Spotlight is the matchmaking program and competition for the most promising Eastern European startups, organized by How to Web Conference
Applications for Spotlight will be launched soon 🚀 Make sure to get your Startup Ticket meanwhile to be eligible.
Spotlight is How to Web Conference’s matchmaking program and competition for the most promising Eastern European startups.
Every year, hundreds of startups apply to join the region’s leading startup program and competition, competing for visibility and fundraising opportunities.
Imagine connecting with experienced mentors, savvy business minds, and forward-thinking investors who know the ins and outs of building global tech. 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 Creandum, SeedCamp, IVP, Northzone, Inovo, 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.
Make your mark at How to Web Conference 2026’s Demo Area.
If you are one of our semifinalists, you automatically get a booth, where you can demo your product and connect with investors and partners in a tech-focused setting.
Apply, make sure you make it to our top 20, and the Spotlight is on you everywhere.
Applications for Spotlight will open soon. Get your Startup Ticket meanwhile to be eligible 🚀
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 2026. This step is required before the pre-application—check it in the ticket order.
Apply
⌛ May 1 - September 7
Applications for Spotlight 2026 are open throughout the summer.
Announcing selected startups
⌛ September 15
Announcing the 20 selected startups to enter Spotlight
Dry-Run Pitching
⌛ October 6
All 20 startups selected will do a dry-run pitch on our Startup Stage.
Semifinal
⌛ October 7
Semifinalists go on the Startup Stage to compete for the final
Top 5 finals
⌛ October 7
Final pitch of top 5 startups on the Build & Grow Stage of the conference
Mentoring sessions
⌛ October 8
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.”
Applications will be launched soon 🚀
APPLY FOR STARTUP TICKETS