Meet 100+ Investors Attending the 2026 EU-Startups Summit

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-13

Mark your calendars for May 7-8, 2026. That's when the EU-Startups Summit is setting up shop at the stunning Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. Think of it as the main event for anyone serious about the European startup scene. It's two full days designed to connect, inspire, and teach. You'll find top founders, serious investors, corporate leaders, and passionate enthusiasts all in one place. It's not just about talks, though there will be plenty on two separate stages. The agenda is packed. You can wander a vibrant exhibition hall, watch startups pitch in a high-stakes competition, and maybe even spot the next big thing. The real draw? Up to 300 investors will be there, actively hunting for Europe's most promising new companies. They're not just attending; they're looking to invest. So, who are these investors? We've got a sneak peek at over a hundred who've already locked in their tickets. This isn't just a list of names. It's a look at the people who hold the keys to growth, funding, and partnerships. Let's meet a few of them. ### A Look at the Attendees Here's a sample of the caliber of investor you can expect to network with in Malta. These profiles give you a sense of the diverse expertise in the room. - **Aarish Shah:** Founder of EmergeOne, a VC firm that acts like a CFO for tech startups. They help companies from Seed to Series B+ manage their money, extend their runway, and stay ready for their next investor meeting—all without the cost of a full-time executive. - **Aiman Al Zakwani:** Co-founder and CEO of Madarek Innovation. With deep roots in tech and consulting, he's focused on digital transformation across the GCC region. He knows finance, too, from his earlier leadership roles. - **Alan Darmanin:** As CEO of ISB Technologies, he helps businesses in property and logistics go digital. He's also a business angel who's been instrumental in building Malta's PropTech sector. ### Diverse Expertise for Every Startup The investor list goes far beyond these few examples. You'll find specialists in every corner of the market. Alberto De Nova, for instance, runs Midas. He's a matchmaker for corporate clients and wealthy individuals looking to invest, with over 25 years of experience in real estate and international business. Then there's Alex Farcet from Raspberry Ventures. His syndicate co-invests in ClimateTech and AI, often in VC-led Seed rounds across Europe, the US, and Africa. He's a seasoned player, having co-founded the innovation firm Rainmaking. Alexander Zemlyak brings nearly a decade of VC experience as a Principal at Geek Ventures, focusing on pre-Seed and Seed-stage B2B software. Ana Fernandez is a Venture Capital Investor at Nauta, a firm with over $590 million in assets under management, focused on early-stage B2B software startups in AI and FinTech. As one seasoned angel investor at the event noted, "The best connections happen in the spaces between the scheduled talks. That's where real deals start." ### Why This Matters for Founders If you're building a company, this is your chance. This summit concentrates a year's worth of investor meetings into two days. You're not just getting a business card; you're getting face time with decision-makers from firms like Look AI Ventures, 42 Global Ventures, and Ethan Partners. These are people who can write checks, offer strategic guidance, and open doors to new markets. The takeaway is simple. The 2026 EU-Startups Summit is more than a conference. It's a curated gateway to the capital and relationships that fuel European innovation. Whether you're seeking funding, partnerships, or just the pulse of what's next, being in the room is the first step.