QA startup - Websummit Application to Alpha program.
In May, during a casual conversation with a friend, I mentioned our startup. We had a PoC (Proof of Concept) but lacked motivation to move forward. The idea seemed good, but feedback was mostly neutral, and we struggled to find an audience.
The friend suggested: “Why not go to Web Summit this November?” His contacts had gone as a startup and only regretted not doing it sooner.
We decided to apply. The early registration fee for three co-founders was just under €1000—reasonable but not cheap. Later, we were given two free tickets for our developers, though only for attending the event, not participating in startup activities.
WebSummit
We joined the Alpha program, designed for early-stage startups with a PoC or MVP (Minimum Viable Product). It offers core benefits: a chance to pitch, participate in the showcase, get listed in the catalog, and attend mentoring sessions. These opportunities help startups connect with investors and expand their networks.
Besides Alpha, Web Summit has other programs like Beta for more developed startups and Growth for established companies looking to scale. These programs offer even more opportunities for networking and participation.
Preparing for Web Summit gave us a much-needed boost. We started gathering information and set modest goals—showing ourselves while learning from others. We don’t expect to attract huge investments.
In June, we were promised a Success Manager to guide us, but they were only assigned at the end of August. Responses to our questions were delayed, and often we were just sent links to general information.
The key advantages for startups are:
- Pitch: Presenting to investors and experts for 3 minutes.
- Showcase: A dedicated day to display your startup at the summit.
- 40 Words: A brief description of the startup published on Web Summit’s platform.
- Mentor Hour: One-on-one sessions with experienced mentors.
These opportunities give young companies a chance to gain visibility, make new connections, and attract investment.
We also unexpectedly applied for the 2024 Social Impact Challenge, organized by Unicorn Factory Lisbon, in the education category. We don’t expect to win, but why not try?
Web Summit will run for four days—November 11-14, with the first day being an opening session and the next three packed with events. We’ll be showcasing our startup for a whole day. There’s also a “Night Summit” for informal networking with drinks, so there won’t be much time to sleep. A few informal meetups with startups and investors will take place before the event, too.
The summit will be held at the MEO Arena in Lisbon. It’s recommended to book accommodation nearby well in advance, as everything gets booked out quickly and what’s left becomes expensive.
We’ve watched plenty of summit videos to know what to expect. On one of the days, we’ll be at our stand all day, engaging with passing investors and pitching our startup non-stop.
If this story interests you, we’d be happy to share more!