Vilnius – Inspiring startup success stories, insights from tech and innovation leaders, global keynote speakers and investor networking — the 13th edition of Startup Fair, Lithuania’s largest international startup event, will take place on October 9, 2025, at LITEXPO in Vilnius. Organized by the Innovation Agency’s Startup Lithuania team, the event will also feature two returning flagship formats: the Pitch Battle for early-stage startups and the Investor Camp, the main annual event for VCs and business angels.

“Our startup ecosystem is stronger than ever,” says Karolina Urbonaitė, head of Startup Lithuania. “Over the past five years, Lithuania has recorded the fastest startup growth rate in Central and Eastern Europe. In the latest Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index, Vilnius ranks as the fastest-growing tech city in the EU and 13th globally. In StartupBlink’s 2025 ranking, Lithuania is third worldwide and first in Europe for cybersecurity. Startup Fair is both a celebration of these achievements and a space to address emerging challenges, exchange ideas, and hear what the community needs.”

What to Expect from Startup Fair 2025?

The event will bring together over 2,000 participants, including 450+ startups and 430 investors, representing more than 65 countries. At the core of the programme is a conference where international experts will discuss startup sector trends, technology developments, and growth opportunities.

Among the keynote speakers is Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and author of Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution — a globally acclaimed book on entrepreneurship. Levine is known for mentoring startups and promoting a founder-centric approach to business building.

Pitch Battle: Where Startups Compete for Investment

A growing highlight of the fair is the Pitch Battle — a competition where selected startups present their ideas on stage in front of investors. It’s an opportunity to showcase potential, attract capital, and receive meaningful feedback.

Last year’s Pitch Battle resulted in a record-breaking €5.6 million in investment offers, with six Lithuanian startups receiving funding invitations. Around 40 startups are expected to compete this year, and applications are already open.

“Pitch Battle gives founders a platform to validate their ideas, grab investor attention, and gain visibility among peers and partners. And for the top performers, it often results in real investment,” says Urbonaitė.

Matchmaking and Investor Camp

Startup Fair will also host a Matchmaking area, facilitating 1:1 meetings with investors, potential partners, and other ecosystem players. As Lithuania’s startups continue to internationalise, these connections become increasingly important.

“Our surveys show that 67% of Lithuanian startups already operate abroad, and 45% plan further expansion this year. Networking with international investors, clients, and peers can provide essential insights into market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and cross-cultural business practices,” says Urbonaitė.

The day before the conference, on October 8, Startup Fair will host the Investor Camp, the main annual event for VCs and business angels to discuss, connect, network, and get to know the booming startups and venture capital ecosystem in Lithuania. 

About the Event

Startup Fair is the largest startup-focused event in the Baltics and has been organized annually since 2013 by Startup Lithuania, a division of the Innovation Agency Lithuania focused on developing the country’s startup ecosystem.

Early bird tickets are now available, and further information about the agenda, speakers, and participation is available on the official event website: www.startupfair.lt