Europe’s Startup Summit 2025 Highlights Crypto, Fintech Growth

The START Summit 2025, themed "Europe’s Next Wave," is set to convene over 7,000 founders, investors, and next-generation talent in St. Gallen. This year, the event is making a bold statement by advertising on the iconic Times Square billboards in New York, signaling Europe's growing influence as a global startup powerhouse. Traditionally, Silicon Valley has been the focal point for startup innovation, but Europe is now emerging as a significant player in the tech landscape. The summit aims to explore whether Europe can truly compete with major tech hubs worldwide.

The summit will feature a dedicated Crypto & Fintech track, positioning itself as a key platform for the next generation of blockchain enterprises and digital financial solutions. Over three days in March, St. Gallen will host discussions on the future of finance, with a particular focus on crypto. Industry experts such as Cyrus Fazel from Swissborg will explore how digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) can democratize wealth. Emma Sinclair from Enterprise Alumni will discuss how fintech and crypto are challenging traditional banking. Miriam Wohlfarth from Banxware and Alexander Emeshev from Vivid will address the growing tension between crypto innovation and government control, a crucial issue as regulations tighten globally.

Switzerland, with its Crypto Valley Initiative in Zug, has long been a global leader in blockchain and digital assets. Companies like Sygnum Bank, the world’s first regulated digital asset bank, demonstrate Switzerland's role as a catalyst for innovation in digital finance. This momentum has attracted top venture capital firms, including Sequoia, Index, Accel, Benchmark, and Northzone, who will be attending the summit. Their presence underscores the significance of crypto, fintech, and digital assets in the financial future.

The START Summit 2025 promises insightful discussions with top industry experts, groundbreaking technologies shaping the financial world, and exclusive access to the next wave of financial and tech innovation. The event will take place at St. Gallen’s OLMA Halls on March 20–21, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with over 1,000 investors managing substantial funds, meet founders from more than 1,050 startups, and network with top talent from elite universities. This event is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of finance, bringing together key players in the industry to discuss and innovate in the rapidly evolving landscape of crypto and fintech.