A Launchpad for Eastern Europe’s Brightest Startups
The How to Web Conference, Eastern Europe’s premier tech and startup event, is back with its flagship Startup Spotlight Competition, set for October 1-2, 2025, in Bucharest, Romania. This high-stakes program offers early-stage startups a shot at a €350,000 investment prize, mentorship from industry titans, and exposure to global investors. If you’re a founder with a bold idea, now’s the time to apply for this transformative opportunity. This article dives into why the Spotlight matters, how to apply, and what it could mean for your startup’s future, blending practical advice with the human stories behind the hustle.
What is the How to Web Startup Spotlight?
A Decade of Empowering Founders
Since its inception in 2012, the Startup Spotlight has been a cornerstone of the How to Web Conference, propelling over 400 startups to success. Held annually in Bucharest, it’s a matchmaking and pitch competition for early-stage tech startups, offering access to funding, mentorship, and a vibrant ecosystem. In 2024, Serbian startup Collabwriting won €880,000, proving its life-changing potential.
Why It’s a Big Deal
The Spotlight isn’t just a pitch contest; it’s a gateway to Eastern Europe’s thriving startup scene. With over 3,000 attendees, including 350+ founders and 200+ investors, the event connects you with luminaries like Staffan Helgesson of Creandum and Ondrej Bartos of Credo Ventures. It’s a chance to turn your vision into reality.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
The Spotlight targets early-stage startups, particularly from Eastern Europe, though global applicants are welcome. Your startup must be less than five years old, have raised under €700,000, and have a launched product with visible traction. A Startup Ticket to the How to Web Conference 2025 is also required.
The Application Process
Applications for Spotlight 2025 opened on June 1 and close on September 1, 2025. You’ll need to submit a five-minute video pitch showcasing your product’s unique value, traction, and team. Selected startups will be announced on September 16, with 40 advancing to pitch in Bucharest.
The Spotlight Experience: What’s in It for You?
Pitch on the Big Stage
The competition culminates in a live pitch on October 1, with 40 startups presenting on the Startup Stage. The top five advance to the main stage on October 2, vying for the €350,000 syndicated investment from firms like Underline Ventures and Startup Wise Guys.
Mentorship and Matchmaking
Beyond the prize, Spotlight offers one-on-one mentorship with industry leaders like Horia Coman of Stripe and Arielle Kilroy of Dado. Curated investor meetings connect you with VCs from Creandum, Seedcamp, and beyond, helping refine your pitch and strategy.
Expo Area Exposure
Finalists get a turnkey booth in the Expo Area, where you can demo your product to a tech-savvy audience of 3,000+. It’s a chance to gain feedback, attract users, and network with potential partners, as past winners like Cartloop have done.
A Founder’s Story: The Human Side of the Hustle
I met Elena, a Romanian founder, at a 2023 tech meetup in Cluj-Napoca. Her startup, a SaaS platform for small businesses, was struggling to find funding. “Pitching at events like Spotlight is terrifying but exhilarating,” she told me, her eyes lighting up. “It’s your shot to be seen.” Her story mirrors the journey of Spotlight participants, where courage meets opportunity on a global stage.
Why Spotlight Stands Out
Eastern Europe’s Startup Hub
Bucharest has emerged as a tech powerhouse, with companies like UiPath and Bitdefender born there. Spotlight leverages this ecosystem, connecting founders with a region that produced €1.2 billion in startup funding in 2024. It’s a launchpad for global ambitions.
Unparalleled Investor Access
The 2025 conference boasts investors like David Peterson of Angular Ventures and Enis Hulli of 500 Emerging Europe. Past winners, like Collabwriting, secured funding from top VCs, proving Spotlight’s role in unlocking capital for underdog startups.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Pitch
Craft a compelling five-minute video pitch highlighting your product, market fit, traction, and team. Be clear, concise, and authentic—investors want to see passion and proof of concept. Submit via the How to Web website by September 1.
Step 2: Secure a Startup Ticket
A Startup Ticket to the How to Web Conference 2025 is mandatory. Early Bird pricing ends June 13, 2025, so act fast to save on costs. Tickets grant access to the full event, including networking and workshops.
Step 3: Await Selection
On September 16, 40 startups will be selected to pitch. If chosen, you’ll prepare for the Startup Stage on October 1, with mentorship to polish your presentation. The top five pitch on the main stage October 2.
The Prizes and Benefits
The Investment Prize
The 2025 winner will receive a €350,000 syndicated investment from Underline Ventures, Startup Wise Guys, and Gapminder VC. Past prizes reached €880,000, showing the potential for life-changing funding.
Beyond the Cash
Finalists gain tailored one-on-one investor meetings, a booth in the Expo Area, and a 30-minute consultation with an Omdia analyst. These perks, as 2023 winner Sandra Idjoski of Collabwriting noted, provide “invaluable networking” and validation.
Pros and Cons of Applying to Spotlight
Pros
- Massive Exposure: Pitch to 3,000+ attendees, including 200+ investors.
- Funding Potential: €350,000 prize plus access to top VCs.
- Mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders like Stripe’s Horia Coman.
- Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and tech experts.
Cons
- Competitive Field: Over 300 startups apply, making selection tough.
- Ticket Cost: Startup Tickets can be pricey for bootstrapped founders.
- Time Commitment: Preparing pitches and attending takes significant effort.
- Regional Focus: Eastern European startups may have an edge, potentially limiting global applicants.
Comparison: Spotlight vs. Black Hat Startup Spotlight
| Aspect | How to Web Spotlight | Black Hat Startup Spotlight |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General tech startups | Cybersecurity startups |
| Prize | €350,000 syndicated investment | Booth, analyst call, no cash prize |
| Audience | 3,000+ attendees, 200+ investors | 20,000+ attendees, global reach |
| Location | Bucharest, Romania | Las Vegas, USA |
How to Web’s Spotlight offers a cash prize and Eastern European focus, while Black Hat’s competition targets cybersecurity with broader exposure but no direct funding.
Success Stories: Past Winners
Collabwriting (2024)
Serbian startup Collabwriting won €880,000 for its browser extension that streamlines information capture. CEO Alexandru Agatinei called it a “diamond in the rough,” highlighting Spotlight’s knack for uncovering underdogs.
Cartloop (2022)
Cartloop, a Romanian conversational commerce platform, won €465,000 in 2022. Co-founder Lisa Popovici credited Spotlight for “validation and connections” that fueled their growth, securing follow-on funding.
The Human Element: Chasing Dreams
Elena’s story from Cluj-Napoca stayed with me. She described the grind of building a startup while juggling investor rejections and self-doubt. “You pour your heart into it, and a stage like Spotlight can change everything,” she said. For founders applying in 2025, it’s not just a competition—it’s a shot at turning late-night coding sessions into global impact.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What is the How to Web Startup Spotlight?
Spotlight is a pitch competition and mentorship program at the How to Web Conference, offering early-stage startups a €350,000 investment prize and investor access.
Who can apply for Spotlight 2025?
Early-stage startups under five years old with less than €700,000 raised and a launched product with traction can apply by September 1, 2025.
What do Spotlight finalists get?
Finalists receive a booth, mentorship, investor meetings, and a chance to pitch for €350,000 on the main stage in Bucharest.
How do I apply for the Spotlight competition?
Submit a five-minute video pitch via howtoweb.co and purchase a Startup Ticket before the September 1 deadline.
Tools and Resources for Startup Founders
To prepare for Spotlight or explore similar opportunities, use these resources:
- How to Web Website: Application details and conference updates. Visit howtoweb.co.
- The Recursive: Covers Eastern European startups. Check therecursive.com.
- PitchBook: Tracks VC funding and startup trends. Explore pitchbook.com.
For real-time insights, follow X accounts like @HowtoWebConf or @TheRecursive, but verify with primary sources.
FAQ
1. What is the How to Web Startup Spotlight?
It’s a competition for early-stage tech startups at the How to Web Conference, offering a €350,000 prize, mentorship, and investor access.
2. When is the Spotlight 2025 application deadline?
Applications close on September 1, 2025, with selected startups announced on September 16.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for Spotlight?
Startups must be under five years old, have raised less than €700,000, and have a launched product with traction.
4. How much is the Spotlight 2025 prize?
The winner receives a €350,000 syndicated investment from Underline Ventures, Startup Wise Guys, and Gapminder VC.
5. Where can I apply for Spotlight 2025?
Apply via howtoweb.co and purchase a Startup Ticket for the October 1-2 conference.
Looking Ahead: Your Moment to Shine
The How to Web Startup Spotlight 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a chance to join a legacy of innovators like Collabwriting and Cartloop. With €350,000, world-class mentorship, and a stage to pitch to 3,000+ tech enthusiasts, it’s a make-or-break moment for founders. As Elena’s story shows, the path is tough, but the rewards are transformative.
Don’t miss the September 1 deadline. Apply now at howtoweb.co and take your startup to the global stage. Follow @HowtoWebConf on X for updates, and let your vision light up Bucharest in 2025.
