A Toast to Innovation

The festivities kicked off with a bang, thanks to Club GLOBALS’ pre-event that blended cutting-edge innovation with the rich tradition of Bavarian brewing. The GLOBAL Sales Tech Festival (GSTF) on Tour hit Munich, and we hosted an exclusive evening at Giesinger Bräu, one of the city’s most exciting young breweries.

The evening started with an introduction of Club GLOBALS, setting the tone for an inspiring night. This was followed by a masterclass delivered by the brewery’s General Manager, who shared insights on how they managed to go from zero to building a 20-million-euro brewery. The talk was filled with clear, actionable marketing strategies and real-life examples that captivated the audience. It was the perfect primer for the networking activity that came next, where attendees took turns briefly introducing themselves, sparking meaningful conversations and potential collaborations. Networking never tasted so good!

The Heart of European Startups

Known affectionately as “Bits,” this event is a magnet for young research companies across Europe. Investors from around the globe, big corporations scouting for talent, and even federal politicians flock to this startup playground. Founders, investors, and innovators all converge here, making it a true paradise for Club GLOBALS.

This year, the event featured the European Pitch Contest, which saw fierce competition from over 80 handpicked startups. The finalists truly stood out for their groundbreaking innovations, and the winner was Ecoplanet, a Munich-based startup focused on sustainable technology solutions for industry. The runner-ups included Futurail, EcoLocked, and Clearly, each bringing their unique value propositions and vision for the future of technology​.

Women Power: Sunday & Monday Highlights

On Sunday night, Club GLOBALS participated in an event celebrating Women Founders and People Who Fund Them. It was an inspiring gathering where stories of resilience, courage, and triumph took center stage. The room was filled with trailblazers who are not only breaking stereotypes but also setting new benchmarks in the industry. The discussions were electric, and we left with new insights on how to better support the growth of women-led startups in our network.

Monday night saw us at another impactful event, this time for Women in SaaS. The conversations revolved around the future of software as a service and how women are playing a pivotal role in redefining the space. It was clear that while SaaS has traditionally been dominated by male leaders, women are emerging as game-changers, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. We connected with some truly inspiring figures and were able to reinforce our commitment to fostering diversity in the tech ecosystem.

Networking, the Club GLOBALS Way

Networking is an art, and at Club GLOBALS, we believe in making every interaction count. Whether it’s a casual conversation over a drink or a formal pitch session, our approach is to connect people in a way that fosters genuine relationships and long-term value. Our strategy goes beyond simple introductions—we create curated experiences that allow our network to explore synergies, share insights, and identify mutual opportunities.

At Bits & Pretzels, we brought this philosophy to life by organizing dedicated meetups and spontaneuos networking conversations. These sessions were not just about exchanging business cards—they were about delving deep into discussions that could lead to partnerships, collaborations, and even mentorships. By the end of the event, we had facilitated numerous one-on-one meetings, each carefully matched based on shared interests and complementary goals.

It’s not just about who you know, but how well you know them. And that’s the Club GLOBALS way—turning connections into collaborations that make a difference.

A Surge of Investors

The startup ecosystem has exploded over the past decade, drawing more investors than ever from the USA and Europe to this year’s Bits. It’s a testament to the courage and resilience of the startup community, even in challenging times.

Courage in the Ecosystem

In today’s tough climate, it takes guts to step out and chase your dreams. But at Bits, the magic of the ecosystem is palpable. It’s a place where connections and information flow freely, vital for the growth of the startup sector. Germany and Spain have seen significant growth, but now it’s time to expand the European tech network even further.

Politicians Join the Party

Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) took the stage, underscoring the importance of startups to top policymakers. Their presence highlighted just how crucial this sector is for the future.

Experience Bits & Pretzels and Oktoberfest 2024 Live 🔴

As usual, we wanted to bring you the feeling and atmosphere of the conference, LIVE, no cuts no editions. Our livestream includes enhanced coverage with real-time interviews, giving you an immersive experience and a front-row seat to all the action.

Dive into the heart of an Oktoberfest tent and explore the highlights of Bits & Pretzels “Liquid Networking” by watching the livestream here:

Oktoberfest Finale

The event wrapped up with a move to the Oktoberfest for some “liquid networking.”

Liquid networking at Bits & Pretzels is where business meets pleasure, Bavarian style. Picture this: a lively tent filled with the aroma of freshly poured beer, and long tables where the best minds of the startup world come together. The unique setup is facilitated by Table Captains—industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and experienced investors—who steer the discussions and create the perfect atmosphere for connecting.

Attendees had the chance to choose their Table Captains in advance, ensuring they’d be seated with people who shared similar interests or goals. Each participant was assigned to two tables for 25-minute sessions with seven people each. The dynamics varied depending on the Table Captain’s approach, but the main structure remained: introductions, followed by a guided discussion where everyone got to share what they do and explore synergies—all while enjoying a cold beer. Because let’s face it, the best business relationships often start with a good drink and great conversation. By the way, a voucher was provided by the organization for the first round, making the initial glass “on the house.”

Top things we liked

• Diverse and High-Quality Attendee Profile:
  Bits & Pretzels truly brings together the best of the best. The event attracts a stellar mix of startup founders, tech enthusiasts, venture capitalists, and corporate leaders. This diversity doesn’t just create a dynamic environment—it amplifies the opportunity for meaningful exchanges and collaborations. Whether you’re looking to pitch your idea, scout for talent, or find your next business partner, you will meet the right people.

• Smooth Organization & All-Inclusive Experience:
  One of the standout aspects of Bits & Pretzels is how well-organized and inclusive it is. With the all-inclusive concept, you never have to worry about logistics like food or drinks. During the time of the conference, everything is seamlessly integrated, allowing attendees to focus entirely on the sessions, networking opportunities, and enjoying the event. This thoughtful planning really enhances the overall experience.

• Childcare available:
  Bits & Pretzels is a family-friendly event, providing on-site childcare services. This means parents can bring their little ones along and still participate fully in the event. The availability of professional childcare ensures peace of mind, allowing parents to attend sessions and engage in networking activities knowing that their children are safe and entertained.

Considerations

• Oktoberfest Dress Code & Etiquette:
  When attending Bits & Pretzels, traditional Bavarian attire is the way to go if you want to live the full experience. Men typically wear Lederhosen, and women wear Dirndls. It’s crucial to treat these outfits with respect—they’re not costumes but symbols of Bavarian heritage. Avoid low cost costumes and/or mixing and matching them with inappropriate elements, as this could be seen as offensive.

• Bag Restrictions at Oktoberfest: Due to security regulations, no bags are allowed at the Oktoberfest grounds. Make sure to travel light and only bring essential items to ensure a smoother experience. If you can not avoid it, there is a bag storage near the entrance.

• Secure Your Tickets Early: Tickets for Bits & Pretzels, sell out quickly. Make sure to purchase your ticket in advance to get better prices. Also, if you want to be seated with a specific Table Captain or group, book those sessions as soon as they become available to avoid missing out the opportunity.

The Takeaway

After three days of inspiration and innovation, we left with countless new ideas. But more importantly, we strengthened the ecosystem, encouraged brave new ventures, and expanded our network. Here’s to the future of entrepreneurship, see you at the next one!