In May 2025, thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, media outlets, and leaders will gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre for our newest event Web Summit Vancouver. This year, Vancouver excited to welcome the world’s tech community to the first Web Summit in North America. Vancouver is ready.
For 15 years, Web Summit has grown from a small tech meetup in Dublin to a global phenomenon, hosting tens of thousands of attendees annually. It has become a stage where industry giants, political leaders, cultural icons, and startup visionaries converge to shape the future of technology and society.
The Rise of Web Summit: A Global Phenomenon
Web Summit started as a small conference with fewer than 500 attendees, aiming to connect tech leaders, investors, and startups. Fast forward to 2024, it now attracts over 70,000 attendees from 150+ countries. The event has become synonymous with groundbreaking ideas and transformative networking opportunities.
Its growth mirrors the tech world’s rapid evolution, from early-stage mobile app disruptions to the current era of AI, blockchain, and sustainability tech. Web Summit isn’t just about tech; it’s where ideas turn into revolutions.
Many startups have used Web Summit as their launchpad, going from unknown ventures to global success stories. Just to name few, Stripe, Uber, Canva. Web Summit has been a platform for some of the most influential leaders, thinkers, and cultural icons of our time.
Each edition of Web Summit has reflected the major trends of its time:
2020-Present: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Digital Shift
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global tech landscape, bringing remote work, digital health, and AI ethics to the forefront. Web Summit highlighted these themes with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. Thought leaders like Max Tegmark have explored the ethical implications of AI, while discussions on remote collaboration tools and innovations in telemedicine reflected the “new normal.”
2009-2014: The Era of Mobile and Social Media Revolutions
The early years of Web Summit coincided with the explosion of mobile technology and the dominance of social media. Discussions often centered around platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the burgeoning app economy. Startups dominated the scene, competing for investor attention in an era defined by digital engagement and connectivity. Speakers such as Jack Dorsey (Twitter) and Drew Houston (Dropbox) exemplified this period, focusing on scaling startups and leveraging mobile technology.
2015-2019: The Rise of AI, Automation, and Sustainability
This period saw the ascendancy of artificial intelligence and automation as transformative technologies. Companies like DeepMind led discussions about the potential and ethical considerations of AI. Sustainability emerged as a critical focus, with leaders advocating for green technologies and addressing climate change challenges. Prominent speakers included Gwynne Shotwell (SpaceX), discussing interplanetary exploration and sustainable technology, and Lisa Jackson (Apple), emphasizing environmental initiatives.
Why Web Summit Matters
What makes Web Summit stand out isn’t just its size but its impact. It’s a place where ideas are exchanged, companies are funded, and movements are born. The mix of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators creates a fertile ground for collaboration.
The conference’s inclusivity, with programs like Women in Tech and initiatives for underrepresented founders, ensures a diverse range of voices contribute to the tech discourse.
Looking to the Future
As we enter a new era of technology defined by AI, Web3, and climate tech, Web Summit remains at the forefront. Its commitment to spotlighting global issues, fostering innovation, and creating connections will ensure it continues shaping the future.
A Legacy That Inspires
Web Summit’s 15-year journey is a testament to its ability to connect, inspire, and ignite change. For tech enthusiasts, startup founders, and global thinkers, it’s more than an event; it’s a catalyst for innovation and progress.
What will the next 15 years hold? If Web Summit’s track record is any indication, the future will be bold, transformative, and deeply inspiring.ages.
