The Road to Spotlight: 20 Startups That Made It into the Semifinals

Hundreds of startups applied between May and September. Twenty made it through the selection process. You’re about to meet the founders who built these early stage tech solutions and earned their spot in Eastern Europe’s premier startup competition.

What is Spotlight?

Spotlight is the leading How to Web Conference’s matchmaking program and competition for the most promising Eastern European startups. The program connects early-stage companies with experienced mentors, seasoned investors, and strategic partners who understand how to build global tech companies.

The selection criteria tell you something important about these twenty semifinalists: each company launched their product and gained traction with less than €700k raised and under five years in operation. They represent the sweet spot where vision meets execution.

Meet the 20 Semifinalists

1. GetShorts.App – AI-powered video generation tool helping creators scale social content.
2. Satlo – Turning LinkedIn engagement into real buying intent for B2B marketers.
3. Timeworx.io – A decentralized, blockchain-based data labeling platform for AI.
4. Lifetoon – Transforms lessons into comics, videos, and animations in seconds for K-12 teachers.
5. RoryPlans – AI project planning platform automating execution for SMBs.
6. BraveX Aero – Hybrid fixed-wing & VTOL drones for logistics, security, and emergency response.
7. Moodibly – Expressive AI chat replies blending music, voice, and visuals.
8. ShareAI – Decentralized compute network monetizing idle devices for AI workloads.
9. Evopath – Productivity tool for sales leaders using AI-powered task management.
10. FoodFix – Interactive food content platform bridging creators and home cooks.
11. Lindra AI – Natural language AI agents that automate website interactions.
12. PicMe – A social app connecting people in real life through AI-powered icebreakers.
13. EdNeos – AI digital coach for learning & performance enhancement in enterprises.
14. Getpin – AI agent helping local businesses grow sales through online visibility and ads.
15. BravinAI – Conversational AI for SMBs handling customer support and sales across channels.
16. Brewtifi – “Shazam of coffee,” discovering and sharing specialty coffee worldwide.
17. Clara AI – AI voice recruiter automating high-volume blue-collar hiring.
18. LynxCraft – Algorithmic construction platform automating homebuilding design and supply chain.
19. Irisphera – AI shopping assistant for fashion, personalizing recommendations by body shape and style.
20. nDRU – Digitizing and automating the entire car-care journey for drivers and providers.

The Spotlight Experience: What These Startups Gain

Each semifinalist gets a premium booth in the Demo Area at How to Web Conference 2025, where they can showcase their products directly to investors and potential partners. This direct access removes the typical barriers between early-stage startups and the funding community.

The program structure maximizes learning opportunities:

• On September 30, all twenty startups conducted dry-run pitches to refine their presentations. 
• On October 1, they compete in semifinals on the Startup Stage. The five will advance to pitch on the main Build & Grow Stage in the Finals. 
• October 2, brings curated one-on-one meetings between all twenty startups and selected mentors.

€180,000 Investment Opportunity

The winner competes for a €180,000 investment proposal syndicated by GapMinder Ventures Partners and V7 Capital and a €15,000 work package at European Startup Embassy’s Bay Area hub.

The real value extends beyond the prize money. Spotlight connects startups with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners who understand the European market. The relationships formed during the program often prove more valuable than the initial funding.

Your Front Row Seat

Want to see which solutions resonate with the market? Which founders handle investor questions best? Which business models show the strongest fundamentals? Get your ticket to How to Web Conference 2025 and witness the competition live.