Join us in Paris for the 9th Annual IBA European Startup Conference

Merlin Seeman

Hedman Law Firm, Tallinn

Antonia Verna

Portolano Cavallo, Milan

Are you passionate about startups, venture capital and the future of innovation in Europe? Then save the date: the 9th Annual International Bar Association (IBA) European Startup Conference is coming to Paris on 13 November 2026, at the beautiful Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel. Presented by the IBA European Regional Forum, with the support of the IBA Closely Held Companies Committee and the IBA Corporate Counsel Forum, this is the must-attend event for lawyers, investors, founders and anyone working in the startup world.

And here's a bonus: on the afternoon of 12 November, the French Host Committee will be hosting a special pre-conference session dedicated to presenting the French venture capital (VC) ecosystem. It's a fantastic opportunity to get an insider's look at one of Europe's most dynamic VC markets before the main event kicks off – so be sure to arrive a day early!

The Conference day will start with an inspiring keynote speech by Graham Shaw, a former elite athlete and international hockey coach who led the Ireland Women's Hockey team to the 2018 World Cup Final. Shaw now works with leadership teams, bringing powerful lessons from elite sport into the world of business, growth and high-performance culture. It's the perfect way to set the tone for a packed day ahead.

The morning sessions dive straight into the big topics shaping the startup landscape today. You'll hear about the global VC landscape across Europe, the USt and Asia; get the latest updates on EU Inc policy, and the European Union's strategy for startups and VC; and explore what lies beyond traditional VC – from revenue-based financing and corporate venture building to government grants and innovation funds. There's also a session on scaling up, covering funding rounds, key legal terms, international expansion and talent incentives across Europe.

After lunch, things will get even more hands-on with ten sector-focused roundtable discussions. Whether you're into defence and dual-use technology, AgriTech, mobility, Web3 and blockchain, climate tech, quantum computing, biotech, artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, legal tech or simply want to hear what lawyers need to learn from a VC investor, there's a table with your name on it.

The afternoon will continue with sessions on cross-border M&A and exit strategies, corporate governance for fast-growing companies, and the exciting world of space technology and the new space economy. The day will wrap up with a thought-provoking fireside chat on AI: ‘Sovereignty vs capability’, exploring how organisations can navigate the tension between digital sovereignty and leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies.

And of course, no IBA conference would be complete without great networking. The day closes with drinks at the venue, followed by a conference dinner in the evening.

Whether you're a seasoned startup lawyer, a founder looking for your next round or an investor scouting the European market, this conference has something for you. Don't miss out – register now and join us in Paris for what promises to be a great conference!