Summit after-hours: Side events, hidden gems, and local highlights!

With the EU-Startups Summit 2025 just around the corner, we’re excited to welcome you back to the sunny shores of Malta! Beyond two days of inspiring keynotes, vibrant networking, and startup showcases, the Summit is also an invitation to explore one of Europe’s most charming destinations. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re already in love with Malta’s Mediterranean flair, there’s no shortage of reasons to extend your trip and make the most of the experience.

Alongside our packed main agenda, we’re thrilled to highlight a range of different side events hosted across Valletta and beyond. These sessions will help you connect on a deeper level—whether you’re launching a product, exchanging insights with fellow founders, or just looking to wind down and celebrate in style.

Side Events at a Glance

Launch & Lunch by Tokeportal
April 25, 12:00–14:00 — Fort St. Elmo, Valletta
Kick off your EU-Startups Summit experience with an exclusive side event hosted by Tokeportal.com. Set in the stunning location of Fort St. Elmo, overlooking Valletta’s historic harbour, this relaxed networking lunch brings together founders, investors, and innovators from across Europe. Register here!  *Attendees who purchase a Summit ticket using the code TOKE20 are automatically invited.

Supercharger Ventures Boat Party
April 26 — Time TBA
Enjoy a scenic and spirited boat party with top investors and startup founders. Set sail through Malta’s iconic coastline while expanding your network in a fun, informal setting. Register here

Product Burger Mixer
April 26, 21:00–23:00 — Marco Polo Rooftop Bar, St. Julian’s
After the summit winds down, join fellow founders, product builders, and ecosystem players for a laid-back rooftop get-together hosted by Product Burger. There are no pitches or panels—just good music, drinks, and conversations under the Maltese sky.
The first 20 guests will enjoy free entrance courtesy of OVER VENTURES. Space is limited, so request your spot in advance.

AISO Academy x Betterpic: Music & Networking
April 24 & 25, 18:00–23:00 — Mai West, Strait Street, Valletta
Unwind after the summit at an exclusive speakeasy experience hosted by AISO Academy and Betterpic. Taking place in the hidden courtyard of Mai West on iconic Strait Street, the event will feature live performances by local artists, drinks, snacks, and a curated crowd.
Access is invite-only, with custom business cards distributed personally during the conference—if you receive one, consider yourself selected.

Women in Startups – Side Event by Metropolitan
Wednesday Evening — Location & Time TBA
A warm, welcoming event spotlighting women in entrepreneurship and innovation. More details to be announced soon.

Club Globals Side Event
Details Coming Soon
An international networking opportunity bringing together founders, investors, and corporate leaders in a dynamic, global setting. The full info will be shared shortly.

As you prepare for the Summit and side events, it’s also a great time to think about brand visibility. Our official merchandise partner, Merch Monkey, is based right here in Malta and ready to help. From notepads and bottles to stylish bags, they offer high-quality branded merch that can be delivered just in time for the big event.

Discover Malta

With over 7,000 years of history and influences from major civilizations, Malta is a cultural mosaic where the past meets the present. From ancient temples to charming fishing villages and crystal-clear lagoons, the island has something for everyone.

Our friends from SIT (Special Interest Travel), a highly motivated, multinational team with over 40 years of experience in creating fantastic experiences in Malta, shared with us their top recommendations for things to do and places to visit:

• Valletta: The capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is brimming with historic charm, Baroque architecture, and stunning views. Don’t miss St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s famous works, or the panoramic views from Upper Barrakka Gardens.
  Insider tip: Underneath Valletta’s streets lies a hidden world of tunnels, wartime shelters, and ancient underground spaces—some of which you can explore through guided tours.

• Mdina: Known as the Silent City, this walled town was Malta’s old capital and offers breathtaking views from its hilltop perch. Enjoy its peaceful alleys, rich history, and a slice of cake from the beloved Fontanella Tea Garden.

• The Three Cities: Take a boat from Valletta and explore Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua. These historic ports offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime legacy and are best explored on foot or by electric buggy.

• Marsaxlokk & the South: Famous for its colourful fishing boats and Sunday market, Marsaxlokk is the ideal spot for fresh seafood. While you’re nearby, make time for the Blue Grotto and Ħaġar Qim Temples—structures older than the pyramids!

• Gozo & Comino: Venture to Malta’s sister islands for a taste of tranquillity. Gozo is lush and hilly, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon is perfect for a swim in turquoise waters. Ferries leave Valletta and the northern coast regularly.

If you’re looking for a tailored experience or a private group trip for your team, SIT is happy to offer EU-Startups Summit attendees an exclusive 5%-8% discount. You can find more details about their tours here. Stay tuned for exciting updates on our event page!

OUR HEADLINE SPONSOR

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation, by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

OUR SPONSORS

Scytale helps startups get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat.

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With their proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.

EUROCROWD is an independent network organisation aiming to support and promote crowdfunding as an alternative funding mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative projects. EUROCROWD promotes and supports the development of Crowdfunding mechanisms as a viable funding source to European entrepreneurs and funders.

The M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a flagship initiative of the European Commission to turn disruptive European science into groundbreaking commercial propositions and accelerate the scale-up of “game-changing” innovations. It is a key building bloc of a reinforced European ecosystem and the New European Innovation Agenda, filling the gap between R&D support, private investors, and the market. With a budget of over €10 billion under the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027) it seeks to position Europe as a global leader in the current wave of deep tech innovation.

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