How to Web Conference, one of the most prominent startup and tech event in Eastern Europe’s, has announced the return of its flagship startup competition, Spotlight. The competition will take place alongside How to Web Conference 2024 on October 2-3 in Bucharest, Romania.

Who can participate?

Early-stage founders from Eastern Europe and beyond can apply to Spotlight by following the instruction on the How to Web website, by following the link.

Last year’s criteria featured:

  • Early-stage startups, less than 5 years old.
  • Average funds raised must not exceed a total of €700,000.
  • The startups must have a launched product with some gained traction.

About the Spotlight competition

Spotlight is one of the most noteworthy startup programs and competitions in Eastern Europe, being dedicated to the most ambitious early-stage tech founders.

  • The competition offers early-stage startups from Eastern Europe and beyond an opportunity to propel their ventures to the next level, culminating in a large-scale investment prize. Last year’s winner received a staggering €880,000, while the winner of Spotlight 2022 won €465,000.

Participating in Spotlight can equip founders for success in the following ways:

  • Direct investor access: How to Web Conference attracts hundreds of prominent venture capitalists and angel investors.
  • Learn from the best: Inspiring founder stories shared on the How to Web Conference stage provide invaluable insights into securing investment.
  • Spotlight mentorship: The dedicated Spotlight program goes beyond the competition.
  • Industry leaders insights: How to Web Conference features renowned marketing & sales leaders.

During this year’s event founders can interact directly with industry leaders and global investors such as: Staffan Helgesson, General Partner of Creandum, Ondrej Bartos, General Partner of Credo Ventures, David Peterson, Partner of Angular Ventures, Enis Hulli, General Partner of 500 Emerging Europe, Stefan Walter, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Cavalry Ventures, and many more.