Spotlight is the matchmaking program and competition for the most promising Eastern European startups, organized by How to Web Conference
You can apply to Spotlight with 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 fundraising opportunities.
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.
Spotlight gives you access to a curated list of investors and mentors, eager to discover Eastern Europe’s builders.
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.
Bold entrepreneurs and their startups that change the world really glow in the Spotlight. Seize the stage and get your company off the ground, as all eyes will be on you.
Spotlight participants will pitch in an unconventional space in Bucharest (TBA soon), leading to the finalists on stage at How to Web Conference. Investors’ eyes are on you, and leading media outlets can’t wait to discover you.
Your first step to be eligible for Spotlight is your Startup Ticket. Apply now to accelerate your journey 🚀
Apply for Startup TicketsSpotlight 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 program and 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 has gained some traction.
✅ Attending Startups
In order to be eligible for Spotlight, you must have a Startup Ticket for How to Web Conference 2025. This step is required before the pre-application—check it in the ticket order.
Apply
⌛ May 1 - September 1
Applications for Spotlight 2025 are open throughout the summer.
Announcing selected startups
⌛ September 5
Announcing the 20 selected startups to enter Spotlight
Public Pitching
⌛ September 30
All 20 startups selected will pitch in an unconventional space in Bucharest, announced soon
Top 5 finals
⌛ October 1
Final pitch of top 5 startups on the main stage of the conference
Matchmaking
⌛ October 2
Curated 1:1 meetings between 20 startups and mentors.
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.”
Co-Founder @ Collabwriting
“The whole experience was amazing, especially as it was our first time attending How to Web. We didn’t know what to expect, but by far the most valuable were all the networking opportunities. The whole team was incredibly diligent and dedicated, everything was set up so that we as startups could get the most value from the event and connect with the right people.”
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.”
Apply for Startup Tickets to be part of the most electrifying event 🚀
Apply for Startup Tickets