FOUNDERS NIGHT #8 | best networking side event at Web Summit 2026 Lisbon

Web Summit opening night over the Tagus River: meet founders and investors from around the world, with drinks, live pitches and a DJ.

For the 8th time, we’re bringing founders and investors together on the opening night of Web Summit. Over the last 3 editions, nearly 800 guests from 37 countries joined us. More than half were founders, and 1 in 10 was an investor.

☔ Rain in the forecast? We’re on, rain or shine. Part of the rooftop is covered, so the weather won’t stop the night.
🚪 Tickets at the door: €50.

Start your Web Summit week with the conversations that set it up. Meet people before the conference rush, swap notes on who to see and leave with a few contacts worth following up on. All of it happens on a rooftop above the Tagus River.

What you can expect during Startup Founders Night #8

• snacks and 2 drink vouchers for each guest
• company of 200+ innovators, entrepreneurs and investors
• DJ set and night views over the Tagus river
• startup pitches with live jury feedback
• memorable chats and moments
  

🗓️ Agenda - Monday, 9 November

18:00 - Doors open 🌅

18:30 - 20:00 - Pitch Training by Hanza Group on stage 🎤

20:00 - 00:00 - Networking & DJ set 🎉

🎤 Pitch Training
12 selected startups get 3 minutes on stage each and live feedback from a jury of founders and investors. The winner gets a dedicated post on Startup Founders’ channels.
Want to pitch too? The last 30 minutes are open mic. No application needed, just sign up at the stage. Same 3 minutes, no slides.

About the host
Founders Night is organised by the Startup Founders Association, a community of experienced founders from Poland. We have been organizing this event since 2018. Check the footage from 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Get the ticket NOW - as they usually run out fast.

🎟️ Ticket prices go up every week - the earlier you book, the less you pay.

Prefer a bank transfer? Email [email protected] with the number of tickets and, for a company invoice, company name, address and VAT number. We’ll send you an invoice.

Coming to Web Summit for the first time, or coming alone? This is a good place to start. Most people come to meet new faces, so you won’t be standing on your own for long.

📍 Getting to Cavo Rooftop:

1. By Car/Ride-Share (Uber/Bolt/Taxi):

• Drop-off address: Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Doca Jardim do Tabaco, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisboa
• Tip: if the driver doesn't recognise the address, just say "Jardim do Tabaco"
• 2-minute walk to the venue

2. By Public Transportation:

• Metro: Take the Blue Line (Azul) to Santa Apolónia (last stop) or Terreiro do Paço
• From either station, walk along the riverside (Av. Infante Dom Henrique) to the Cruise Terminal: about 10 minutes, flat walk
• Enter the Cruise Terminal building and head up to the rooftop

3. From Web Summit (MEO Arena, formerly Altice Arena):

• Fastest option, train (~10 min): From Oriente station take a CP urban train towards Santa Apolónia (last stop), then walk ~10 min along the river to the Cruise Terminal
• Metro alternative (~35 min): Red Line from Oriente to São Sebastião → change to the Blue Line towards Santa Apolónia → follow the directions above
• Uber/Bolt: ~15–20 min, but expect surge pricing when Web Summit sessions end

🎫 Public transport tickets: Get a Viva Viagem card at any metro machine. It works on both the metro and CP trains.