCO25

Best for: Startups focused on product-led growth

🚀Match with your next investor on Capwave AI

These are just a few of the incredible events happening in 2025. From pitch competitions to industry expos, there’s something for every founder. 

Want access to the full list of 65+ events?

Sign up for Capwave today to discover events tailored to your startup’s needs and connect with the right investors to grow your business.