Date: September 28–30, 2025
Location: Munich, Germany
Website: bitsandpretzels.com
Every year during Oktoberfest, over 5,000 founders, investors, and startup ecosystem builders gather in Munich—not just for beer and pretzels, but for one of Europe’s most unique and energetic tech gatherings: Bits & Pretzels.
What began as a small founders' breakfast in 2014 has now grown into a three-day festival that mixes serious startup strategy with unfiltered Bavarian charm. This year’s edition promises keynote speakers from global unicorns, curated networking sessions, and topic stages covering everything from AI and health tech to sustainability and storytelling.
Why it’s worth watching:
Founder-first vibe: Less corporate posturing, more real talk. The event attracts early-stage founders and scale-up leaders alike, sharing raw lessons and cross-border stories.
Table matchmaking: The final day ends with their famous Oktoberfest Table Networking, where startup conversations flow over steins of beer in traditional tents. Not just fun—many say it’s where the best deals are born.
Diverse stage content: Expect stages on mobility, fintech, female founders, climate tech, and more—plus an evolving focus on the European innovation frontier beyond the usual hotspots.
TL;DR — What’s different:
Think SXSW meets Oktoberfest.
Munich as a startup city stepping up.
Real founder stories > staged pitches.
Great place for spotting Germany’s next movers—and Europe’s edge voices.
🧭 If you're a founder in the Netherlands or an emerging European hub, Bits & Pretzels might be your gateway to the DACH ecosystem—and a reminder that the future of startups can be both bold and a little bit Bavarian.
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This article was created using AI-assisted tools and curated by the NextWave.zone editorial team to ensure clarity and relevance.
