We’re excited to welcome you back to the sunny shores of Malta on May 7-8! Beyond two days of inspiring keynotes, vibrant networking, and startup showcases, the EU-Startups Summit is also an invitation to explore one of Europe’s most charming destinations.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re already in love with Malta’s Mediterranean flair, there’s no shortage of reasons to extend your trip and make the most of the experience. Alongside our packed main agenda, we’re thrilled to highlight a range of different side events hosted across Valletta and beyond. These sessions will help you connect on a deeper level, whether you’re launching a product, exchanging insights with fellow founders, or just looking to wind down and celebrate in style.
Here are some cool side events happening around the EU-Startups Summit, plus our official Networking Drinks on the MCC rooftop terrace on both event days, from 17:30 to 21:30. Enjoy a Maltese sunset, a refreshing drink, and relaxed conversations with fellow attendees – powered by M. Demajo Group!
Side Events at a Glance
- Fuckup Nights x Startups: Taking place on 6 May from 19:00 to 22:00 at Eleven Eleven Rooftop, this side event puts the spotlight on the messy realities behind startup life. Part of the global Fuckup Nights movement, the event will feature three speakers sharing candid stories of professional failure, wrong turns, and the lessons they learned along the way, all in a punchy format of 10 images and 10 minutes each. Expect honest conversations, a no-judgement atmosphere, great networking, and drinks with fellow founders, operators, and startup enthusiasts. More info here.
- VCRunClub Morning Run: Taking place on 7 May, VCRunClub, London’s first running club for venture capital professionals, will host a 5km morning run to kick off the EU-Startups Summit. Starting at 7:30 outside the MCC, the waterfront route around Valletta will be done at a conversational pace, offering VC professionals a relaxed way to combine fitness and networking before the day begins. The session also includes post-run coffee networking, making it a great option for those looking to connect with like-minded investors in an informal setting. Register here!
- The Founder’s Warm-up: Taking place on 7 May from 8:00 to 10:30 in Valletta, this free breakfast workshop hosted by Bits & Pretzels Communities is designed to help founders and ecosystem players start the Summit with a clear networking strategy. Rather than a lecture, the session is framed as a hands-on “networking bootcamp”, covering how to set meeting goals, sharpen your pitch, and build more genuine connections throughout the event. With a casual and practical format, it is especially suited to first-timers, introverts, and anyone looking to arrive at the Summit feeling prepared. Request to join here!
- LP/GP Happy Hour: Taking place on 7 May from 18:00 to 21:00 at Casino Maltese in Valletta, this EU-Startups Summit side event will bring together a curated group of LPs, family offices, fund managers, top-tier VCs, angel investors, and HNWIs for an evening of high-value networking and conversation. The event will also feature an intimate discussion on “Raising Capital in 2026: LP Expectations & Fund Strategy”, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with investors and peers in a smaller setting. You can RSVP here. Please note that capacity is limited and approval is required to attend.
- Global Startup Awards Grand Finale: Another highlight of this year’s Summit is the Global Grand Finale of the Global Startup Awards Edition 11, which will take place within the EU-Startups Summit agenda on 7 May. The event will bring some of the world’s most promising startup talent to Malta, with finalists from more than 100 countries joining founders, investors, corporates, media, and ecosystem builders for a day of visibility, networking, and opportunity. One of the key moments will be the live announcement of the 13 global winners on the main stage.
- And we’re not done yet. More side events are currently in the works, with additional meetups and networking opportunities expected to take place around the Summit.
Discover Malta
With over 7,000 years of history and influences from major civilisations, Malta is a cultural mosaic where the past meets the present. From ancient temples to charming fishing villages and crystal-clear lagoons, the island has something for everyone.
Our friends from SIT (Special Interest Travel), a highly motivated, multinational team with over 40 years of experience in creating fantastic experiences in Malta, shared with us their top recommendations for things to do and places to visit:
Valletta: The capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is brimming with historic charm, Baroque architecture, and stunning views. Don’t miss St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s famous works, or the panoramic views from Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Insider tip: Underneath Valletta’s streets lies a hidden world of tunnels, wartime shelters, and ancient underground spaces—some of which you can explore through guided tours.Mdina: Known as the Silent City, this walled town was Malta’s old capital and offers breathtaking views from its hilltop perch. Enjoy its peaceful alleys, rich history, and a slice of cake from the beloved Fontanella Tea Garden.
The Three Cities: Take a boat from Valletta and explore Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua. These historic ports offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime legacy and are best explored on foot or by electric buggy.
Marsaxlokk & the South: Famous for its colourful fishing boats and Sunday market, Marsaxlokk is the ideal spot for fresh seafood. While you’re nearby, make time for the Blue Grotto and Ħaġar Qim Temples—structures older than the pyramids!
Gozo & Comino: Venture to Malta’s sister islands for a taste of tranquillity. Gozo is lush and hilly, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon is perfect for a swim in turquoise waters. Ferries leave Valletta and the northern coast regularly.
If you’re looking for a tailored experience or a private group trip for your team, SIT offers a range of options for EU-Startups Summit attendees who want to explore Malta beyond the event. You can find more details about their tours here!
OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.
M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.
The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vendor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2026/04/2026-summit-after-hours-side-events-hidden-gems-and-local-highlights/
