MEMORY WALL

My first time as a PIRATE, I did not really know what to expect, and I am shocked…. In the best possible way. It was a fun, social, extraordinary, beautiful experience. Great people, great content in the most relaxed atmosphere you can think of. I’m sure I will be back.

Once a pirate, always a pirate!

A special and worthwhile event with inspiring conversations, some really nice new connections and some eye-opening impact-related discussions. Thanks PIRATE Summit

Hold on, we’re invited to be vulnerable at a tech conference?!

“PIRATE Summit is the place for meaningful connections, openness and lasting friendships. Besides the location, it’s the special, valuable community that makes it outstanding!”

Kudos to the amazing team behind this unique gathering.

Organisers somehow managed to create such a friendly and open atmosphere encouraging people to create genuinely meaningful connections rather than pitching and selling stuff.

Amazed by the insights

One of my favourite events!

This place is magic for entrepreneurs! #ARRRRRR

I have as few photos as possible in my phone, but as many emotions, warmth, new acquaintances and adventures. And yet the gathering with those who haven’t seen for a long time. No masks, no jewelry, dancing into the morning and having serious existential conversations about our country and its future. The weeks waiting for PIRATE Summit were definitely worth it. Now it’s time to come home and hope to see you all again soon 💙💛

Seven years ago, in 2016, I entered the scrapeyard-turned-event venue that’s Odonien for the first time to attend that year’s Pirate Summit. To be entirely honest, I remember very little from the event, and I’ve only got a handful of photos of Fred Destin and the Burn on my phone to refresh my memory. I must’ve liked what I saw in 2016 though, because I went back next year. And the year after, and the year after that – without missing a Pirate Summit ever since, up until this year’s Last Burn. Over the years, this seemingly scrappy, unpolished, raw gathering started to feel like home for a large group of European founders, investors, ecosystem builders, and journalists. But this June, we came to Odonien for the last time, and now Pirate Summit is no more. Thanks for all the great memories.

You just cannot compare this to anything else!

Very refreshing and laid back event dedicated only for startups and VCs. We connected with a banking accelerator there! We would never expect that, taking into consideration that the whole concept of the show was super relaxed and the founders were pitching in shorts and t-shirts.

Pitching Fuel, promoting Ukraine & first time crying on the stage On the first day of PIRATE Summit I was pitching Fuelfinance. 3 minutes for pitch and 2 min for questions from investors. It was a great new experience for me. On the second day, I was a speaker and shared the story about Fuel rebuilding in tough times. In the end, I had a slide that the main reason we could do all these things is the bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 🇺🇦. They are fighting for the freedom of Europe. And on that slide, I unexpectedly started to cry. After 6 months of staying strong, this emotion was like a splash. And I suddenly realized that I was on that stage also because of their bravery. I was able to stop only because the next slides were about the way to support Ukraine.

Burning man party at PIRATE Summit was impressive and really hot 😉🔥✌️ Pirate Summit 2022. Amazing location in which to bring entrepreneurs and investors together. 💪🏻

We are absolutely amazed by tech founders, real captains of their lives, tackling the most pressing problems of our society and the planet.

For me a perfect combination of adventurousness, humour, and new insights.

Two amazing days at the PIRATE Summit.

Had again a blast at this year’s PIRATE Summit! It’s always great to return to my old stomping grounds and to see so many inspiring people doing good things!

Inspiring talks, super exchange of experiences, exciting people at PIRATE Summit.

Startup spirit that inspires!

So many memories, and so many people are connected to this event!

I met so many people, had so many great conversations. What a beautiful thing the European startup ecosystem is. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been to an event like it – totally unique, an amazing venue full of towering metal sculptures, the whole thing felt so organic, and yet perfectly organized. This was no bunch of scallywags behind-the-scenes, it was a seasoned crew coming together after a decades worth of PIRATE Summits for one final send-off.

What a crazy event it was! Thanks PIRATE Summit for inviting me! Heading back to Paris now with many new ideas to work on.

We will celebrate it in best memories

Looking forward to PIRATE Summit this year. It’s the best startup conference I’ve experienced.

PIRATE Summit disrupts the (hierarchy) distance between startups and investors and brings them to eye level.

This conference is for those who understand that they are the captains of their own lives.

PIRATE Summit has made a difference for more than one decade by giving, sharing, connecting, informing, educating, and engaging each one of the actors in the different stages of the start-up environment. The vision, the culture, and the values of this ship will sail over the seas through the mark they left on the lives, roadmaps, and minds of each one of the different attendants and visitors.

Thank you for having us and making us part of your VC jury – it was a blast 🏴‍☠️

So much love for this event. Stage fright or not, I learned a lot, met amazing people who’re all working hard to make their dream happen.

Today we are all pirates at PIRATE Summit 🙌🏽 big up to the entire crew for this great event 🙌🏽

Great gathering of the global start-up community in Cologne. Last edition with the ultimate Last BURN. The Pirate Community will always be alive and in our hearts.

One of the best tech conferences in the world.

PIRATE Summit was an amazing experience!

Crazy event!

A truly unique entrepreneurial event. It’s not just your typical conference; it’s a fusion of a traditional entrepreneurship-focused conference, an open and caring atmosphere, and the spirit of Burning Man.

Flying back after PIRATE Summit. Thanks to all – the kind and helpful staff, the organizers, all the attendees I’ve met. One of the best events I have ever attended.

Officially the coolest B2B event I’ve ever attended.

Amazing culture, projects, community, and entrepreneurs facing one of the most complex and challenging moments in human evolution: From climate change to the new social and economic paths that are needed.

It was a pleasure meeting & exploring collaboration opportunities with hundreds of tech entrepreneurs, thought leaders at PIRATE Summit, Cologne. Thanks to the entire PIRATE Summit Crew for organizing the brilliant event.

Thank you for curating an unforgettable experience!

Amazing atmosphere, speakers, and connections!

🔥LET IT BURN! 🔥 2 days PIRATE Summit were really a highlight this year!

After 11 editions this legendary startup event closed its curtains with a memorable last “burning man” ritual. Thanks to Manuel and his team for running it throughout all these years and creating such a unique setting here in Cologne.

@piratesummit is over, but the energy, insight and inspiration will last for a long time!

PIRATE Summit has been one of the most impactful events I’ve ever attended. Thanks to it, I have made lifelong friendships, as well as deep partnerships. I wholeheartedly recommend going!

The PIRATE Summit was an excellent reboot for the mind(set)! Such events connect you to the people who think, look and act differently. And you learn from them. C’mon, when you listen to a strip dancer who is an investor now – that’s awesome! You hear other people’s ideas and they bring new ones to your own head. You can’t get this sitting in your own shell. Even when you have an established business, opening your mind to new opportunities and living a startup life is always a breathtaking idea.

Last week I had the great honour to give the closing keynote at PIRATE Summit, the event at which the Plan A journey kicked off three years ago, and to celebrate 10 years of Pirate Summit. And such a celebration couldn’t have been possible without the one and only Manuel Koelman 🏴‍☠️. I have continuously been impressed by the humility, kindness, dedication he has demonstrated throughout the years, in effort to continue pushing for the tech industry to be more inclusive, diverse and human. Congratulations on yet another year where the future of tech defined!