MeOut Summit: Europe's Startup Event Hits Budapest in November

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-14

Budapest is gearing up to host the first-ever MeOut Summit this November, and if you're plugged into Europe's startup scene, you won't want to miss it. Scheduled for November 25-26, this two-day event aims to strengthen the continent's innovation ecosystem and boost its global competitiveness. Think of it as a massive meetup where over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and media folks come together for insightful talks and serious networking. It's built by the team behind EU-Startups, in partnership with the Global Startup Awards, so you know the curation is top-notch. ### What to Expect at the Venue The summit takes place at Akvarium Klub, one of Budapest's most iconic spots. Picture this: a venue with a stunning glass roof right in the heart of the city at Erzsebet Square. It's the kind of place that feels both grand and intimate, perfect for sparking real conversations. With over 50 speakers across two full days, plus a day-zero hackathon, there's plenty to dive into. The program includes keynotes, panels, structured networking, and even the Central European Startup Awards (CESA) Regional Finale, celebrating the best startups from Central and Eastern Europe. ### Confirmed Speakers You'll Want to Hear The lineup is stacked with heavy hitters. Here's a quick look at who's confirmed: - **Istvan Lam** – A Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, he's an Advisory Board Member at Zero Emission Leadership, focusing on product strategy and responsible tech adoption. - **Jack Mardack** – Co-founder at Oyster, a global employment platform that helps companies hire and support distributed teams. - **Kinga Jentetics** – Also a Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe alum, she's CEO and co-founder of PublishDrive, a digital publishing platform for ebooks, print books, and audiobooks. - **Dr. Arndt Schwaiger** – An AI expert and business angel with a PhD in multi-agent systems, he's advised over 600 startups on AI and scaling. - **Lech Kaniuk** – A Swedish-Polish serial entrepreneur and investor, he co-founded SunRoof and previously co-founded PizzaPortal, which was acquired by Delivery Hero. - **Marius Istrate** – Partner at 3VC, a European VC firm, he was Chief People Officer at UiPath, helping scale the company from 120 to 3,000 employees. - **Domagoj Dolinsek** – Founder of PlanRadar, a digital platform for construction project management, with over a decade of experience. These speakers will dive into fireside chats and panels on topics like scaling globally without losing focus, expanding SaaS startups across borders, shifting priorities from pre-seed to Series A, and how AI is shaping product development. > "Every format and discussion is designed to turn simple conversations into connections, and connections into opportunities." ### How to Get Involved If you're an experienced founder or investor interested in speaking, applications are open until July 31. Check the event page for details on sponsorship opportunities too. The summit is also looking for volunteers to help out on both days and the afternoon before. Whether you're building, investing, or just curious, the MeOut Summit offers a space to connect with the people who matter. Secure your ticket now and we'll see you in Budapest this November.