Startups and entrepreneurs get on board for Cologne’s Pirate Summit

The Pirate Summit, Europe’s largest invitation only conference for early-tech startups, is landing in Cologne on September 6.

The event will see thousands of companies, representing over seventy different nations, converge at Odonien, a scrapyard turned into an outdoor art gallery, the perfect pirate location that offers enough space for robots, fire, networking, and fun.

The event looks to provide opportunities for startups in the realms of AI, fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and insurtech to meet with venture capitalists. Some of the startups participating include Dealroom who help corporations and investment firms identify high-growth companies who could be perfect for the summit.

Another, Quantam Lab, is an organization that teaches computers to think by analyzing emotions and moods through technology based on science and technology.

There is also Pirate Skills, which is a series of online courses and a community of up and coming growth marketers.

Founder Ben Sufiani believes that “there is only one way to achieve the level of freedom and impact we want and that’s by improving our entrepreneurial and marketing skills well beyond the average. That is what Pirate Skills is all about.” Ben will also be speaking at the event.

As for possible investors, already confirmed is Techstars, Startup Bootcamp, and Microsoft Ventures. On the corporate side, those attending include Google, Trivago, and Facebook.

This is a great chance for startups to showcase what sets them apart from the rest by participating in workshops, pitch competitions and one-on-one sessions with potential investors.

These events include the Walk the Plank, a pitching competition where Founders pitch their business to an audience below whilst walking along a plank for the chance to win a fully paid trip to the European startup capitals, plus San Francisco and London.

Last year’s winner was LeanIX, an IT Architecture Management tool. The Bonn-based startup has this year expanded to the US and opening an office in Boston, Massachusetts in February. That was just the beginning, though, it is planning to open additional offices in the Midwest and on the West Coast this year and in 2018.

Another activity is ‘Business Speed Dating’ – where startups will leave the flowers, but bring the charm [and their business cards] as they attempt to woo potential investors in under five minutes.

Throughout the day, which lasts from 9:30 am –9:30 pm on Saturday, and 10:30 am – 7:30 pm on Sunday, startups will get the opportunity to engage in vital mentoring sessions with industry experts. They will also get the chance to witness keynotes from the likes of David Mozes [Seedrs], Joanna Kirk [Startup Sesame], and Craig Corbett [Publicize] who will share valuable advice about how to be the best startup they possibly can.

All of these events are designed to ensure the highest quality personal networking experience. And there’s still some space left on the ship – just follow this link to apply.