Welcome Alex !

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Alex Ferrara

Managing Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners

About:

Alex Ferrara is a partner based in Bessemer's London office where he leads Bessemer's European efforts and primarily focuses on defence tech, cybersecurity and fin tech. Alex joined Bessemer in 2005. He led Shopify’s Series A in 2010, Pipedrive’s Series A in 2015, and has backed a range of successful cybersecurity startups. He is currently enthusiastic about self-driving cars, defence tech, SEA travel, and HYROX fitness competitions. Most mornings you can find him on Zwift.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

9:45 AM - 10: 15 AM I Learning Stage

11:19 AM - 11:51 AM I Inspiration Stage

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.

9:45 AM to 10:15 AM

Join Bessemer Partner Alex Ferrara and Helene Huby, CEO of The Exploration Company, as they chart the journey from ambitious startup to Europe’s leading challenger. They will unpack how Helene's founder resilience, bold vision, and leadership lessons enable rapid scaling, product innovation, and major space station partnerships. Learn concrete strategies for managing risk, nurturing teams, and building sustainable operations — plus fundraising insights and practical tips for navigating moonshot goals.

11:41 AM - 12:13 AM

Backing Global Ambition: A VC Perspective on Scaling from Europe

What does it really take for European startups to grow into global tech leaders—and how can VCs help get them there? In this session, [Speaker Name] offers a venture capital perspective on the key enablers and barriers for founders scaling from Europe. The discussion will dive into the investment climate, structural challenges, and the role of VCs in shaping a more founder-friendly ecosystem. Expect insights on where capital should flow, how policy can evolve, and what must change for Europe to become a true launchpad for global 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

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

Table Captain Networking

Doors open. Guests arrive and find their tables

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.