This article was paid for and written by VDS.
Featuring a lineup of business leaders from major companies and top VCs, VDS hopes to be an unmissable event for tech innovation professionals and enthusiasts.
Leading the lineup of VDS speakers are two of the tech world’s most influential figures. The first is Steve Chen, cofounder and former CTO of YouTube, who revolutionised online video sharing and has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape as we know it. Chen is primed to share his insights and experiences — from building one of the most visited websites in the world to spearheading the digital media revolution.
Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media and HUG, is also joining as a speaker. She will bring her extensive experience in shaping Facebook and pioneering Facebook Live. As a leading champion for women in crypto and NFTs, and an influential voice in the Web3 landscape, her insights should offer a unique perspective on the intersections of technology, art, media and innovation.
As well as Chen and Zuckerburg, Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, will bring his deep understanding of the intersection between technology and sports. Samaranch has played a crucial role in integrating tech advancements into the Olympic Games, enhancing athlete experience and audience engagement through innovative solutions. His insights will delve into how technology is transforming the world of sports and the significant opportunities that lie ahead for the sports industry and beyond.
Sharing their insights and experience on the hottest topic in tech — AI — there will also be speakers from top companies like Hugging Face, Stability AI, Microsoft, IBM, Cloudera, Shutterstock, Mastercard, Intel, Babel, Eleven Labs, Multiverse and Freepik at VDS2024.
“Our aim is to empower the upcoming generation of entrepreneurs by fostering connections with industry visionaries, delivering inspiration and facilitating avenues for networking, funding and business expansion,” says Patricia Pastor, VDS’s chairwoman.
According to Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia, the event's organising entity, “the quality of the speakers at VDS, the attending investors and the networking opportunities position this tech event as a key destination for startups seeking capital and strategic alliances. It’s also essential for innovative ecosystem players, governments and technology enthusiasts”.
A dynamic hub
VDS aims to transform Valencia into a dynamic hub of technological innovation, global collaboration and business for the tech community. The tech event will bring together over 12k attendees from more than 100 countries, over 600 speakers and 2,500 startups — fostering a collaborative environment where innovation and investment converge to empower the leaders of tomorrow.
With the expected presence of over 700 investors, the seventh edition of VDS anticipates an estimated total of €200bn in managed assets by VCs attending the event, positioning it as a key destination for startups in search of capital and strategic partnerships. Noteworthy funds include Blue Opal Capital, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Katapult VC, Kvanted Ventures, CCEP Ventures, SoftBank Investment, Techstars and IDC Ventures.
The tech event offers extensive networking opportunities across six stages, featuring topics such as AI, sustainability, health, the future of work, the next-gen audiovisual sector and women in tech. National and international entrepreneurial and technological talent will also be highlighted through its international startup competition, which this year has received over 800 applications from more than 65 countries.
This year, VDS has the theme “Embracing evolution: Invest in the leaders of tomorrow”, with a special focus on empowering entrepreneurs. By connecting them with investors, corporate innovators, businesses and society at large, VDS aims to provide the networks and resources essential for the success of startups, ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs has what they need to thrive.
Startup Valencia is the driving force behind VDS and stands as a proud representative of the flourishing Valencian startup ecosystem on both the national and international stages.
Chances to join VDS2024 as an exhibitor, sponsor or press are still open. Attendee, Business and Investor Early Bird tickets are available until September 23, 2024. Learn more and get tickets here.