Venture Capital Events: Top Picks, Tips & Networking

Venture capital events are essential gatherings for startups and investors to connect, learn, and grow. From top global conferences to niche industry summits, these events offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights, complementing your ongoing venture capital research. 

Discover the must-attend VC events in 2024 and 2025, and learn how to maximize your experience.

Top Venture Capital Events in 2024

The global venture capital ecosystem in 2024 was marked by a series of influential conferences and summits that brought together investors, founders, and thought leaders. Here’s a brief, accurate expansion on each highlighted event:

Web Summit Lisbon (November 11–14, 2024, Lisbon) 

Web Summit has hosted over 70,000 attendees in previous years, making it one of the largest tech conferences globally, including global investors and tech leaders. It offers a rich program of 1,000+ speakers covering technology, venture capital, and innovation.

Slush (November 20–21, 2024, Helsinki) 

Slush gathers 13,000+ startup founders and investors for curated networking, pitch competitions, and practical sessions on scaling. Its matchmaking platform enables over 20,000 meetings, making it a top event for startup funding and VC engagement.

STEP Conference (February 21–22, 2024, Dubai) 

The STEP conference is he largest tech festival in the MENA region, with 8,000+ attendees and a strong focus on fintech, media, and future tech. It features startup competitions and vibrant networking in a festival-like atmosphere.

4YFN (February 26–29, 2024, Barcelona) 

4YFN connects startups with global investors through AI and growth-focused panels, startup showcases, and pitch sessions. As part of Mobile World Congress, it is a major platform for emerging tech ventures.

CAASA Annual Conference (November 12–13, 2024, Canada) 

CAASA gathers institutional investors and asset managers to discuss trends in hedge funds, private equity, and alternative assets. It emphasizes open, Chatham House Rule-based dialogue across legal, tax, and operational topics.

ILPA Summit (November 12–14, 2024, New York) 

The ILPA Summit uses a matchmaking algorithm to foster high-impact meetings between GPs and LPs. With selective registration, it ensures quality connections and insights into the private capital landscape.

Asia-Pacific Fund Finance Symposium (November 14, 2024, Singapore) 

The Asia-Pacific Fund Symposium addresses key fund finance challenges and innovations across Asia-Pacific markets. The 2024 theme centers on private debt growth and regional investment shifts in Japan, India, and China.

EBAN Congress (May 20–22, 2024, Tallinn, Estonia) 

EBAN is Europe’s premier event for angel investors and early-stage startups, offering panels, workshops, and startup pitches. It showcases Estonia’s startup ecosystem and fosters deal-making across the continent.

SuperVenture North America (November 11, 2024, New York) 

SuperVenture North America is a leading event that connects LPs and VCs to explore market trends, cross-border funds, and venture debt strategies. It also includes regional pitch competitions, supporting startup-investor matchmaking.

CEE VC Summit (March 19–20, 2024, Warsaw) 

The CEE VC Summit is an exclusive event for Central and Eastern European VC fund managers to exchange insights and strategies. It includes pitch competitions and sessions focused on regional investment challenges and opportunities.

Women’s Venture Capital Summit (February 4-6, 2024) 

The Women’s Venture Capital Summit welcomed over 450 female GPs, LPs, and leaders for panels, workshops, and curated networking. It is known for actionable insights and fostering a supportive community for women in venture capital.

Women’s Private Equity Summit (March 2-5, 2024) 

The industry’s largest gathering of senior women in PE and VC, the Women’s Private Equity Summit featured 1:1 meetings, speed networking, and thought-leadership keynotes. It emphasizes career advancement and meaningful connections among high-level female dealmakers.

Kayo Women in Private Funds Summit (October 15-16, 2024) 

Kayo convenes women across private equity, venture capital, credit, and infrastructure for sessions on leadership, fundraising, and deal sourcing. The event offers peer networking, mentorship, and a collaborative space for professional growth.

Annual VC Conferences Worth Attending

With experience as a lead Product Manager at Airbnb, I recognize the value of annual events for fostering authentic relationship-building between startups and investors. Here are the best ones to attend:

AAAIM Venture Capital Summit 

Held in San Francisco, the AAAIM Venture Capital Summit is a one-day event focused on AI, machine learning, fintech, and deep tech, with a spotlight on AAPI innovators. It brings together visionary investors, founders, and LPs for fireside chats, panels, and discussions on the evolving investment landscape. 

Skinnovation

Skinnovation is Europe’s only startup festival on skis, merging alpine sports with innovation and venture networking in Innsbruck and the Alps. The event includes over 800 participants, with highlights like Ski Lift Pitches, Hut Talks, and group races that foster informal, high-quality connections. Its unique format promotes creativity and authentic relationship-building between startups and investors.

Tech.eu Summit London

The Tech.eu Summit London gathers over 500 investors, founders, and tech leaders to explore Europe’s innovation ecosystem. The 2025 edition focuses on sectors like AI, climatetech, healthtech, fintech, and crypto through panels and networking sessions. It serves as a key venue for understanding and investing in Europe’s most dynamic tech sectors.

CES 

CES remains the world’s largest technology and consumer electronics event, attracting over 130,000 attendees and more than 4,000 exhibitors. In 2025, the show highlighted innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, mobility, and sustainability. Venture capitalists attend CES to scout emerging startups and breakthrough technologies. 

DACH 2025 Conference 

The 0100 DACH Conference brings together over 400 private equity and venture capital professionals focused on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2025 event features 100+ speakers discussing deeptech, ESG, investment strategies, and operational excellence. Known for its high-level networking and regional focus, it fosters meaningful relationships among Europe’s top LPs, GPs, and family offices.

AVCJ Private Equity Forum 

The AVCJ Private Equity Forum Australia & New Zealand is the premier private equity and venture capital event in the Asia-Pacific region. The 22nd edition convened over 700 professionals, including LPs, GPs, superannuation funds, family offices, and private wealth managers. The agenda covered regional VC trends, private credit, fundraising strategies, and Asia-focused investment opportunities.

SXSW Conference 

SXSW is a multidisciplinary festival merging technology, film, music, and culture. Its Startups Track and the renowned SXSW Pitch event are hotspots for venture capitalists, featuring early-stage companies pitching across diverse categories. The conference also hosts panels on VC trends and investment strategies, making it a key event for discovering new talent and ideas.

South Summit Brazil 

South Summit Brazil is Latin America’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship event, gathering unicorn founders, over 160 investors, and leading startups. The 2025 edition focused on resilience and global impact, providing a platform for deal making, startup competitions, and collaboration between corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs. The event is recognized for driving investment and innovation across the region.

Venture Capital Forum 

Organized by Invest Europe, the Venture Capital Forum is a premier annual event for LPs and GPs active in European VC. It offers panels, networking, and in-depth discussions on innovation, market shifts, and the evolution of the venture landscape. The forum is a key platform for shaping the future of venture capital in Europe.

Advantages of Virtual VC Events

Virtual events have revolutionized access to venture capital gatherings. Many traditional conferences now offer hybrid or online formats, making participation possible from anywhere.

Advantages of virtual VC events include:

• Accessibility: Virtual VC events allow participants to join from anywhere in the world, removing geographical and travel barriers. 
• Networking Tools: Virtual platforms often come equipped with interactive features such as chat functions, breakout rooms, and direct messaging. 
• Content Access: Sessions at virtual events are frequently recorded, giving participants the flexibility to revisit keynotes, panels, and workshops at their convenience.

These benefits ensure that professionals unable to attend in person still gain insights, forge connections, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Maximizing Networking at VC Events

As an expert career and recruiting coach, I recommend leveraging networking opportunities at major events to advance your career in venture capital. Whether attending in person or virtually, having a strategic approach can turn brief encounters into lasting professional relationships.

To capitalize on venture capital events:

• Prepare: 
  • Do Your Research: Review the event agenda, speakers, and attendee list to identify who you want to meet and which sessions align with your goals. Reading the best VC blogs is another way to stay updated on industry conversations.
  • Set Objectives: Define what you hope to achieve, such as raising capital, forming partnerships, or exploring trends in a specific sector. Listening to VC podcasts ahead of the event can also help you stay informed and spark insightful conversations.
  • Craft Your Pitch: Prepare both short and detailed versions of your elevator pitch. Tailor it for casual chats or formal meetings.
  • Get Organized: For in-person events, download relevant event apps and bring business cards. For virtual events, ensure your tech setup works smoothly and prepare digital materials.
• Engage: 
  • Be Present and Proactive: Attend targeted sessions, participate in Q&A, and join roundtables or breakout discussions to boost visibility.
  • Ask Thoughtful Questions: Demonstrate knowledge without turning questions into pitches.
  • Utilize Informal Moments: Use coffee breaks, social dinners, and hallway chats to build rapport in a relaxed setting.
  • Focus on Quality: Meaningful conversations are more valuable than collecting dozens of business cards.
• Connect and Follow Up: 
  • Introduce Yourself Clearly: Share your background, value proposition, and goals concisely.
  • Exchange and Track Contacts: Trade business cards or connect digitally, jotting down memorable details for personalized follow-up.
  • Use Social Media: Connect on LinkedIn during or after the event, adding a note to reference your interaction.
  • Follow Up Promptly: Within 48 hours, send a personalized message referencing your conversation. Offer value, such as sharing insights or suggesting a follow-up call.
  • Nurture Relationships: Use a CRM or VC tools to stay in touch and build long-term connections.

Conclusion

Whether attending in person or online, these events are invaluable for early to mid-level professionals looking to deepen their knowledge, build their network, and elevate their career in venture capital. You can also supplement your learning with curated venture capital courses to strengthen your foundational skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are venture capital activities? 

Venture capital activities are the processes and actions undertaken by venture capital (VC) firms and investors to identify, evaluate, invest in, and support startups or early-stage companies with high growth potential. These activities include:

• Sourcing and screening investment opportunities (startups)
• Conducting due diligence on potential investments
• Providing funding in exchange for equity
• Advising and mentoring portfolio companies
• Monitoring company progress and providing additional support as needed
• Planning and executing exit strategies to realize returns on investment

What is venture capital special situations? 

Venture capital special situations refer to investment opportunities that arise from unusual or event-driven circumstances affecting a company. These situations might include financial distress, restructuring, mergers, spin-offs, litigation, regulatory changes, or other significant disruptions.