Web Summit opening night on a Lisbon rooftop: pitch your startup to a jury, then network with founders and investors.About this Event
For the 8th consecutive year, we're back to do what we do best: connect, share, and inspire. Join us in Lisbon for the most sought-after, founder-focused networking event at Web Summit.
Get a strategic head start on your Web Summit week. On the night of the official kickoff, we’re gathering for an exclusive night of curated connections and incredible fun. Forge key partnerships, against the backdrop of panoramic views of the city.
🎤 Pitch your startup
Get 3 minutes on stage and live feedback from a jury of founders and investors. No slides, just you and your pitch - the perfect warm-up before your Web Summit meetings.
How to apply: answer "Yes" to the pitch question when you register. Slots are limited - we'll confirm selected founders by email by 27 October. Already have a ticket? Reply to your confirmation email.
About the host
Founders Night is organised by the Startup Founders Association, a community of experienced founders from Poland. We have been organizing this event since 2018, you can check the footage here from 2023, 2024 and 2025.
What you can expect during Startup Founders Night #8
- snacks and 2 drink vouchers for each guest
- startup pitches with live jury feedback
- company of 300+ innovators, entrepreneurs and investors
- DJ set and night views over the Tag river
- views, chats and memorable moments
🗓️ Agenda - Monday, 9 November
18:00 - Doors open: drinks, networking and DJ set all night 🎧
20:30 - 22:00 - Pitch Training on stage 🎤
22:00 - 02:00 - Afterparty 🎉
Get the ticket NOW - as they usually run out fast.
🎟️ Ticket prices go up every week - the earlier you book, the less you pay.
Secure yourself a spot among a like minded crowd of entrepreneurs and investors. If it’s your first time on WS in Lisbon - our party is a great place to start.
📍 Getting to Cavo Rooftop:
1. By Car/Ride-Share (Uber/Bolt/Taxi):
- Drop-off address: Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Doca Jardim do Tabaco, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisboa
- Tip: if the driver doesn't recognise the address, just say "Jardim do Tabaco"
- 2-minute walk to the venue
2. By Public Transportation:
- Metro: Take the Blue Line (Azul) to Santa Apolónia (last stop) or Terreiro do Paço
- From either station, walk along the riverside (Av. Infante Dom Henrique) to the Cruise Terminal: about 10 minutes, flat walk
- Enter the Cruise Terminal building and head up to the rooftop
3. From Web Summit (MEO Arena, formerly Altice Arena):
- Fastest option, train (~10 min): From Oriente station take a CP urban train towards Santa Apolónia (last stop), then walk ~10 min along the river to the Cruise Terminal
- Metro alternative (~35 min): Red Line from Oriente to São Sebastião → change to the Blue Line towards Santa Apolónia → follow the directions above
- Uber/Bolt: ~15–20 min, but expect surge pricing when Web Summit sessions end
🎫 Tickets: Get a Viva Viagem card at any metro machine. It works on both the metro and CP trains.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Doors open
🕑: 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Pitch Training
Info: Pitch Training is a dynamic side-event for startup founders eager to master the art of delivering powerful pitches. Each participant will have 3 minutes to present their business idea to a jury of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and key figures from the startup ecosystem. With the Web Summit on the horizon, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your pitch and boost your confidence before high-stakes meetings. Following the pitches, the jury will provide targeted insights and tips, and the evening will wrap up with an open networking segment designed to spark valuable conversations and new partnerships. Please send us a message to apply for your pitch training slot!
🕑: 10:00 PM - 02:00 AM
DJ set & networking
Info: Drinks, city views from a stunning rooftop and people worth knowing.
Event venue
Cavo Rooftop, Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Lisboa, Portugal
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.