On May 24 and 25, Amsterdam hosts The Next Web Conference 2018 (TNW X), an event that becomes the true European epicenter of the startup world. The Next Web was born in 2006, when the organizers created an event to showcase their startup to the world. Since then, it has been consolidating and is currently complemented by other projects such as TNW News, TNW Deals, TQ - the new technology hub that hosts events for the local and international community-, and Index, the machine learning platform that connects startups, corporations, and investors.
FROM 300 ATTENDEES IN 2006 TO 15,000 EXPECTED IN 2018
In this edition, 20 tracks have been defined to promote a deep debate on how technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence will affect the industry and the way we innovate. These topics include marketplace, machine learners, design thinkers, and global challenges for future generations.
The Next Web offers an exceptional opportunity for key decisions makers to network and do business. One of its strengths is that the organizers are very careful with the people they invite, ensuring that the content is aligned with attendees' expectations. Therefore, representatives from government institutions as well as startups, corporations, investors, and accelerators can be found. In parallel, in specific vertical events, investors and companies can moderate roundtables and drive new agreements with startups.
WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK?
What can companies, investors, and startups expect from TNW 2018?
Sebastien Toupy - Head of Startup Programs, TNW X TNW revolves around connecting companies and technology, and one of the ways we are doing that is through our flagship event in Amsterdam. This year, corporations will be able to find some of the most innovative European startups eager to start pilots and close deals with leading brands.
Startups join us for 3 key reasons:
- To have a presence on the business floor and be exposed to 15,000 people linked to the technology sector.
- To pitch to experienced investors and take their companies to the next level.
- To join our platform that will allow them to establish connections with investors, corporations, and mentors through 20-minute meetings.
How can TNW help Catalan startups showcase their projects?
Ton van 't Noordende - Deeptech investor & CEO at 01 Ventures | IIR StartupDelta TNW is a great place to showcase the best technology from Catalonia - considering it is a "seal of approval" if as a founder you "make the cut". Being there and being invited to private events (where selection standards are very high) ensures that Catalan startups can meet with their preferred investors and corporations in a more relaxed and casual environment compared to making a cold call or a pitch, thus improving opportunities to obtain additional funding or business in the future. The world of startups is very much linked to who you know directly or indirectly, so being introduced in a friendly way through a great tech event like TNW helps a lot.
Why is it important for Catalonia to be at TNW?
Jordi Aguasca - Manager of Startup Catalonia – ACCIÓ Activating talent, building community, and actively supporting international connections are three of ACCIÓ's most important challenges to get involved in making Barcelona and Catalonia a more competitive and global international hub. With international missions, such as The Next Web, we seek to encourage Catalan startup CEOs to connect with other CEOs, investors, and potential clients from other markets; and thus promote Barcelona's technological and startup hub."
What expectations does Barcelona have for its participation in TNW?
Miquel Marti – CEO at Barcelona Tech City Collaborating and participating in The Next Web offers a unique opportunity for startups and for Barcelona Tech City to connect with one of Europe's most powerful ecosystems.
The incredible organization of the event helps connect startups with flows of potential investors, and at the same time, the format of the startup competition allows projects to be showcased in a different way. Central Europe's interest in Barcelona's talent, companies, and startups is growing, so it is important to attend the event and continue improving alliances with hubs such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam."
AMSTERDAM, TECHNOLOGICAL HUB
Different parameters of international rankings place Amsterdam in the top 10 of the podium. Although its population is less than one million (2 million if we include the metropolitan area), high salaries, a high standard of living, and great possibilities of success make Amsterdam the best city for techies to work in Europe.
Amsterdam has seen the birth of successful companies such as Booking, Tom Tom, AVG, Gemalto, TakeAway, and Adyen, which have been acquired for millions of dollars. Big tech giants like Uber, Netflix, and Tesla have established their European headquarters there. The startup map, prepared by Dealroom.co, includes a total of 1,600 companies in the ecosystem along with an extensive list of investors, coworkings, and accelerators.
Featured graphic sources: The State of European Tech, European Commission, Global Innovation Index, Global Competitiveness Report, Safe Cities Index 2017 and Hubspot.