The Summit - formerly known as The Web Summit review

by Startacus Admin
So, let’s start with a caveat - this ain't a detailed review of the speakers and the talkers, the financial wins, and the events - you will hear enough about them from all the other press at ‘The Summit’.
This is an alternative look at The Summit (the artist formerly known as Dublin Web Summit), where we’re picking out our fave 4 things at the event -
things that might not otherwise have been noted by those trés important press folk from across the world.
Firstly, The Summit is the new brand name for the Dublin Web Summit / Web Summit and the reasoning? Well it’s not just a Summit about Tech - it’s a summit, one might say an avalanche of everything that’s happening and good in the startup / music / food / and so on world. So here’s the top 4 things that floated our boat (apart of course from the important stuff - the talks, the pitches and all that networking…)
There really were people there!
We’ve been to quite a few events before and have seen many organisers tending to be a little generous with their estimations of how many attendees they expect and how many they have had. Do they just pluck big numbers out of the sky? We reckon most probably! Anyhow, we digress...The Summit organisers were completely justified with their claims of 10000+ attendees. The place was absolutely heaving - the RDS venue filled to the rafters with people - press, startups, speakers and judges. No false claims here!
The sofa, The food, The coffee
So, fair enough that’s 3 points - but it is our article, so move on if this bothers you! First the sofa - a symbolic (or maybe actually genuine) sofa that the founders sat on to come up with and develop the idea of the Web Summit, was plonked right in the the middle of the event floor. The ‘here’s where it all started’ sign emphasising that whole analogy about little acorns and mighty oak trees. In this case, it really brought home the whole notion of how what might start as just an idea can grow and grow and grow…
As for the food and coffee? Well, thanks to Good Food Ireland, we were able to sample food and drink from some of the country’s top food and drink producers - all for free. Great food, great coffee and really appreciated too!.
Those wooden chairs
Sometimes these startups / enterprise events are a little sterile - full of promises beforehand about how ‘cool’ or ‘out there’ they’ll be. In reality however, despite having a musician or a jazz band in the corner or a notice board to add your business cards to, the main event area can often appear as just a showcase of tired looking business services trying to unsurprisingly get your business. Don’t get me wrong, The Summit offers these things too - but not in a dull way. Little touches like the beaten up wooden chairs and pub benches and barrels to rest your bum, show that these folk certainly aren’t about putting on an event thats more style than substance. Here at Startacus, we reckon it’s the small touches like this which can make all the difference.
The startups
Startups, there were thousands of ‘em! Well perhaps slight exaggeration - but the point here is that for all the speakers and talks and debates - the real star of the show was the wealth of startups that are coming to the fore and showcasing their wares - all good ones at that! Really really inspiring and fab to see.
So that’s our alternative review of The Summit / Web Summit / Dublin Web Summit. We hope we get a chance to go back next year - whatever its name may be, it would be a pleasure to be there.
If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.

Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 1st November 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.