Bits & Pretzels Munich – Europe's festival for start-ups, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit

Visionaries, investors, and changemakers under one roof

Bits & Pretzels in Munich is much more than a conference—it is a vibrant festival for founders, start-ups, investors, tech enthusiasts, and decision-makers from the digital economy. With its unique mix of high-caliber presentations, networking opportunities, and festival atmosphere, the event has become one of the most important meeting places for the European start-up scene. What began as a small founders' breakfast is now an international event with thousands of participants from all over the world. The three-day event takes place annually around the Oktoberfest – a deliberate combination of business and Bavarian culture, innovation, and hospitality.

Inspiring minds, groundbreaking ideas—a lineup of superlatives

The stage is graced by iconic founders, tech pioneers, thought leaders, and celebrities who are helping to shape innovation on a global level. Names such as Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Jessica Alba, Eric Schmidt, and Drew Houston have shaped the event in the past. The list of speakers reads like a “Who's Who” of the digital world—supplemented by exciting personalities from politics, science, culture, and society. The festival covers a wide range of topics: from financing to scaling, corporate culture, AI, and sustainable growth to diversity, leadership, and digital ethics.

Start-up Exhibition & Matchmaking – A stage for new business models

Young companies present their ideas, products, and business models at the Start-up Exhibition. The trade fair offers space for visibility, feedback, and customer acquisition—whether in the B2B, B2C, or tech sector. For many start-ups, Bits & Pretzels is an opportunity to pitch to an international audience for the first time. A core element of the event is curated matchmaking: investors meet founding teams, corporations meet innovation partners, and talent meets potential employers. The platform brings together what belongs together in a targeted manner—efficiently, topic-based, and on an equal footing. Anyone interested in other tech, start-up, or business trade fairs in the region—from digitalization to mobility to industry—will find a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of events on offer here at Munich Trade Fair.

Topics & Deep Dives – Expertise for doers

Bits & Pretzels impresses not only with its prominent guests, but also with its depth of content. Specific knowledge is imparted in various themed tracks and masterclasses—for example, on:

• Fundraising & investor readiness
• Tech stack & product development
• Go-to-market strategies
• Human resources management & corporate culture
• Legal, tax & compliance for founders
• Corporate innovation & open innovation

Experts share their experiences, pass on best practices, and provide deep insights into business challenges and solutions.

Female Founders & Diversity – Change with Perspective

Special attention is paid to diversity and inclusion. With formats such as the Female Founders Track, special networking sessions, and targeted mentoring programs, the festival specifically empowers underrepresented groups in the start-up world, including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with a migrant background. The organizers see diversity not as a trend, but as a strategic strength for innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.

Munich meets Silicon Valley – Internationality with a down-to-earth approach

Bits & Pretzels is international, but deeply rooted in Munich. The event brings together global thinkers with local entrepreneurship – and connects the innovative power of Silicon Valley with small and medium-sized businesses, the university landscape, and the start-up scene in southern Germany. The Bavarian capital presents itself as a dynamic start-up hub with strong networks, good access to capital, and a high quality of life – ideal for founders.

Oktoberfest Networking – Business Bavarian style

A special highlight is the third day of the event: during a joint visit to Munich's Oktoberfest – exclusively in the Schottenhamel tent – business meets beer, start-up spirit meets tradition. This unusual combination creates closeness, trust, and quality conversation – beyond pitches and PowerPoint presentations. For many, Oktoberfest networking is at the heart of Bits & Pretzels – this is where ideas are forged, partnerships are formed, and deals are made. Bits & Pretzels – start-up fair, ideas platform, and innovation festival all in one Bits & Pretzels sums up entrepreneurship: inspiring, practical, networking. It is a festival, trade fair, conference, and platform for everyone who wants to rethink business, shape markets, and make a difference with technology. With a unique blend of depth, vision, and hospitality, it remains a must-attend event for the movers and shakers of tomorrow. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.bitsandpretzels.com