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.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
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
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
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
Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
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.
