A Decentralized Festival Model
Unlike traditional conferences, ViennaUP follows a decentralized format, with over 35 program partners hosting events across various locations in the city. This approach allows attendees to engage with different aspects of Vienna’s startup ecosystem and participate in sessions that best fit their interests. From pitching opportunities and hackathons to workshops and investor meetups, the program covers diverse topics relevant to early-stage and scaling startups.
Key Events at ViennaUP 2025
- Connect Day (May 13, 2025) – A major networking event that facilitates matchmaking between startups, investors, and corporates. In 2024, this event attracted over 1,300 participants and generated around 1,500 one-on-one meetings.
- Homebase and Café Spaces – Designed as informal networking hubs, these spaces provide attendees with a relaxed setting to meet other entrepreneurs and industry experts. The Homebase, located in Karlsplatz, offers food, music, and a casual atmosphere, while Vienna’s traditional cafés serve as additional meeting spots throughout the festival.
Opportunities for International Startups
Startups looking to expand into the European market can benefit from targeted programs such as:
- Discover Vienna Program – This initiative helps international startups navigate Vienna’s business and innovation landscape. It offers travel and accommodation reimbursements as well as event tickets for one representative per startup, allowing participants to explore market opportunities and connect with key players in the ecosystem.
Networking and Business Development
ViennaUP provides a space for meaningful business interactions:
- Tailored Networking Events – With industry-specific sessions and matchmaking opportunities, attendees can connect with the right people for partnerships, investment, and collaboration.
- Diverse Audience – The festival attracts a mix of early-stage and scaling startups, corporate representatives, investors, and innovation experts, offering a broad scope for potential business relationships.
Source: ViennaUP
Enhancing Visibility with a PitchSee Profile
For startups attending ViennaUP 2025, having a PitchSee profile can make networking more effective. Instead of repeatedly explaining their business, founders can share a concise video pitch that helps investors quickly understand their vision. With many founders competing for attention, a structured and easily shareable profile allows potential investors and partners to revisit startup information at any time, improving follow-up conversations and funding opportunities.
A PitchSee profile also extends visibility beyond ViennaUP, connecting startups with a global investor network. This additional exposure can help founders maximize the benefits of attending the festival by keeping their business in front of the right audience, even after the event concludes.
