Welcome Niels!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Niels Dörje

Founding Partner, chairpeople

About:

Chairperson. Entrepreneur. Board Member. Tech Optimist. Niels is a serial tech entrepreneur turned boardroom expert. After founding and scaling companies like HolidayInsider (exit 2014) and Ryte (exit 2024), he now serves as Chairman or Non-Executive Director for late-stage startups, corporate ventures and innovation boards across Europe. His operational roots lie in global tech brands like Google, Scout24 and MediaMarkt. He co-founded Ryte in 2012 and has supported numerous ventures as a trusted advisor and board member — among them Limehome, Guestnet, TrustYou, FoxInsights, Team Internet and COBE. Niels is a frequent keynote speaker and has been recognized with awards from Google (OC Award), EY (Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist), the German Startup Prize, Deloitte and High-Tech Gründerfonds. Today, he leads Chairpeople (www.chairpeople.com) a boutique board advisory focused on founder-first governance and sustainable growth in tech-driven companies. Privately, he splits his time between Munich, Porto Rafti, Stade, Oslo and Cape Town. Married to a Greek "Münchner Kindl" and proud father of a son, he finds joy in design, architecture and rebuilding beautiful spaces.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

2:35 PM - 3:20 PM I Masterclass Room A

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 28th, Conference Day 1

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day I

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

2:50 pm- 3:35 pm

An Interactive Reverse Mentoring Session: What Your Future Self Wishes You Knew Today.

Every founder starts with a vision. Almost nobody starts with the exit. Yet many of the decisions that define your fundraising, valuation and eventual exit are made years earlier—when you choose your co-founders, investors, board, product strategy and first hires. The challenge? You don’t know what you can’t know. In this highly interactive reverse mentoring session, we’ll work backwards from fundraising, boardrooms and successful exits to uncover the lessons founders usually learn far too late. Together with experienced founders, board directors and M&A advisors, we’ll explore the mistakes that quietly destroy value—and the decisions that create extraordinary companies from day one. The best time to learn from an exit is before you have one.

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

VIP Dinner @ Schottenhamel Oktoberfest

Enjoy our unique VIP Dinner Experience. At the heart of Oktoberfest, where tradition and innovation collide in the oldest of all tents.

Tuesday, September 29th, Conference Day 2

Time

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Conference Day II

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

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Bits & Pretzels Speaker Dinner @ Käfer Feinkostladen

The evening promises high-level networking in an exceptional setting, complemented by exquisite cuisine. We are delighted to host the dinner at the iconic Käfer Feinkostladen, one of Munich’s most renowned culinary institutions, and look forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening.

Wednesday, September 30th, Oktoberfest Day

Time

8:00 am - 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.

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 pm

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 2026 and tag #Bits26. If you want to get the most out of this, here are our tips to boost reach & engagement:

Add the Hashtag #bits26 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 - Speaking Slot

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 - deadline 23.09.2026

Upload Guidelines for Presentations

- Format: 16:9 (Full HD / 1920 × 1080 px)
- Accepted Files: .key, .pptx, or .pdf -Requirements: All fonts and videos must be embedded in the file.

Deadline: All presentation materials must be submitted no later than September 23, 2026.
This is necessary to allow our technical team to review and test the presentations in advance.

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