you didn't get
on this list
by accident.
In partnership with
why only 15.
We do give a meaningful edge to founders in Defence, AI, and Deep Tech — not because they're better, but because the Bits & Pretzels program and audience this year are especially deep in those directions, so those founders get disproportionate value from the room. That means better odds in the draw. Everyone else who qualifies still has a real shot; the edge is weighted, not exclusionary. And this is strictly founders-only — investors, ecosystem players, and service providers aren't in the pool.
let’s check the numbers
250+
startups exhibit every year
21,000
Founder - Investor Meetings
4.2bn
raised after
Bits24
71%
of attendees are Decision makers
1,700+
iNVESTORS
1 IN 4
aTTENDEES IS A STARTUP INVESTOR
how to become an
exhibiting Startup
The Bits & Pretzels Startup Exhibition is known for showcasing only the best. That’s why you can’t simply book a booth – you apply. Our team reviews every application to curate a lineup of high-potential startups that truly stand out.
Check eligibility
Check the eligibility criteria* below to see if it's a match.
Receive Approval
Our team will manually screen each application and will get back to you within a couple of days.
secure your spot
Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation and can book your Startup Exhibition package.
Please note: This opportunity is not offered to professional service based companies or consultancies.
Choose your startup
exhibition package
What's included?
3x 3-day event pass
1 Exhibition day
Plug-and-play branded station
Logo exposure (online & offline)
Dedicated profile on matchmaking tool
Social media feature on Bits & Pretzels channels
Marketing communication kit
What's included?
4x 3-day event pass
1 Exhibition day
Plug-and-play branded station
Logo exposure (online & offline)
Dedicated profile on matchmaking tool
Social media feature on Bits & Pretzels channels
Marketing communication kit
Guaranteed pitch slot in the Pitch Corner
Premium hardware:
HD display & floor stand
What's included?
4x 3-day event pass
2 Exhibition days
Plug-and-play branded station
Logo exposure (online & offline)
Dedicated profile on matchmaking tool
Social media feature on Bits & Pretzels channels
Marketing communication kit
Guaranteed pitch slot in the Pitch Corner
Premium hardware:
HD display & floor stand
Unsure which package is the right one for your startup? Please reach out to exhibition@bitsandpretzels.com.
book a call
Experience the business magic of Oktoberfest
Yes we really take thousands of startup people to a single tent at the real Munich Oktoberfest. And yes, it’s even more about business as it is fun.
Every table hosts a pre-booked meeting of 8-10 attendees. It’s a place where founders pitch, new partnerships are made, and business partners become friends.
It’s a day like nothing you have ever experienced.

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WHERE WE COME FROM.
Bits & Pretzels started as founders breakfast with just 80 participants. We dared to start and the spirit of supporting founders continues in 2026 and beyond.
Join our mission in helping founders shaping a better future.
FAQ
Connections aren't built on screen - use this unique opportunity to get in touch with thousands of attendees, to evaluate opportunities and challenges, to find business partners and to learn from others. It's all about boosting awareness and building strong business relationships with critical partners and investors who will help you grow!
Each Startup Exhibition Package comes with a branded station that includes an exhibition desk and two high chairs. Wi-Fi and electricity are also provided by us. Additionally, online & offline logo exposure, a dedicated profile on matchmaking tool, social media feature on Bits & Pretzels channels and a marketing communication kit are included.
You can enhance your representation for product demos and more with a 43” HD display and a floor stand by upgrading to either the Startup Exhibition Package “Growth” or “Rocket”.
Whereas the Packages “Classic” and “Growth” allow you to exhibit for one day, the Startup Exhibition Package “Rocket” offers you two entire exhibition days.
The packages "Growth" and "Rocket" also include a guaranteed pitch slot in the Pitch Corner, a small open-mic stage where exhibitors can pitch their business to a panel of experts and gain valuable feedback & extra visibility.
The startup ticket is for early-stage teams with up to 10 employees. Startup tickets are cheaper because this event is made from founders for founders. We invest in you, so you can invest in your vision. This also applies for the Startup Exhibition where we want to offer early-stage teams the chance to gain visibility and traction early on by presenting at the center of the ecosystem.
Spots are limited - that’s why we handpick all exhibitors through an application process.
The Startup Exhibition is limited to startups and scaleups that meet the following criteria:
- Founded in 2016 or later
- < 100 employees
- MVP available
- Scalable business model
- Max. Series A
- Max. €20M cumulative equity funding
- Click on the "Apply now" button above
- Fill in the form: Tell us about your company and choose your Startup Exhibition Package
- Wait for feedback: We will get back to you via email within a couple of days and give you feedback on your application
Please write an email to exhibition@bitsandpretzels.com. We will take care of your request, guide you through the different options and help you find your perfect fit.
Tickets you’ve already bought can be credited towards your Startup Exhibition Package, simply add a note to your application or let us know via email.
After purchasing the tickets you can assign each ticket to different owners by personalizing each of them. Please make sure to use an individual email address for each user. Additionally, you can forward the tickets to the respective attendees for personalization. If a ticket has already been assigned, you can reassign the ticket up to two weeks before the event. To do so, please send an email to hello@bitsandpretzels.com.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances of securing an exhibition booth. To help with your planning, we will provide feedback within a couple of days. If applications exceed the available spots, we will no longer be able to accept additional applications.
- Once accepted, we will contact you via email to confirm your chosen Startup Exhibition Package
- We will handle the payment details and provide you with the tickets accordingly
- We will further support you with relevant information and tips to help you prepare for exhibiting at and making the most of your attendance at Bits & Pretzels
If you select the Startup Exhibition Package “Classic” or “Growth”, you will be exhibiting for one day only. We will distribute all exhibitors evenly over the two days. You will be informed about the exhibition day a couple of weeks prior to the event so you can plan accordingly.
We ensure offline and online logo exposure for all exhibitors on our event website, in our matchmaking tool, and on site at the event.
The Pitch Corner is an open-concept stage located in the center of the Startup Exhibition Area. Designed to engage foot traffic and passersby, the format focuses on essential storytelling: each founder has 90 seconds to present their idea without the use of slides. The schedule is divided into dedicated time blocks based on specific themes, ensuring that a curated panel of industry-specific experts is present to provide immediate on-site feedback relevant to your market.
Participation is generally open to all: you can sign up directly on site on a first-come, first-served basis. However, exhibitors who have purchased the "Growth" or "Rocket" package receive a guaranteed pitch slot within their relevant industry session, providing extra visibility and a scheduled opportunity to attract additional attention to their booth.
The HD display is 43 inches and available for use at your booth (Growth & Rocket Package only). The floor stand lets the display stand independently, so you don’t need to place it on your exhibition table.
Day 3 is all about curated connections in a one-of-a-kind setting. Shortly before the event, we invite all attendees to participate in a selection process to secure their seats with our Table Captains or at our Topic Tables. You will have the opportunity to request spots for our dedicated networking rounds, allowing you to match with the founders, investors, or industry experts most relevant to your goals.
Seats are limited and highly sought after, so we recommend acting quickly once the selection window opens to maximize your chances of joining your preferred tables.
Day 3 is where the “Bits” meets the “Pretzels”. We move the entire festival from the ICM to the famous Oktoberfest to swap formal barriers for a traditional Bavarian setting that makes high-caliber founders and investors actually accessible. It’s a rare opportunity for intimate, face-to-face conversation with decision-makers you’d usually never get through to, allowing for the kind of direct advice and real connections that don’t happen in an inbox or a crowded hall.
The main difference lies in the moderation and group size:
- Table Captains: These tables are led by a handpicked expert (founder, investor, or executive) who hosts the conversation for 7 guests. It is ideal for those seeking direct advice or networking with a specific industry leader.
- Topic Tables: These are self-moderated themed discussions for up to 10 attendees. There is no designated host; instead, all participants are equal, making it perfect for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing on specific interests.
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