The conference welcomed over 3,000 participants, representing 840 companies, with 50% top management (C-level executives and VPs), including 600 startups and 200 investors. This year’s event marked significant business opportunities and regional innovation, facilitating thousands of business meetings and connecting decision-makers with top innovators.
“The role of How to Web Conference evolves along with the region’s drive and focus. We’re noticing an immense need for businesses of all sizes, for technology builders, entrepreneurs, founders, and investors—to have the context to connect and discover resources that can help them accelerate their growth and possibilities. And we’re here to address that. We’re extremely honoured to have had so many attendees from all over the world join our event and find exactly what they were looking for, as they have told us throughout these two days.” says Monica Zara, Head of Conference at How to Web
Growth, insights, and business at How to Web 2024
In its 14th edition, How to Web Conference has become a key event for those looking to connect, invest, and expand in Eastern Europe’s tech ecosystem. The 2024 conference featured over 100 speakers who led discussions on key topics like product development, UX, engineering, sales, marketing, and investment strategies. April Dunford, a positioning expert, spoke on effective product positioning, while Fonz Morris led engaging conversations on customer experience design. Chris Heilmann focused on the future of open web technologies, Andy Budd discussed design leadership, and Staffan Helgesson, a key VC, shared insights on startup scaling.
These topics were carefully selected to address the needs of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, navigating a rapidly evolving market. Discussions highlighted the importance of AI in product development, growth marketing strategies, and team culture, with participants exploring best practices for building scalable companies and driving business success.
Key launches and future opportunities at How to Web Conference
Spotlight, the early-stage startup program and competition, part of How to Web Conference crowned FigVision as the winner of the €350,000 investment prize, syndicated by Startup Wise Guys, Underline Ventures, and Gapminder VC. The competition, which attracted top Eastern European startups, showcased the next generation of innovators, reinforcing How to Web’s pivotal role in driving regional tech growth.
Additionally, there were several important initiatives launched at the event, including the GO GLOBAL Program by Upgrade100 and How to Web, which will help startups expand internationally.
The release of “The State of AI in CEE” by The Recursive highlighted the region’s growing potential in artificial intelligence, while the Sustainability Startups Showcase, supported by BRD-Groupe Société Générale, brought attention to emerging green tech initiatives.
How to Web Conference reveals international reach & networking
How to Web Conference 2024 attracted significant international interest, with delegations from Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and beyond. The event enabled thousands of 1:1 meetings, fostering meaningful business connections across borders.
Investors from leading European funds and corporate leaders engaged with startups in fields ranging from fintech and SaaS to AI and sustainability, ensuring the event wasn’t just a space for discussions but a real driver of deals and growth.
Expert insights and regional strength
Google, a strategic partner, echoed the confidence in Eastern Europe’s talent and growth potential. Elisabeta Moraru, Country Director Google Romania revealed during a panel at to Web Conference the following “Eastern Europeans still have the hunger that makes them very agile. Romania’s strong foundation in engineering, combined with rising business acumen, highlights a great opportunity to build world-class products and solutions.”
This underscores the event’s broader mission: to highlight Eastern Europe’s growing tech ecosystem, bridging global tech talent with regional opportunities, and positioning How to Web as the definitive tech and business hub in the region.
How to Web conference is built in partnership with Stripe Romania, Google Romania, BRD-Groupe Société Générale, Underline Ventures, and with the support of Bitdefender, Adobe Romania, DIGI, Bolt, Regina Maria, Remote, Netopia Payments, STOICA, PWC, 3VC, BrightCap Ventures, Lead Ventures, Endeavor Romania, Early Bird Digital East Fund, CONSIERGO.
