Startup University

Our network of CEOs, founders and investors take the stage to give their tips on how to navigate launching and growing a startup. Learn from the people who’ve done it all before.

Mikayel Vardanyan, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer, Picsart, on the Startup University stage at Web Summit Qatar 2024
Mikayel Vardanyan
Co-founder & Chief Product Officer
Picsart

What’s happening?

Nobody prepared you for this in school. Welcome to Web Summit Qatar’s crash course on building and growing your startup, with curated content and insights from some of the world’s most famous startup success stories. Your ticket gives you access to all Startup University sessions, as well as to roundtables, masterclasses and 10-plus other tracks at Web Summit Qatar.

Photograph of a person (Fernando Cabral, managing director/managing partner of FS-360/Djassi Africa) speaking on stage at Web Summit. They are sitting on a chair and holding what appears to be notes in their hand.A rectangle divided along a diagonal line into two areas of solid colour.A diamond shape on a solid background.
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From startup to scale-up

In the early stages, no startup has all the answers. Join leaders of successful ventures as they share insights they gained along their journeys. Uncover the business models and strategies propelling startups toward new geographical growth. Discover the techniques for scaling your business to the next tier.

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Fundraising in 2024

A significant shift in the funding landscape has ushered in a new reality for fundraisers. Against the backdrop of inflation and recession concerns, what criteria are investors prioritising in this altered market? Founders, unicorns, and investors discuss the challenges and opportunities.

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Emerging technologies

Where is the latest surge of innovation guiding us? Will GenAI continue to dominate the startup scene in 2024? Or has this sector already shifted towards being a practical component of traditionally well-performing verticals, including biotech, fintech and robotics?

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The company you keep

Have you got the right co-founder? Have you hired the right team? What about a board? Who you surround yourself with as a founder is one of the most important decisions you can make. Learn from founders who have succeeded – and failed – in getting the right people for their companies.

Meet some of our past startup speakers

Alex Bouaziz
Alex Bouaziz
Co-founder & CEODeel
Christina Cacioppo
Christina Cacioppo
Co-founder & CEOVanta
Maëlle Gavet
Maëlle Gavet
CEOTechstars
Dileep Thazhmon
Dileep Thazhmon
Co-founder & CEOJeeves
Dave Rogenmoser
Dave Rogenmoser
Co-founder & CEOJasper
Melanie Perkins
Melanie Perkins
Co-founder & CEOCanva
Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian
Co-founderSeven Seven Six
Tope Awotona
Tope Awotona
Founder & CEOCalendly
Geoff Ralston
Geoff Ralston
PresidentY Combinator
Matt Biilmann
Matt Biilmann
Co-founder & CEONetlify
Gabriel Braga
Gabriel Braga
Co-founder & CEOQuintoAndar
Sofia Nunes
Sofia Nunes
Co-founder Mambu
Christian Weedbrook
Christian Weedbrook
Founder & CEOXanadu
Amanda Kahlow
Amanda Kahlow
Founder6sense
Edith Harbaugh
Edith Harbaugh
Co-founder & Executive ChairLaunchDarkly

Companies that have joined our events

“Every company is faking it till they make it. There’s no making it. The story doesn’t end.”

Jager McConnell, CEO, Crunchbase

“You should only raise funding when you find partners who share your value and believe in your mission.”

Tom Okman, Co-founder & CEO, Nord Security

 

"How great is your product compared to all the other founders out there killing themselves?"

Fred Destin, Founder, Stride.VC

Be the first to know who’ll be joining us on stage at Web Summit Qatar

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