Welcome Gilli!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Gilli Cegla

General Partner, Direct Round VC

About:

Founder & General Partner, Direct Round VC Founder & Managing Director, Novawind Entrepreneur, Investor & Social entrepreneur Starting his entrepreneurial journey out of Israel 25 years ago, Gilli has co-founded 6 startups and helped build many others. During the past 20 years he has been working with clients from various sectors in Western Europe, helping them innovate & build their digital future. Leveraging his exposure to hundreds of Israeli startups each year, Gilli started angel investments resulting in several exits so far including Face, acquired by Meta (NASDAQ:META), Dynamic Yield acquired by McDonald’s (NASDAQ:MCD) and the IPO of Beamr (NASDAQ:BMR). 7 years ago, he moved from angel investments to VC investments by founding Direct Round VC, together with several European Limited Partners. Direct Round focuses on early-stage investments in great Israeli entrepreneurs building technology intensive startups. Investment strategy prioritizes startups with the potential to create new market categories.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

Briefings

In the briefing, you’ll receive all essential information about the event and its surroundings — everything you need to feel well-prepared and confident throughout the experience.

Get your Briefing

Your Agenda

Monday, September 29th, Conference Day 1

Time

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Conference Day 1

Immerse yourself in a day filled with visionary keynotes, hands-on masterclasses, and exclusive networking opportunities.

6:45 PM to 11:00 PM

VIP Dinner at Schottenhamel, Oktoberfest

Enjoy our unique VIP Dinner Experience. At the heart of Oktoberfest, where tradition and innovation collide in the oldest of all tents. Please note: the VIP Dinner is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: Dinner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

Tuesday, September 30th, Conference Day 2

Time

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Conference Day 2

Experience deep-dive discussions, interactive panel talks, and curated matchmaking sessions that bring together the brightest minds in business and innovation.

5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

VIP Dinner at Teatro-Spiegelzelt

The evening promises high-level networking in an exceptional venue, accompanied by exquisite cuisine. Please note: the VIP Dinner is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: Dinner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

Wednesday, October 1st, Oktoberfest Day

Time

8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Table Captain Breakfast

The Breakfast is taking place at the one and only, legendary "Teufelsrad"! This isn't just a breakfast – the historic venue embodies Bavarian tradition, offering you a unique glimpse into Oktoberfest's joyful spirit. Please note: the Table Captain Breakfast is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: the Breakfast requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

10:45 AM to 11:30 AM

Table Captain Networking: Round 1

The first 45 minutes of Networking. Afterwards there is a 15 minute break for the attendees to switch tables.

11:45 AM to 12:30 AM

Table Captain Networking: Round 2

The guests should have rotated their table by now, the second round of Networking starts.

Social Media Graphics

Share it on social media to announce your role at Bits & Pretzels 2025 and tag #Bits25. If you want to get the most out of this, here are our tips to boost reach & engagement:

Add the Hashtag #bits25 and mention @Bits&Pretzels so we can  interact with your content.
Mention any fellow speaker/table captains who are also attending
Mention what companies/people you are excited to meet at Bits

Social Media Posts - LinkedIn

Open

Social Media Posts - Instagram

Open

Your Ticket

Your ticket grants access to all three days of the event.
Please use the exclusive VIP/Speaker check-in at Entrance West (badge collection with ticket + valid ID).
Note: short waiting times may occur on Monday morning.

Your Presentation

Upload Guidelines for Presentations

If you have a presentation, please ensure that you submit your materials/files in a single zip folder containing the following:

1. Presentation File:

Keynote file 16:9 (1920x1080px) or PowerPoint file (.pptx, 1920x1080px).
Please make sure all fonts and videos are embedded within the file, if applicable.

2. PDF File:

A PDF version of your presentation with all fonts embedded.

3. Fonts:

Any custom fonts used in your presentation (please include the font files).

4. Videos:

All videos included in the presentation must also be provided separately.
Format: 16:9 aspect ratio, 1920x1080px (Full HD).
File type: MP4 or .m4v.

Deadline: All presentation materials must be submitted no later than September 17th, 2025.
This is necessary to allow our technical team to review and test the presentations in advance.