Bits & Pretzels — Munich, Germany 2026
Overview
Bits & Pretzels, dubbed the Home of Founders, is Europe’s leading founders’ festival, uniting 7,500 curated attendees—including 1,500+ venture capitalists, 300+ limited partners, and 600+ top executives—for three days of unparalleled networking, masterclasses, and deal-making in Munich, culminating in a legendary Oktoberfest finale. Held annually since 2013, the 2026 edition will continue its mission to connect startups, investors, and corporates, having facilitated over €4.2 billion in capital raised across its history, with 21,000 founder-investor meetings in 2023 alone. Featuring 500+ world-class speakers across 10 stages, including luminaries like Niklas Zennström of Atomico and Hanno Renner of Personio, the event offers 40+ hands-on Startup Academy sessions and a Startup Exhibition showcasing 300+ ventures, fostering connections that have launched unicorns like Personio and flyvbird.
Set against Munich’s vibrant tech scene and the iconic Oktoberfest, Bits & Pretzels blends high-impact business with Bavarian culture, offering unique networking at 400+ Oktoberfest tables hosted by industry Table Captains. With €390 billion in assets under management and a 1:4 investor-to-attendee ratio, it’s a hotspot for spotting tomorrow’s giants. The Investor and CXO Summits, introduced in 2024, elevate its status as Europe’s top GP-LP gathering, while community initiatives like Bits & Pretzels Communities extend its spirit year-round across cities like Berlin and Barcelona. Committed to diversity and sustainability, the festival promotes inclusive programming and eco-friendly practices, ensuring a lasting impact on Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: 500+ speakers across 10 stages delivering masterclasses, keynotes, and panels; Startup Pitch contest and Exhibition with 300+ startups; Investor Summit for exclusive VC-LP insights.
- Special Traditions or Features: Oktoberfest networking with 400+ tables and 250 Table Captains on Day 3; curated founder-investor matchmaking via the Bits platform; Investor and CXO Summits for elite deal-making.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Oktoberfest’s Schottenhamel Tent for liquid networking, 40+ Startup Academy sessions for actionable takeaways, and a Startup Book with key data for strategic navigation.
Why Attend
Bits & Pretzels 2026 is your ticket to Europe’s startup epicenter, where 7,500 founders, investors, and execs—backed by €390 billion AUM—converge to spark deals, raise billions, and build unicorns, all in Munich’s electric Oktoberfest setting; missing it means bypassing connections that could redefine your venture’s future. With a curated 1:4 investor ratio and 21,000 meetings over three days, it’s a deal-making machine, offering founders pitch stages, corporate client pipelines, and VCs access to vetted startups like Avancell, which secured seed funding post-event.
The festival’s 10-stage content, from AI strategies to longevity healthcare, delivers practical insights, while the Oktoberfest finale—think bier-fueled talks with Table Captains like Richard Branson—turns networking into lifelong partnerships. Beyond business, Bits champions diversity through inclusive tracks and community meetups in 10+ European cities, ensuring underrepresented founders shine. Its sustainability focus, with local sourcing and digital tools, aligns with Munich’s green ethos, minimizing impact while maximizing ROI. For startups, it’s a visibility rocket; for investors, a deal-flow goldmine; and for all, a cultural immersion where Bavarian tradition meets tech ambition, creating memories and opportunities that resonate long after the tents close. Join to pitch, connect, and scale in a festival that’s launched €4.2 billion in success stories.
Date & Duration
- Dates: September 28–30, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- City: Munich, Germany
- Main Venue: ICM – International Congress Center Messe München, Messegelände, 81823 München (Days 1–2); Festhalle Schottenhamel, Oktoberfest Munich, Theresienwiese (Day 3)
- Google Maps Address: ICM Messe München; Schottenhamel Tent
- Additional Notes: ICM offers modern facilities; Schottenhamel integrates Oktoberfest’s cultural vibe; no shipments accepted at either address.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via bitsandpretzels.com; limited to 7,500 with early-bird and group options.
- Admission Type: Paid
- Ticket Price Range: $2,200–$4,400 USD (converted from €1,999–€3,999, excluding VAT; varies by category: Startup, Investor, Attendee)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Investor pass includes Investor Summit and exclusive LP/VC sessions; all tickets grant Oktoberfest access and matchmaking tools.
Booking with Euro Travelo
- Looking to attend Bits & Pretzels 2026 hassle-free?
- Euro Travelo can secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
- The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
- Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: hello@bitsandpretzels.com (general inquiries); press@bitsandpretzels.com (media)
- Phone: Not specified; use contact form on website.
- Website: bitsandpretzels.com
- Social Media: @bitsandpretzels (Instagram, Twitter), Bits & Pretzels (LinkedIn)
- Key Staff: Not specified; contact via website for team details.
- Press/Volunteers: Limited press passes via press@bitsandpretzels.com; volunteer applications through site.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/German support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Munich Airport (MUC), 38 km, 40-min drive or 45-min train.
- Public Transport: U-Bahn U4/U5 to Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest) or Messe München (ICM); S-Bahn S8 from airport (€12); buses 58/68 to venue.
- Parking: Limited at ICM (€15/day); Oktoberfest parking restricted, prioritize public transport.
- Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Designated areas at ICM and Theresienwiese; taxi/Uber from MUC €60–€80.
- Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via hello@bitsandpretzels.com post-registration.
Accommodation Options
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost: Luxury near city center. Fastest route: 10-min U-Bahn to ICM or Theresienwiese.
- Hilton Munich Park: Modern with proximity to Messe. Fastest route: 15-min tram to ICM; 20-min to Oktoberfest.
- Hotel München Palace: Boutique in Bogenhausen. Fastest route: 25-min U-Bahn to venues.
- Booking Partner: Official partners like HRS offer exclusive rates at 200+ properties, group deals, and shuttles. Contact: bits@hrs.de.
- Accessible Accommodations: Partners provide adapted rooms; contact for mobility support and inclusive options.
Reviews
- “Bits 2024 was a deal-making whirlwind—pitched to VCs and landed a corporate pilot!” — Startup Founder
- “Oktoberfest networking is unreal; closed €2M in follow-ups from one table.” — Investor
- “Inspiring speakers, tight-knit vibe, and Munich’s energy—nothing else compares.” — Corporate Executive
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the main focus of Bits & Pretzels 2026?
Bits & Pretzels 2026 is a founder-centric festival uniting 7,500 attendees for networking, learning, and deal-making, with 500+ speakers, 300+ startup exhibits, and €390B AUM. It emphasizes actionable growth strategies via 10 stages, Investor/CXO Summits, and Oktoberfest networking with 400+ tables, fostering €4.2B in historical raises. Themes include AI in action and European scaling, with a pitch contest for unicorn hopefuls.
How accessible are the ICM and Schottenhamel venues?
ICM offers ramps, elevators, and braille signage; Schottenhamel has accessible paths and seating. Both provide wheelchair areas; audio/sign language on request. Contact hello@bitsandpretzels.com for companion passes. U-Bahn and app navigation ensure inclusivity; eco-policies like local sourcing align with sustainability goals.
How can I pitch or exhibit at Bits & Pretzels 2026?
Apply for the Startup Exhibition or Pitch contest via bitsandpretzels.com (deadlines TBD). Exhibition showcases 300 startups to 1,500+ VCs; pitching targets media and investors. Early application boosts visibility; contact hello@bitsandpretzels.com for details.
What are the transportation options to the venues?
From MUC Airport, S8 train to city (€12, 45 mins); U4/U5 to ICM/Theresienwiese (€3). Taxis €60–€80 (40 mins). Limited parking (€15/day); public transport encouraged for eco-impact. App provides real-time schedules; shuttles via partners.
Can I extend my stay in Munich after Bits?
Yes, partners offer discounted extensions to explore Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, or Bavarian Alps. Add days for seamless tech-culture blends. Accessible tours include Viktualienmarkt visits. Contact bits@hrs.de for itineraries in Germany’s tech hub.