Munich, Mon, 28 Sep - Wed, 30 Sep, 2026
Where Founders
build networks
Bits & Pretzels hosts 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders for three days full of learning, networking, and doing business during Munich Oktoberfest.
Europe’s most unique
Founders Conference
DAY 1 + 2
Conference
Two days filled with networking, masterclasses and a highly curated speaker line-up, providing you the resources for growth.
Limited to 7,500 awesome attendees
Curated founder-investor ratio of 2 to 1
21,000 real founder-investor meetings
600+ enterprise decision makers with €50m+ revenue
DAY 3
Oktoberfest
Doing business at the Munich Oktoberfest sounds crazy? It is – but the most unique networking experience you’ll ever make!
The entire startup scene in one tent at the real Oktoberfest
250+ Table Captains: industry experts hosting a table
2 guaranteed meeting session for every attendee
1 experience we can't even describe
The busiest people of the ecosystem come year over year
In an world of 'too many meetings,' Bits & Pretzels is the date the heavyweights refuse to miss. It simply is too efficient because everybody is there. Check out some of our regular guests.
3,000+
Founders
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1,700+
Investors
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600+ Corporate Decision-Makers
Network
Harder
Your network isn't built from your office
Bits & Pretzels exists to give founders the network they need. Your network is the supercharger for your ambition. It opens doors that will save you more time, money, and effort than you ever imagined.
Grow
Faster
How we help you
meet the right people
Whether you're looking to scale, fund, or partner - our tailored formats are designed to maximize your ROI. Explore the tracks below to find the perfect fit for your goals and see exactly what’s in it for you.
Tell us who you are
Startup
Select your goal
Table Captain Networking
What is it?
Table Captain Networking is a format happening on day 3 at the real Oktoberfest. 270+ Table Captains - handpicked tech founders, investors, and executives - host tables that seven attendees can join.
How does it help you get funding
You are selecting whose table you want to join before the event. Simply bypass formal emails by selecting the investors you want to meet. This is your chance to get to know them in a unique setting.
Learn more
Startup Exhibition
What is it?
In the Startup Exhibition startups are showcasing their innovations at their own booth. A total of 250 companies is exhibiting throughout the venue.
How does it help you get funding
Your chance to meet influential decision-makers who possess the capital to fuel your next stage of growth. These interactions provide the traction and professional connections necessary to secure investment for your startup.
Learn more
Speeddating
What is it?
First Investment Speed Dating is an organized event featuring a series of rapid-fire, face-to-face introductions with curated investors. This format allows you to immediately pitch your core value and gauge interest from multiple potential backers in a single session.
How does it help you get funding
This session helps you efficiently filter investment options by identifying which investors align with your specific stage and industry. It serves as a high-speed engine for building a volume of warm leads for more intensive follow-up discussions.
Side Events
What is it?
Side Events are curated off-site activities ranging from intimate founder runs and power lunches to exclusive dinners and mixers held throughout the city. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment for attendees to immerse themselves in the startup community outside the formal agenda.
How does it help you get funding
These events facilitate direct, casual interactions with fellow entrepreneurs and potential investors away from the conference floor. Building genuine relationships in these intimate settings creates the foundation of trust needed to secure future capital.
Plattform & App
What is it?
The Bits & Pretzels App and Web Platform is designed to navigate the event ecosystem and connect with the attendees you looking for. This tool provides centralized access to key stakeholders, enabling users to manage their event schedule and interactions directly from their devices.
How does it help you get funding
The platform enables you to filter the crowd and book direct 1:1 meetings with Tier 1 investors. By taking the initiative to secure these sessions, you create the vital connections needed to take your business to the next stage.
Pitch Corner
What is it?
The Pitch Corner is a stage right at center of the exhibition floor. Every entrepreneur can walk up there and deliver 90-second pitch to Bits & Pretzels crowd. Two experts and the audience will give them direct feedback on their presentations.
How does it help you get funding
This platform provides a warm introduction to investors and grants you immediate, sharp feedback from industry experts. It serves as an opportunity to land on the radar of decision-makers and open the door to your next investment round.
Matchmaking Team
What is it?
The Matchmaking Team consists of over 70 experts acting as a support hub for conference attendees. They help you identify key participants and show you how to navigate the event effectively.
How does it help you get funding
The Matchmakers really understand your needs & the startup ecosystem. They help you navigate all features and tools the event provides to find the people that really help your business.
Investors Stage
What is it?
The Investors Stage is a dedicated hub for Tier 1 VCs and LPs to engage in case-based discussions on core fund topics. This center facilitates deep dives into fund construction, LP/GP dynamics, and portfolio scaling.
How does it help you get funding
By opening the Investor Stage to all attendees, you can gain direct insight into the discussions and priorities of Tier 1 VCs and LPs. This access allows you to understand fund dynamics and investment strategies from the perspective of the allocators, helping you better align your own pitch and fundraising approach with market expectations.
Startup Exhibition
What is it?
In the Startup Exhibition startups are showcasing their innovations at their own booth. A total of 250 companies is exhibiting throughout the venue.
How does it help you make people know your company
The exhibition allows you to demonstrate your technology in person to secure pilot projects and strategic co-development deals. This direct interaction builds the necessary trust to convert new introductions into lasting business partnerships.
Learn more
Pitch Corner
What is it?
The Pitch Corner is a stage right at center of the exhibition floor. Every entrepreneur can walk up there and deliver 90-second pitch to Bits & Pretzels crowd. Two experts and the audience will give them direct feedback on their presentations.
How does it help you make people know your company
This icebreaker sparks curiosity among passing attendees who might otherwise overlook your booth. By engaging the crowd directly, you can invite interested prospects back to your space for deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Table Captain Networking
What is it?
Table Captain Networking is a format happening on day 3 at the real Oktoberfest. 270+ Table Captains - handpicked tech founders, investors, and executives - host tables that seven attendees can join.
How does it help you find clients or partners
You bypass formal emails to engage in direct conversations with partners who possess the authority to make deals. This personal approach could lead you to secure new clients and build lasting strategic partnerships.
Learn more
Startup Exhibition
What is it?
In the Startup Exhibition startups are showcasing their innovations at their own booth. A total of 250 companies is exhibiting throughout the venue.
How does it help you find clients or partners
The exhibition allows you to demonstrate your technology in person to secure pilot projects and strategic co-development deals. This direct interaction builds the necessary trust to convert new introductions into lasting business partnerships.
Learn more
Speeddating
What is it?
Speed Dating is a high-frequency networking format where founders and potential corporate clients participate in a series of rapid-fire, face-to-face introductions.
How does it help you find clients or partners
You directly pitch your value proposition to a concentrated group of potential collaborators to identify shared interests and available resources. This process efficiently filters your options and generates a high volume of warm leads for more in-depth follow-up discussions.
Side Events
What is it?
Side Events are curated off-site activities ranging from intimate founder runs and power lunches to exclusive dinners and mixers held throughout the city. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment for attendees to immerse themselves in the startup community outside the formal agenda.
How does it help you find clients or partners
The informal setting facilitates genuine connections and strategic conversations with potential clients and industry partners. By immersing yourself in these shared experiences, you can build the rapport and trust needed to secure future collaborations.
Plattform & App
What is it?
The Bits & Pretzels App and Web Platform is designed to navigate the event ecosystem and connect with the attendees you looking for. This tool provides centralized access to key stakeholders, enabling users to manage their event schedule and interactions directly from their devices.
How does it help you find clients or partners
The platform allows you to filter the attendee list to identify and book 1:1 sessions with the most relevant leads for your specific business goals. By taking the initiative to lock in these high-value meetings, you efficiently secure the partnerships and clients needed to scale to the next stage.
Pitch Corner
What is it?
The Pitch Corner is a stage right at center of the exhibition floor. Every entrepreneur can walk up there and deliver 90-second pitch to Bits & Pretzels crowd. Two experts and the audience will give them direct feedback on their presentations.
How does it help you find clients or partners
This format is your chance to convert passersby into potential clients or partners. By sparking immediate interest, you can transition prospects to your booth for in-depth discussions regarding pilots and scaling.
Partner Exhibition
What is it?
The Partner Exhibition hosts big brands from around the startup ecoxystem. It's the place where scaleups exhibit right next to tech-giants.
How does it help you find clients or partners
Meet companies at their booth and present them your own solutions to their problems. These companies come for the exchange with startups and it's your chance to have meeting after meeting with potential clients.
Matchmaking Team
What is it?
The Matchmaking Team consists of over 70 experts acting as a support hub for conference attendees. They help you identify key participants and show you how to navigate the event effectively.
How does it help you find clients or partners
The Matchmakers really understand your needs & the startup ecosystem. They help you navigate all features and tools the event provides to find the people that really help your business.
Startup & Corporate Collaboration Stage
What is it?
This is a dedicated stage and high-table networking zone designed to connect enterprise-ready AI startups with corporate decision-makers. The setup facilitates immediate interaction with CIOs and accelerators following their presentations.
How does it help you find clients or partners
By providing direct access to leaders who have just shared their specific needs, this space replaces cold outreach with organic, face-to-face dialogue. It allows you to demonstrate how your AI solution addresses their practical business requirements in a professional setting.
CIO & Founder Reception
What is it?
The CIO & Founder Reception is an informal gathering in the CIO Lounge hosted by the Bavarian Minister for Digital Affairs. Startups and CIOs meet in an informal setting over drinks.
How does it help you find clients or partners
This event provides a platform to pitch pilot projects and strategic partnerships directly to key corporate stakeholders. These personal connections are essential for converting big-name organizations into active clients or collaborators.
Table Captain Networking
What is it?
Table Captain Networking is a format happening on day 3 at the real Oktoberfest. 270+ Table Captains - handpicked tech founders, investors, and executives - host tables that seven attendees can join.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You can pressure-test your strategy and gain honest, cross-industry insights from leaders who have already navigated similar challenges. This rare opportunity allows you to learn from the successes and failures of others to grow your leadership skills.
Learn more
Matchmaking Roundtables
What is it?
Roundtables are small, interactive sessions for groups of 10-15 founders and specialists to discuss shared challenges.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You will sit down with peers who are navigating the same hurdles and seeking fresh perspectives. This setting facilitates honest, shared learning that builds meaningful professional relationships through mutual support.
Pitch Corner
What is it?
The Pitch Corner is a stage right at center of the exhibition floor. Every entrepreneur can walk up there and deliver 90-second pitch to Bits & Pretzels crowd. Two experts and the audience will give them direct feedback on their presentations.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You will gain raw, unfiltered feedback from experts to understand exactly which parts of your pitch land effectively. This provides a necessary reality check and sharpens your ability to communicate your vision within a crowded market.
Masterclasses
What is it?
These are 45-minute sessions focusing on solving the most common real-world issues of founders and startups.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You are not alone! Most founders share the same problems and the Masterclasses focus on offering real solutions to those problems. The small group setting ensures your specific questions are answered, helping you with immediately helpful learnings.
Startup & Corporate Collaboration Stage
What is it?
This stage features interactive sessions followed by direct discussions at high tables with CIOs and accelerators. It provides a dedicated environment for founders to investigate how large organizations evaluate and implement new technology.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You will gain the opportunity to ask specific questions about corporate requirements and implementation hurdles. This direct feedback allows you to refine your strategy and ensure your AI solutions are compatible with real-world corporate roadmaps.
Ask me anything
What is it?
These are intimate Q&A sessions held in a dedicated space immediately following speaker presentations. Attendees get direct access to the speakers and can ask questions.
How does it help you improve as a founder
You will gain direct access to tactical advice and personal stories regarding failures that are often omitted from mainstage keynotes. These interactions provide practical, high-level perspectives that you can apply directly to your own startup journey.
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Speakers of 2026
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Trevor Noah
Comedian &
Bestselling Author
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OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
TO YOUR NETWORKING
Your personal networking team
70+ Matchmakers
Most conferences leave you alone with your goals. Not us. Our team of 70+ trained matchmakers knows the startup ecosystem – and makes sure you walk away having met the people who actually matter for your business.
Personal guidance based on your specific goals
Support before and throughout the event
Multilingual & deeply familiar with the startup world
Based at the Matchmaking Area – your on-site hub
Your access to all 7,500 attendees
Networking Platform
Who's there? What are they looking for? How do you reach them? Our networking platform answers all of that – weeks before you even arrive. Message attendees, lock in meetings and show up prepared.
Access to all 7,500 attendees
Direct messaging & meeting scheduling
Available as app & desktop version
Start using it weeks before the event
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Thousands of Founders trust Bits & Pretzels
OUR GOAL IS Helping Founders
and it seems to work
"The most valuable outcome of exhibiting at the event was that a visit to our booth led to our first major corporate pilot project. It connected us with one of the world's largest EV manufacturers and opened the door to strategic deals and funding opportunities."
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Dr. Jonathan Spitz
Founder & CEO, GaussML
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"Bits & Pretzels helped us connect, gain media visibility, and strengthen our credibility with investors. Since then, we successfully closed our seed investment round this spring, an important milestone for Avancell Medical."
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Angelika Reich
Co-Founder, Avancell Medical
"The conversations at Bits & Pretzels gave us the visibility we needed at the right time. We came to the event with a vision, and left with validation, funding leads, and a broader community that believes in our mission. Now we are ready to scale partially thanks to the momentum built at Bits & Pretzels."
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Tomislav Lang
Founder, flyvbird
"Bits & Pretzels was planned and structured so well. We didn’t feel overwhelmed, tired, or anything like that at any moment—we were simply experiencing experiences".
Gjorge Lazarov
Co-founder, Moxelle/Worwise
"At Bits & Pretzels, meeting new connections turned out to be more important than expected. One year later, we’re close to a partnership with what might be the best possible match in Germany for our company."
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Guido Sluijsmans
Co-Founder & CEO, NEXTdriver
You don't just buy a ticket.
you invest in your growth| .
Tickets are limited to 7,500. Yes really.
Discover the vibe
Experience the business magic of Oktoberfest
Yes we really take thousands of startup people to a single tent at the real Munich Oktoberfest. And yes, it’s even more about business as it is fun.
Every table hosts a pre-booked meeting of 8-10 attendees. It’s a place where founders pitch, new partnerships are made, and business partners become friends.
It’s a day like nothing you have ever experienced.
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Come to Munich's Burning Hot startup ecosystem
Munich became a powerhouse of b2b and deep tech startups. It is the heart of Europe’s most powerful economy, features world-class universities, and is home to huge enterprise companies like BMW, Siemens, and Allianz.
Coming to Munich is always a good idea. But coming for Oktoberfest and Bits & Pretzels makes it the best trip of your year.
Why do 600+ enterprise Executives join a startup conference?
The CIO AI Summit is part of Bits & Pretzels. And while most executives come for a dedicated program - connecting with awesome startups is what makes them return year over year. If you are looking for enterprise partners or clients - this is your hunting ground.
Want to know who they are? Here is an excerpt of the 2025 attendee list:
Want to know who they are? Here is an excerpt of the 2025 attendee list:
Whats new in 2026
Our Theme: Human After All
This year we’re going back to our roots and put founders front and center with the theme: Human After All. We will celebrate those who take risks, push through the hard moments, adapt under pressure and lead in uncertain times.
Hospitality
is back
We heard you loud and clear. Catering is fully included again. Great conversations are just better over lunch.
Keeping it accessible
Despite inflation, we’re keeping ticket prices stable. We’ve also added new, affordable categories for students and early-stage teams (up to 10 employees) to make sure the next generation can be part of the mix.
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New Startup Competition
Traditional pitch competitions are outdated. We’re introducing a fresh format in which angel investors and first-check VCs nominate their biggest bets and take the stage alongside the startup.
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Investor Stage is now open for startups
Understanding how investors think is a super important founder skill - the investor stage is now open for everyone and the afternoon sessions fully focus on startup - investor relations. Your chance to get priceless founder knowledge.
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New 1:1 Meeting Area
We fully improved and overhauled the concept of the 1:1 meeting-area. We doubled the size to accompany even more than last year’s 21,000 founder-investor meetings.
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New Feature:
The Pitch Corner
Stages shouldn’t just belong to a select few. We’re sending the elevator back down with the Pitch Corner. It’s the space for first-timers to step up, get noticed, and walk away with live, invaluable feedback from ecosystem experts.
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2025
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2019
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2015
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2022
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2018
2016
2013-14
WHERE WE COME FROM.
Bits & Pretzels started as founders breakfast with just 80 participants. We dared to start and the spirit of supporting founders continues in 2026 and beyond.
Join our mission in helping founders shaping a better future.
You don't just buy a ticket.
you invest in your growth| .
Tickets are limited to 7,500. Yes really.