Introduction to Startup Days 2024
Startup Days 2024 was an event that brought together the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem. Held on May 30 at Kursaal in Bern, the conference attracted over 1,500 attendees and featured more than 125 speakers. This year’s theme focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, with sessions covering everything from deep tech to applied technology. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as founders, investors, and industry experts gathered to share insights and forge new connections.
Event Program Highlights
The event kicked off with keynote speeches from industry leaders such as Alisée de Tonnac, founder of Seedstars, and Stuart Russell, Director of the Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence at UC Berkeley. Throughout the day, attendees participated in over 40 sessions curated by experts like Cornelia Gut-Villa, Board Member of SICTIC, and Jeremias Meier, Partner at Session.vc. The sessions ranged from panel discussions to hands-on workshops, providing valuable knowledge and practical skills for startups at various stages of growth.
One of the standout features of Startup Days 2024 was the introduction of the "Youngsters" segment, where 18 up-and-coming startups had the chance to pitch their innovative ideas. This segment highlighted the future of Swiss innovation and provided a platform for new voices in the tech industry.
B2B Lead Generation Insights
Networking was at the heart of the conference, with a dynamic matchmaking platform, developed specifically for Startup Days, which could be used particularly to facilitate B2B lead generation.
This online platform, powered by a user-friendly interface, allowed attendees to set filters based on criteria such as:
- location;
- company size;
- position;
- industry etc.
It helped a lot to find and connect with potential business partners. Users could pre-book 1:1 meetings and engage in meaningful conversations with targeted leads.
I've tried the platform out myself, and here are some of my tips for getting the most out of it.
- Create a comprehensive profile. This is the base: a profile is your face. You should highlight your experience, business interests, goals, and what you're seeking in potential partners. Don't forget to provide up-to-date contact information as well. Write briefly and be sure to specify all the information, as this way you will avoid unnecessary contacts.
- Set precise filters. I've already mentioned how filters definitely make it easier to find and sort all the participants in such events. However, it is important to note that filters should also be used correctly. It is always better to narrow down your leads by specifying as many filters as possible. This way, your results will be accurate and targeted. Use the advanced search filters based on country, industry, company size, specific roles within the company and so on.
- Pre-book meetings. Take advantage of the pre-booking feature (if/when it is available) to schedule meetings with key contacts before the event, ensuring you maximize your networking opportunities. Take care of this in advance: make a note of who you send requests to and how they respond to them. While pre-booking meetings, it is important to prioritize the attendees with whom you plan to interact. Do not make appointments randomly, but take into account that important people don’t come early in the morning or late at night. The optimal time to meet with them is from 10 AM to 16 PM. The conversations within this time interval will be the most productive. Less important contacts should be scheduled in the morning or evening.
- Engage actively. This tip is quite obvious and universal. During the event, stay active on the platform, respond promptly to meeting requests, and, of course, don't ignore anyone in the chat for long.
The platform's convenience and ease of use were praised by many attendees. Its intuitive design made navigation straightforward, even for those who were not tech-savvy. However, some users pointed out occasional technical glitches — and this is for good reason: active networking did a great job!
Conclusion
Attending Startup Days 2024 underscored the importance of appropriate using specialized platforms for B2B lead generation, as they streamline the process of finding and connecting with key industry players. For lead generation professionals, leveraging these tools is essential for maximizing networking opportunities and driving business growth.
Startup Days 2024 was a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with the tools to propel their ventures forward.
Alex Bilyi, Virtuwise.io
