Stage Agenda

Resilience has always been the backbone of European tech. From economic downturns to a funding crunch and even a pandemic – it’s what kept things moving. But, with ongoing political uncertainty in the US, stricter regulations and shifting investor expectations, resilience is more important than ever before. How can the ecosystem prepare for the long-haul? As a founder, how can you stay ahead of the curve? Where are VCs placing their bets?

More details coming soon.

CFOs at scaling startups are being asked to do more than ever – lead strategy, drive efficiency and stay ahead of the curve. But what does that look like in reality? In the era of AI, what tools and strategies are moving the needle? How are finance teams preparing for what’s to come?

Building a startup can really take it out of you – with founders usually the last to admit when they’re running on empty. With little room to slow down, burnout is almost inevitable, so what does practical support look like? How can founders protect themselves? How are investors thinking about founder wellbeing?

More details coming soon.

The business has secured growth funding and is scaling fast – now what? For CFOs, one of the biggest challenges is knowing how and when to scale the finance team. Which roles need prioritising? How should the function flex with the business as it grows? What does a strategic finance team look like at Series B and beyond?

More startups are turning to AI to speed up hiring and identify the best candidates faster. But as these tools get smarter, so do the risks – particularly around fairness and transparency. So, what does responsible AI hiring look like? How can you balance automation with fairness? How are early-stage companies making the most out of AI hiring? On the flip side, what do you need to watch out for from candidates?

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, finance leaders must rethink their strategy by balancing rapid growth with sustainable profitability. But where should startups invest, and where should they cut back? How can CFOs and CEOs navigate these trade-offs? During times of uncertainty, how is AI supporting expansion?

Whether looking for a role within VC or switching careers, Sifted’s advice columnist Zoe Hewitt is here to help. Remember to come primed with your burning questions!

With investors shifting focus, climate techs are increasingly selling themselves based on "resiliency" and European sovereignty rather than emissions reduction. So, what’s next for the sector? How should founders be positioning themselves ahead of their next raise? Is there still room at the table for ‘climate tech’?

With IPOs on ice and growth funding hard to come by, founders and CEOs are increasingly turning to secondaries to retain talent and extend their company’s runway. How can startups best leverage secondaries without losing control? What role do they play in long-term capital planning? How hot is the secondary market right now?

So, you’ve got a minimal viable product and looking to find product market fit – now it’s time to start thinking about your seed round. When’s the right time to raise? How much should you be looking for? Where can you find the right investors?

From body scans and personalised medicine to non-pharmaceutical therapies, the rise of longevity startups follows a growing trend – people are increasingly willing to invest in products that aim to help them feel better, stay healthier, and live longer. But are we just scratching the surface of what preventative care can deliver? How is AI reshaping how individuals access personalised healthcare? Could this space be home to the next healthtech unicorn?

Scaling a startup is as much about founder and CEO resilience as it is about the product itself. Naturally, as the company grows so does the pressure on those at the top. How can you balance leadership with the demands of a scaling business? What happens when things don’t go quite as planned? How can you stay mentally strong for yourself and the team?

More details coming soon.

Growth is still on the table for European fintechs, but profitability remains top priority. With funding harder to come by and pressures mounting, founders are rethinking their next move. Should they focus on proven markets or take the leap and expand to new regions like the US? How are fintechs driving long-term growth? Are investor expectations changing?

More details coming soon.

You’ve raised your round – now what? It might seem as if the hard part’s over, but how you manage your cash can make or break your startup. What areas should you invest in first? How can you stretch your runway without burning out too soon? What strategies should you use to manage your funds?

AI is no longer just a tool for the tech team – it’s becoming a fundamental part of how scaleups operate and compete. But with so much hype (and solutions to choose from), how should senior leaders be thinking about AI? Where are the opportunities that can create real value? What risks should be on your radar? How can you embed AI into your long-term strategy?

In today’s climate of tighter capital and bigger bets, investors are paying close attention to the founder traits that drive success. From resilience to empathy, which traits quietly signal long-term potential? As a founder, how can you lean into your unique strengths?

With fresh capital pouring in and geopolitical tensions rising, startups are stepping in and innovating where governments can’t. So what’s next? How are founders navigating the risks, red tape, and complex realities of building in defence?

For European scaleups, securing the right growth funding has become a daunting task – reinforcing the need for Europe to strengthen its capital markets and better support the VC ecosystem. In today’s climate, how can founders access the capital needed for growth? What does it take to stand out to investors? When is relocating a better option?

Increasing the number in your sales team might seem like the obvious next step – but it can be anything but simple. What if your existing team isn’t ready for new growth demands? With increasing financial targets, what does sensible and considerate growth look like? How can you set your sales team up for success?

CMOs are no longer just building brands – thanks to AI, tighter budgets, and shifting markets, marketing leaders are expected to balance creativity with commercial impact like never before. How is the role changing? What do CMOs need to deliver in the boardroom? How can you successfully navigate Europe's diverse markets when scaling?

It’s no longer about the availability of capital – it’s about where to find it and how to secure it. From deep-pocketed US funds to big bets from the Middle East and beyond, who’s closing deals in Europe right now? What are they looking for? Where will Europe’s next wave of innovation come from?

As you scale your startup, how you fill your C-suite can determine its success or failure. When paired with today’s tough economic climate, should your next hire be a CRO? What skills and experience should you look out for? Do you need a CRO hiring strategy?

As startups scale, marketing teams are under pressure to do more with less - while keeping up with new tech and platforms. AI is already reshaping how teams operate, from reshaping workflows to redefining go-to-market strategy – but what problems does it actually solve? How are marketing teams using it to optimise and grow? What risks should you be aware of? How is it impacting team structure and skills?

As funding tightens and runway pressures build, startups are increasingly looking sideways for growth (and survival). How are startup-on-startup acquisitions reshaping the European tech scene? When should a startup consider acquiring another? When is it smarter to sell than to raise?

With budgets under the microscope and buying decisions dragging on, sales teams are under more pressure than ever to deliver results. How can sales leaders keep momentum high when confidence is low? What tools and tactics actually move the needle? How are companies closing deals in today’s climate?

More details coming soon.

In the fast-paced world of startups, waiting around isn’t an option — especially when building your team. How can people leaders build a hiring strategy that attracts the right people? How can you move fast without sacrificing culture fit? What does it take to stand out in a crowded market?

Engineering roles remain one of the toughest to fill for startups. The best talent gets snapped up quickly and you’re not just competing on salary – but on team culture and benefits too. How can your startup stand out amongst the big dogs? What’s the best way to build strong relationships with engineers? What compensation should you offer beyond salary?

There has always been a fine balance between risk and reward when scaling internationally – but how is that changing? With Europe tightening regulations and the US offering both opportunities and greater unpredictability, where should founders set their sights on next? Where are VCs placing their bets? What does the real long-term potential look like?

More details coming soon.

Predicted to redefine how software is built and deployed, AI agents are capturing the attention of VCs and founders alike. But what’s behind the hype? How are AI agents reshaping productivity and innovation? What role do humans play? Are we really ready to trust AI agents with essential operations?

Scaling is about building a business that lasts – but as the team grows and the pressure to drive financial growth intensifies, how can you make sure company culture remains a priority? What does scaling a team look like in a world of automation?

As AI rapidly reshapes how we innovate, learning to build with the tech isn’t just about technical skills – it’s how you use it to accelerate your business goals. But where do you begin? Where can AI have the most impact? What’s the best strategy for integrating AI into your product and operations?