Bits & Pretzels 2025

From ideas to business

As a Gold Partner of Bits & Pretzels 2025, EXIST and German Accelerator present the whole spectrum of government support for founders — from the first spark of an idea to international scaling. On the Future Stage (29 September), the Financing Journey and the Startup Factories will take center stage, showcasing how startups secure funding, how investors decide, and how public-private partnerships are shaping Europe’s innovation future. Together, we demonstrate how founders move “from lab to unicorn” and “from local ideas to going global.”

At the BMWE booth, international founders are invited to learn about programs such as the GCCC and the Migrant Accelerator, which, among other things, open up pathways for global talent to Germany. From fearless entrepreneurs to bold investors to visionary policymakers, exist brings together the people and programs that are shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Join us in celebrating innovation made possible through trust and collaboration.

Financing Journey

How do startups and investors co-create sustainable value through financing? On stage, founders and VCs reveal how they built trusting relationships, for capital and vision to align in 2025. Join us to learn what makes financing a journey, not just a transaction.
Read more: Financing Journey

Picture: Start2Group