BUILD YOUR NETWORK WITH THESE BERLIN STARTUP MEETUPS
If you’re a startup founder looking to build or even expand your professional network in Berlin, one of the best ways to do this is by joining related meetup groups. It’s great to meet like-minded people, listen to expert talks, get feedback on your ideas, and more.
As Berlin is said to be the Silicon Valley of Europe, there are plenty of local meetups for new and even aspirational founders.
While Berlin startup meetups are excellent for face-to-face networking, many founders are also building connections on LinkUsUp, a professional networking platform created specifically for professionals in Germany. It’s like LinkedIn, but designed for the way people actually want to network: authentically, without algorithm games, and with a focus on the German startup community. Join today.
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BEST BERLIN STARTUP MEETUPS
Unfortunately, Meetup tends to be overpopulated with various groups that haven’t hosted an event in years, so browsing through the site or app often results in immense frustration. We’ve done the painful work for you and put this list together of what we consider to be the best Berlin startup meetups.
The TL;DR: Berlin Startup Meetups
What this guide covers: The best active startup meetups in Berlin for founders, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs to network, learn, validate ideas, and connect with investors.
Why attend Berlin startup meetups:
⭐ Meet co-founders, advisors, mentors, and potential team members
⭐ Get feedback on business ideas before investing time and money
⭐ Connect with investors and VCs in casual, relationship-building settings
⭐ Build long-term professional relationships in Berlin’s startup ecosystem
Best meetups for different needs:
⭐ First-time founders: Berlin Startup Founder 101 (12k+ members), Berlin Startup School
⭐ Idea validation: Christoph’s Feedback (pitch ideas without formal deck)
⭐ Solo entrepreneurs: Solopreneurs Lab Berlin (validation, user acquisition, recurring revenue)
⭐ Investor connections: Startup Founders & Investors MasterMinds Networking Berlin
⭐ Casual networking: Pioneer Pints (monthly Wednesday craft beer), Founders Running Club
⭐ Established community: Silicon Allee Events (classic Berlin meetup running for years)
⭐ Young founders: Young Entrepreneurs Berlin (25-ish age group, quality connections)
⭐ Academic founders: Startup Incubator Berlin (HWR affiliated or Berlin residents with academic background)
Practical tips:
⭐ Most meetups are free or €5-10 for venue/refreshments
⭐ English is primary language—Berlin’s startup scene is highly international
⭐ Prepare 30-second introduction about yourself and your project
⭐ Attend same groups regularly (3+ months) for deeper relationships
⭐ Follow up within 48 hours after meeting someone
Bottom line: Berlin startup meetups are the fastest way to build your network and validate ideas. Attend 3-4 groups initially to find your fit, then commit to 2-3 regularly. Pair in-person networking with LinkUsUp to maintain connections year-round.
1) Berlin Startup Founder 101
With more than 12,000 members, Berlin Startup Founder 101 hosts meetups for new and experienced tech founders to gather and collaborate on how to elevate Berlin’s startup scene. Attend one of their events to connect with others in the community, take part in educational workshops, exchange ideas, and more.
2) Berlin Startup: Idea to IPO
Berlin Startup: Idea to IPO is a community of entrepreneurs, developers, educators, investors, content creators, and more. Their goal is to provide their community with knowledge, guidance, tools, and network connections that will help with succeeding with their startup goals.
3) Berlin Startup School
If you’re a startup founder or someone thinking about launching a new business venture and seeking a community of like-minded people who share a similar mindset, attend one of Berlin Startup School’s meetups.
4) Christoph’s Feedback: Can your business idea make it?
This meetup group sets itself apart from others, as they host events where startup founders can pitch their ideas and receive feedback about whether or not it’s even worth pursuing in the first place and if it is, suggestions about how to change your approach. For this meetup, there is no need to come with a slide deck or elevator pitch. Just come prepared and open to receiving constructive feedback.
5) Founders Running Club :: Berlin
Instead of pitching your ideas to strangers inside a WeWork meeting room or some other co-working space in Berlin, why not go running with fellow founders, investors, tech and creative people, and other startup enthusiasts? Get fit and build up your professional network in Berlin at the same time.
6) OpenCircle | Berlin
Join a community of entrepreurs who are new to Berlin and share common interests. Events types run the gamut of online events, rooftop drinks, dining out, and more. Some of their early 2026 events include a Founders Chat where you can meet with other founders to validate your ideas and another on building and scaling through no-code AI.
7) Pioneer Pints
This monthly meetup takes place on Wednesdays, giving you to the perfect excuse to throw back some craft beer mid-week. Pioneer Pints is another one of the better Berlin startup meetings. Come to spend time with other founders and enterpreneurs in a chilled out, casual setting.
🍻 Don’t miss out on our guide to the best craft beer bars in Berlin.
8) Silicon Allee Events
Silicon Alle Events is one of the the quintessentially classic Berlin startup meetups. Their meetups having been taking place for ages. Join one of their monthly sessions to meet other cool people working in tech, including many startup founders and early employees.
9) Solopreneurs Lab Berlin
Join a global movement by attending a meetup with Solopreneurs Lab in Berlin. The community is suitable for solo entrepreneurs trying to turn ideas into reality. They focus leaninng how to attrach new users, quickly validate prototypes, balance tech/business tradeoffs, and build recurring revenue streams. Events include FuckUp nights and product courts.
10) Startups.Berlin
The Startups.Berlin meetup is for anyone who is interested in startups and provides a chance for founders to network and tap into the local startup community. This meetup is run by Entrepreneurs Club Berlin, a non-profit seeking to create a “vibrant entrepreneurial culture in Berlin”. Their meetups address topics like creating a pitch deck, investor relations, and more.
11) Startup Commons DE
Startup Commons is a nonprofit that has a yearly event in Amsterdam and Berlin, giving various players in the startup scene a chance to meet in person. This meetup group helps to support connections and networking in between events, hosting many educational online workshops on topics like investor readiness, pitch decks, and finance.
12) Startup Founders & Investors MasterMinds Networking Berlin
Although a mouthful, Startup Founders & Investors MasterMinds Networking Berlin runs meetups in Berlin that can help new startup founders in a number of areas, like raising money, pitching to investors, product development, and more. Join their events to learn, network, and take your business to the next level.
13) Startup Incubator Berlin
HWR’s (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht) Startup Incubator Berlin, offers a space for academic startup teams to pitch ideas, get feedback on business models, work and iterate on prototypes, exchange ideas, and more. They’re open to students and graduates of HWR, as well as Berlin residents with an academic background. As they host regular events, you can follow their meetup group to stay updated.
14) Young Entrepreneurs Berlin (YEB)
Meet likeminded people at a similar stage in life, highly motivated individuals who want to build something cool. YEB intentionally fosterers long-term quality connections, whether they be business associates or friends. People around age 25-ish are especially welcome (it’s in the name), but of course anyone is welcome to join.
FAQ
Commonly asked questions about Berlin startup meetups.
What are the best Berlin startup meetups for first-time founders?
Berlin Startup Founder 101 and Berlin Startup School are excellent choices for first-time founders because they cater to people at all experience levels. These groups host regular events focused on foundational topics like validating ideas, building MVPs, and connecting with mentors. If you want direct feedback on your business concept, Christoph’s Feedback meetup is particularly valuable as it provides constructive criticism in a supportive environment without requiring formal pitches.
How often do Berlin startup meetups typically happen?
Most Berlin startup meetups happen monthly, though frequency varies by group. Popular meetups like Silicon Allee Events and Pioneer Pints host monthly sessions on consistent days, making it easy to plan ahead. Some groups like OpenCircle host multiple events per month with different formats, while others like Startup Commons DE focus on quarterly events supplemented by online workshops. Check each group’s Meetup page or website for their current schedule.
Do I need to be a German speaker to attend startup meetups in Berlin?
No, most Berlin startup meetups are conducted in English since the city’s startup scene is highly international. Groups like Silicon Allee Events, Pioneer Pints, and Berlin Startup Founder 101 primarily use English and attract founders from all over the world. However, some networking happens in German naturally, so learning basic German can help you connect more deeply with local entrepreneurs and investors.
Are Berlin startup meetups suitable for solo entrepreneurs and solopreneurs?
Yes, several meetups specifically cater to solo entrepreneurs. Solopreneurs Lab Berlin focuses exclusively on solo founders learning to validate ideas, attract users, and build recurring revenue without a co-founder. Young Entrepreneurs Berlin and OpenCircle also welcome solopreneurs looking to build connections and potentially find collaborators. Even general founder meetups welcome solo entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
Can I attend startup meetups if I only have an idea and haven't launched yet?
Absolutely. Many meetups welcome aspiring founders who are still in the idea stage. Christoph’s Feedback specifically encourages people to pitch early-stage concepts for constructive criticism. Berlin Startup School and Berlin Startup: Idea to IPO both cater to founders at all stages, from ideation through scaling. These events are perfect for validating your concept, finding potential co-founders, and learning from others who’ve been through the process.
What's the typical cost to attend Berlin startup meetups?
Most Berlin startup meetups are free to attend, though some may request a small contribution for venue costs or refreshments, typically €5-10. Groups like Pioneer Pints at bars expect attendees to buy their own drinks. Premium workshops or specialized events by groups like Startup Commons DE might charge higher fees for structured programming. Always check the event listing for specific costs before registering.
How can I get the most value from attending startup meetups in Berlin?
Come prepared with a clear introduction about yourself and your project in 30 seconds or less. Set specific goals for each event, whether it’s finding a technical co-founder, getting feedback on your pricing model, or meeting potential investors. Follow up with people you meet within 48 hours via LinkedIn or email. Attend the same meetups regularly to build deeper relationships rather than constantly switching groups. Most importantly, contribute value by offering help, introductions, or expertise to others.
Are investors and VCs active in Berlin startup meetups?
Yes, several meetups attract active investors, particularly Startup Founders & Investors MasterMinds Networking Berlin, which explicitly brings together founders and investors. Silicon Allee Events and Berlin Startup: Idea to IPO also regularly include investors in their networks. However, these meetups are primarily for relationship-building rather than direct pitching. Focus on genuine connections and learning rather than immediately seeking funding.
Can non-technical founders find technical co-founders at these meetups?
Yes, meetups are one of the best places to find technical co-founders in Berlin. Silicon Allee Events and Berlin Startup Founder 101 attract many developers and technical people interested in joining startups. Be clear about what you’re looking for, demonstrate your commitment through traction or validation work, and show you’re bringing valuable skills beyond just the idea. Building trust takes time, so attend regularly and contribute to the community first.
What's the difference between academic and open startup meetups in Berlin?
Academic meetups like Startup Incubator Berlin require affiliation with specific universities (like HWR Berlin) or an academic background. They focus on supporting student and graduate founder teams with resources like pitch training and prototype development. Open meetups like Berlin Startup Founder 101 and Pioneer Pints welcome anyone regardless of educational background. Academic meetups often provide more structured support, while open meetups offer broader networking opportunities.
How do I choose which Berlin startup meetups to attend regularly?
Start by attending 3-4 different groups to find the best fit for your stage and needs. Consider factors like event format (structured workshops vs. casual networking), attendee profiles (technical vs. business-focused), size (intimate groups vs. large gatherings), and timing (evening vs. daytime, weekday vs. weekend). Commit to 2-3 groups that align with your goals and attend consistently for at least 3 months to build meaningful relationships.
Are there startup meetups focused on specific industries in Berlin?
While this guide covers general Berlin startup meetups, the city also hosts industry-specific groups for climate tech, fintech, health tech, and other sectors. Check Meetup.com and Eventbrite for specialized communities. Many general meetups like Berlin Startup: Idea to IPO include founders from diverse industries, so you’ll still find relevant connections even at broad networking events.
Attend one of these Berlin startup meetups to start building up your network and forging connections with like-minded people in the city. If you wish to recommend a Berlin startup meetup, drop a comment below or get in touch.
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Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life
Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.
A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic and again in 2023, during Germany’s recession and massive layoffs in tech.
My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.
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