Connecting with attendees
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Event success starts with early preparation. Whether your goal is securing funding or landing a front-page feature, your outreach strategy begins here.
Networking with attendees
Networking with attendees
Networking with attendees is an important part of the startup experience. You can connect with attendees, including investors, on the Web Summit platform, as well as accept and schedule meetings with investors during the event.
Connect:
The "connect" button is used to establish a professional link on the platform. Once your request is accepted, you become part of each other's network, which unlocks private contact details. This is the best option for general networking and building a list of leads for post-summit follow-up.
Book Meeting:
The "book meeting" button is for scheduling a one-on-one in person meeting during the event. To send a request, you must select a specific date, time slot, and meeting point location. Once accepted, the appointment is automatically added to both attendees' event calendars.
Networking with Investors
Networking with Investors
There are two primary ways to arrange meetings with investors at Web Summit
Inbound: Investors request a meeting
Inbound: Investors request a meeting
How it works: Investors browse the platform for startups. When they show interest, you’ll receive an invite in the "Investors | Startups" tab on the Web Summit Platform.
Location: If an investor requests the meeting through the dedicated tab, it will be held in the Investor Meeting Area.
Key Detail: Meetings are at the investor's discretion and are not guaranteed. You can accept, decline or reschedule the meeting.
Outbound: You request a meeting
Outbound: You request a meeting
How it works: Be proactive by searching for specific funds or investors. Navigate to the Discover tab on the Web Summit Platform, filter by "Investors," and send a request.
Location: The app will automatically suggest a meeting location based on your ticket type, typically the Startup Lounge or General Meeting Areas.
Key Detail: Meeting requests are at the discretion of the person you're sending them to. If they accept, the meeting is confirmed.
Connecting with Media
Connecting with Media
How to pitch the Media
How to pitch the Media
Journalists are looking for a story, not a sales deck. Use our app to find attending media, but follow these rules:
Do:
Do:
Be Newsworthy: Explain why your story matters today.
Keep it Lean: Use the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why).
Personalise: Reference an article they’ve recently written.
Don't:
Don't:
Use Buzzwords: Avoid "disruptive" or "revolutionary."
Be Vague: Don't send a long message without context.
Spam: Don't send the same generic pitch to 50 journalists.
Top tips for success
Top tips for success
Investors and media representatives receive a high volume of connection requests. Your goal is to stand out by being prepared.
Engagement First: Before reaching out to attendees, engage with their content on socials. Think of it as a "warm-up" before the event.
The "One-Sentence" Rule: Be able to describe your company in one sentence. If you can't explain it simply, they won't remember it.
Show, Don't Tell: If you have a physical product or a killer UI, have it ready on your phone or tablet to show immediately.
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