Spotlight 2024, the region’s leading startup competition program hosted during How to Web Conference, has announced the competition’s €350,000 investment prize and promised key meetings with top European Venture Capital funds for the winners.

The most ambitious and innovative startup founders from Eastern Europe can apply to participate by September 1, 2024 by following the link.

Who can participate?

  • You have an early-stage startup, less than 5 years old and with less than €700,000 raised in funds.

  • You have launched the product and it gained some traction.

  • In order to be eligible for Spotlight, you must have a Startup Ticket for How to Web Conference 2024. You can do this either before your pre-application or after.

Competition timeline

  1. September 1: The application deadline for Spotlight 2024. 

  2. September 16: The 40 selected startups will be announced.

  3. October 2-3: The main events will take place. 

  4. October 2: All selected startups will pitch on the Startup Stage, with the top five advancing to the main stage, where the investment prize winners will be announced. 

  5. October 3: the startups will participate in exclusive 1:1 meetings, offering them the chance to interact directly with Europe’s most recognized investors.

What’s new this year?

Underline Ventures, Startup Wise Guys, and GapMinder VC syndicate this year’s investment prize.

In addition to the main investment prize awarded to the top winner, this year’s edition will also offer three secondary prizes: facilitated meetings with top-level decision-makers from leading venture capital firms.

Three Spotlight finalists will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive meetings with European investors, including:

  • Ondrej Bartos, General Partner at Credo Ventures;

  • Kamil Mieczakowski, Partner at Notion Capital;

  • Felix Martinez, Principal at Seedcamp;

  •  Bogdan Iordache, General Partner at Underline Ventures;

  • Cristobal Alonso, Global CEO at Startup Wise Guys;

  • Martin Olczyk, Managing Director at Techstars

About How to Web 2024

How to Web is the leading startup and technology conference in Eastern Europe, bringing together tech innovators, business leaders, and the most promising startups in the region. The conference is dedicated to showcasing the latest trends and developments in the tech industry, providing a platform for learning, networking, and business growth.