More than 200 startup founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across Europe will gather in Lisbon on November 9 for the Startup Guide Summit 2025, which will also feature the official launch of the book Startup Guide Europe.
The one-day event, to be held at Casa do Impacto just before Web Summit, will focus on Europe’s entrepreneurial landscape and explore how startups, policymakers, and investors can help build a more unified, competitive, and values-driven single market.
According to the organizers, this year’s edition revolves around the central question: “Can Europe set a new standard for how we build products, technologies, and companies – one that competes globally while staying true to European values?”.
Throughout the afternoon, participants will join talks, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at encouraging collaboration across national ecosystems.
The event will also introduce a new initiative, “Made in Europe,” described as a starting point for defining a shared European standard for innovation rather than a fixed label.
Sissel Hansen, founder and CEO of Startup Guide, said in a statement that while Europe has long been recognized for its quality standards, the next step must focus on trust and democracy.
“But for Europe’s startups to thrive, it’s not enough to set high values – we must also cut red tape, remove fragmentation, and unlock a truly single market,” she noted, adding that the summit explores how startups, policymakers, and innovators can define Europe’s unique path by combining competitiveness with values to shape a new global standard.
A key highlight of the summit will be the presentation of Startup Guide Europe, a new book that maps the continent’s startup ecosystems and provides founders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to navigate and scale across Europe.
The publication, developed by Startup Guide and its partners, aims to showcase founders’ work and build a platform that helps startups move from local success to continental impact.
Another major part of the program will be the Startup Pitch Competition, hosted by Meaningful Entrepreneurship and Impact Shakers. Several early-stage startups from across Europe will take the stage to pitch their ventures, with one selected as the winner.
The summit’s agenda also includes a panel discussion titled “One Year After Draghi – Does Europe Lack Competitiveness, or Just Confidence?”. The session will explore whether Europe can still produce global champions or risks settling into a secondary role.
The keynote address, “A New Blueprint for Europe – Made in Europe, Defining a New Standard,” will be delivered by Johanna Stevns Fabrin, Managing Director at 21st Europe.
The organizers describe the summit as an opportunity for Europe’s startup community to connect, exchange perspectives, and help shape a model that combines innovation with European identity. Tickets for the Startup Guide Summit remain available, and further details can be found on the event’s official website.
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Arianne Thrall/ATME Photo and Video (supplied by organizers)
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