By invitation only — Sigma Squared | Bits & Pretzels

you didn't get
on this list
by accident.

You're seeing this page because you're part of Sigma Squared — one of a handful of Top-Tier partner communities hand-selected by Bits & Pretzels across Europe. That comes with a rare perk reserved just for Sigma Squared founders: a shot at one of only 15 free festival tickets.
Apply for your free ticket

15 tickets · Sigma Squared only · 1 shot

In partnership with

01 — The bar

why only 15.

15 tickets. Reserved exclusively for Sigma Squared founders. This is first a lottery — no scorecards, no pitch contest, no who-you-know judgment. If you're a founder in Sigma Squared, you put your name in and the draw does the rest.

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.

Choose Package

Choose your exhibition package below and fill in the application form.

Apply now

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.

*Eligibility Criteria:
Founded 2016 or later
< 100 employees
MVP available
Scalable business model
Max. Series A
Max. €20M cumulative equity funding

Please note: This opportunity is not offered to professional service based companies or consultancies.

Choose your startup
exhibition package

Classic

What's included?

3x 3-day event pass

Tickets may not be shared between employees or others during the event. Each ticket is valid for use by a single individual only.

1 Exhibition day

Bits & Pretzels has two conference days. You will be exhibiting on one of these days.

Plug-and-play branded station

Branded table on an exhibition area of 2m x 1,6m.

Logo exposure (online & offline)

Dedicated profile on matchmaking tool

Social media feature on Bits & Pretzels channels

Marketing communication kit

Growth

What's included?

4x 3-day event pass

Tickets may not be shared between employees or others during the event. Each ticket is valid for use by a single individual only.

1 Exhibition day

Bits & Pretzels has two conference days. You will be exhibiting on one of these days.

Plug-and-play branded station

Branded table on an exhibition area of 2m x 1,6m.

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

The Pitch Corner is a small open-mic stage in the center of the Startup Exhibition Area to pitch in front of experts for visibility & feedback.

Premium hardware:
HD display & floor stand

The HD display is 43" and comes with a floor stand so it can stand independently.
Rocket

What's included?

4x 3-day event pass

Tickets may not be shared between employees or others during the event. Each ticket is valid for use by a single individual only.

2 Exhibition days

Bits & Pretzels has two conference days. You will be exhibiting on both of these days.

Plug-and-play branded station

Branded table on an exhibition area of 2m x 1,6m.

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

The Pitch Corner is a small open-mic stage in the center of the Startup Exhibition Area to pitch in front of experts for visibility & feedback.

Premium hardware:
HD display & floor stand

The HD display is 43" and comes with a floor stand so it can stand independently.

Unsure which package is the right one for your startup? Please reach out to exhibition@bitsandpretzels.com.

book a call

Have more questions? We’re here to help.

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.

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

Why should my startup/scaleup exhibit?

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!

What is included in the Startup Exhibition Packages?

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.

Why are the Startup Exhibition Packages cheaper for startups?

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.

Why do I need to apply?

Spots are limited - that’s why we handpick all exhibitors through an application process.

Who is eligible to apply for the Startup Exhibition?

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
How do I apply for the Startup Exhibition?
  • 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
I’m not sure which Startup Exhibition Package to choose. Who do I contact?

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.

I have already purchased tickets. What should I do next?

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.

How do I personalize the tickets and can I transfer a ticket to another person on my team?

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.

When and how will participants be selected?

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.

What happens after being selected?
  • 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
When and how will I be informed about the exhibition day?

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.

How will my brand be integrated at the event?

We ensure offline and online logo exposure for all exhibitors on our event website, in our matchmaking tool, and on site at the event.

What is the Pitch Corner?

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.

What is meant by the HD display and floor stand?

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.

How does networking work during the Oktoberfest experience on Day 3?

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.

What makes Day 3 of Bits & Pretzels so unique?

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.

What’s the difference between Topic Tables and Table Captains on Day 3?

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.