A Rare Chance to Pitch European Startups Without the Competition

Jan de Vries · 2026-08-24

Hey there, European founder. Let's talk about something that feels a bit too rare: a chance to actually *talk* to investors, not just compete for a trophy. We've all seen the endless pitch competitions. The pressure, the rankings, the single winner who takes it all. What if there was a better way? The MeOut Summit 2026 in Budapest is trying exactly that. They've opened applications for a unique event they're calling a Pitch Marathon. Think of it like a stage just for you, your story, and some really smart people who want to listen. It happens on November 25th and 26th, right in the heart of the city at the Akvárium venue. Here's the twist: there's no contest. ### Why a Stage Without Winners? For early-stage founders, getting direct feedback can be more valuable than a prize. A panel of investors and ecosystem leaders will be there, ready to tell you what they think about your business, your model, even how you present yourself. It’s about creating a real conversation, one that might actually lead somewhere after you step off the stage. As one experienced founder put it, "Sometimes the best outcome isn't a check, it's the right question that changes your entire trajectory." The confirmed panel includes heavyweights you’ll want in your corner: - Representatives from VC firm 3VC - The Hungarian Innovation Agency - The Entrepreneurship Academy - The Vienna Business Agency - And more to be announced soon ### More Than Just a Pitch Slot You won't be pitching in a vacuum. This is happening smack in the middle of the broader MeOut Summit, which expects over 1,000 attendees. We're talking a real gathering of the European startup tribe: - Investors scouting for what's next - Corporate leaders looking for partnerships - Policymakers shaping the future landscape - Over 50 speakers sharing their insights Featured speakers this year include folks like Jack Mardack from Oyster, Martin Olczyk from Techstars Torino, and Andrea Basilová from Sensoneo. It's a serious crowd. ### How to Get Ready (And Get In) Applications are open right now to startups from across Europe. If you're selected, the focus is entirely on clarity. Be ready to explain three things simply: - What your startup actually does - The real problem you're solving - Where you're heading next With no competition element, the goal is pure: visibility, constructive feedback, and starting conversations that have legs. It’s an initiative co-organized by the EU-Startups team and MeOut Group, all about strengthening those cross-border connections that make Europe's innovation scene tick. ### Joining the Conversation in Budapest So, you're thinking of going? The Summit runs from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on both days. Ticket pricing is tiered to make sense for different roles: - Student tickets start at a very accessible $32 - Startup and ecosystem builder tickets are around $86 - VC and corporate attendee tickets are about $204 For founders who want a genuine platform—to share their work, refine their message in front of the right people, and weave themselves into the wider European startup fabric—this Pitch Marathon offers a pretty unique opportunity. It's a stage, not a battleground. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.