Web Summit 2024: A Confluence of Innovation and Inspiration

This week, the Web Summit 2024 is buzzing with 71,528 attendees from 153 countries, transforming Lisbon into a global hub of technology and innovation. The sold-out event floor is a melting pot of over 3,000 companies, with AI leading the charge as the most represented industry.

Key Highlights:

• Massive Turnout: 71,528 attendees from 153 countries.
• Exhibitors Galore: 3,050 companies, including 1,066 investors, 953 speakers, and 2,005 media representatives.
• Championing Diversity: 44% of startups are women-founded, with women making up 42% of attendees and 37% of speakers glob
• Global Partnerships: Major partners include IBM, Adobe, Meta, Huawei, SAP, and many more
• Community Focus: Thousands of meetups fostering new connections and communities
• Trade Delegations: 62 delegations from 36 countries, with Germany and Brazil leading the way.
• Star Studded Kickoff: Pharrell Williams and Etosha Cave set the tone for a week of groundbreaking discussions.
• A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion: Web Summit 2024 is not just about technology; it's a celebration of diversity and inclusion. With 44% of startups founded by women, this year marks the highest representation to date. Women also account for 42% of attendees and 37% of speakers, showcasing the strides being made towards gender parity in tech.
• Building Meaningful Connections: Utilizing its proprietary Summit Engine software, Web Summit is organizing 250 meetups across Lisbon. These gatherings span diverse interests—from CleanTech and FashionTech to Robotics and Music Tech—ensuring every attendee finds their tribe.
• Industry Powerhouses and Innovative Startups: The event floor is packed with industry giants like IBM, Adobe, and Meta, alongside thousands of early-stage startups. This dynamic mix offers a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration

• AI Takes Center Stage: Artificial intelligence is the star of the show, with a 16% increase in presence among exhibitors. A recent report reveals that AI startups from last year's event collectively raised $72.6 million, underlining the industry's rapid growth and potential.Investor Insights: With 1,066 investors managing $14.7 trillion in assets, Web Summit 2024 is a hotspot for venture capital. Investors from sovereign wealth funds and leading VCs are here to connect with the largest pool of early-stage startups in the world.
• Star Studded Speaker Lineup: The speaker roster includes luminaries like Pharrell Williams, Microsoft President Brad Smith, Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones, and NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Over 2,000 media representatives from 76 countries are covering the event, ensuring that the insights and breakthroughs reach a global audience.
• Women in Tech: This year, 1,261 women-founded startups are making waves at Web Summit, up from 29% in 2023. Despite these gains, the Women in Tech report highlights ongoing challenges, such as the need for more women in leadership roles and pay equity.

Web Summit 2024 is more than a tech conference; it's a celebration of community, diversity, and innovation. As attendees forge new connections and explore groundbreaking ideas, Lisbon is truly the place where the future of technology comes to life.