Welcome Cathy!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Cathy Gao

Partner, Sapphire Ventures

About:

Cathy Gao is a partner at Sapphire Ventures, a leading global software VC firm with $11.3B+ AUM. She is on the boards of Culture Amp, EliseAI, Gem, involve.ai, Medable, Paradox, SafeGraph, Sword Health, and UJET. Cathy has experience investing at multiple stages, ranging from buyout to venture capital and has also sat on the other side of the table as a business operator. Her experiences have shaped her passion for deeply understanding business models and working hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs to help scale companies.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

Visionaries Stage, 10:50 - 11:30 AM

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.

September 29, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Bits50 Lunch

Your opportunity to connect with fellow Bits50 peers and exchange ideas with some of the most inspiring people in the ecosystem – all over a high-quality, shared meal. Important: Lunch requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

September 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Bits50 Sundowner

Expect an informal setting, inspiring conversations, and cold drinks as the sun sets over Munich. Your moment to reflect and recharge before we move to the Oktoberfest for the VIP Dinner. Important: Sundowner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

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.

10:50 AM to 11:30 PM

Panel: AI & the Future of Intelligence

Visionaries Stage

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.

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

Table Captain Networking

Doors open. Guests arrive and find their tables

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.