Spotlight is the leading startup program and competition in Eastern Europe, organized by How to Web Conference.
Hundreds of startups apply annually to propel their businesses to success.
*In order to apply to Spotlight, you must acquire a Startup Ticket.
Spotlight is How to Web Conference’s matchmaking program and competition for the most promising Eastern European startups.
Every year, more than 300 startups apply to join the leading startup program and competition in the region, and compete for the grand investment prize.
Last year’s investment prize rose up to €880.000 from leading European funds and investors. The winners were Collabwriting, from Serbia.
Imagine connecting with experienced mentors, savvy business minds, and forward-thinking investors who know the ins and outs of Eastern Europe. These mentors are your secret weapon for gaining insights, avoiding pitfalls, and making strategic moves.
We’re lifting the curtain on the world of investment. Discover what investors really want to hear, get tips on perfecting your pitch, and open doors to funding rounds that can catapult your startup forward.
Seasoned investors from leading European funds such as Credo Ventures, Creandum, Atomico, Early Bird, SeedCamp and many more are joining How to Web Conference.
Grab your spot in the Expo Area and show your stuff. This is your chance to present your product, gain exposure, and make connections with the right people who can help your startup soar.
What better way to get feedback on your product than from a tech-savvy audience?
Bold entrepreneurs and their startups that change the world really glow in Spotlight. Seize the stage and get your company off the ground, as all eyes will be on you.
Step on stage and pitch for the grand investment prize. Leading European investment funds and investors join forces to award the most talented Eastern European founder. Spotlight’s investment prize is the second-highest in Europe 🏆
The Spotlight finalist will receive the grand prize — stay tuned ot discover the highest seed investment deal proposal in Eastern Europe!
Apply to SpotlightSpotlight is dedicated to all early-stage startups in Eastern Europe that have the eagerness to take their business to the next level. If you meet the following criteria, apply for the most engaging startup competition:
✅ Stage of Business
You have an early-stage startup, less than 5 years old and with less than €700k fundraised.
✅ Stage of Product
You have launched the product and it gained some traction.
✅ Attending Startups
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.
CEO and Data Scientist @ TYPINGDNA
“Startup Spotlight was a great opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs and with seasoned professionals who could provide guidance for growing our company. We have incorporated many of the things we learned through the HTW experience into our business and believe that it brought us an extraordinary launching opportunity.”
CEO @ OMNICONVERT
“The How to Web team has put together a great concept where not only are startups brought into contact with investors, but the guidance from mentors and networking helped us understand better the SaaS game that we are in and also gave us more knowledge about how to tackle the channel market fit phase that Omniconvert encountered.”
Co-founder @ Cartloop
“ Winning Spotlight brought us an extra validation that the product is working and people believe in our vision and roadmap. We are really grateful for the opportunity to make amazing connections and gain valuable feedback which came at the right time and boosted the growth of Cartloop over the following months.”
Sign up for the most electrifying startup competition around.
*In order to be eligible for Spotlight, you must have a Startup Ticket.
