TechBBQ has become the heartbeat of the startup and innovation ecosystem in Scandinavia. What started as a humble BBQ gathering for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in 2013 has, over the years, evolved into a large-scale summit that now draws attendees from around the world for two days of inspiration, networking, and growth.
In 2024, TechBBQ stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. It was a call to the founders, investors, accelerators, and community players who are willing to think big, take risks, and act as change agents in shaping our future. “One Giant Leap” embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship—a constant leap of faith in something you believe in. It symbolized unity and, more importantly, the transformative impact of collective effort, reminding us that, even though individual steps may seem small, together they amount to significant leaps toward innovation, sustainability, and equity.
Against this backdrop of ambition and urgency, our SnapStack team—CEO Ivan Ivanov and Head of Sales Predrag Kulić—embarked on a two-day marathon of networking and discovery at TechBBQ in Copenhagen.
What did they experience? Here’s a glimpse into their journey.
“Today was tough, our feet hurt like never before!” laughed Ivan Ivanov, describing the intensity of their first day. Despite the clear skies in photos, the reality was different. “It looks sunny, but it’s freezing here! And to top it off, we got caught in a torrential downpour this morning,” Predrag Kulić chimed in. They had initially planned to use Bolt bikes for their commute; however, due to the weather, they were forced to opt for a taxi instead. “We had some funny moments during the ride, and yet I’ll let Ivan share that story,” Predrag teased.
“Predrag mentioned that I had a funny taxi story, so here it is: We got into the taxi, and I asked the driver to take us to TechBBQ. He replied, ‘Guys, it’s too early for barbecue!’” Ivan laughed again.
TECHBBQ, the epicenter of the Scandinavian startup ecosystem, lived up to its reputation. The SnapStack team walked thousands of steps, meeting a diverse mix of IT firms—from startups and consultancy companies to business organizations and automotive players. “We exchanged dozens of contacts and made countless new connections,” said Ivan. “It was exhausting but incredibly rewarding.”
The evening continued at the Czech-Slovak meet-up, organized by Vít Schlesinger. “It was amazing to see so many people from IT, product, marketing, and sales. Some came just because of Vít’s LinkedIn post, even though they’d never met him before!” Ivan recounted.
Vít kicked off the gathering with a unique icebreaker: each attendee introduced themselves, explained their role, shared their added value, and disclosed any challenges they were facing. Predrag, with his signature smile, declared, “Nothing is troubling me, because ‘life is good.’” The informal and spontaneous atmosphere was perfect for deep, meaningful conversations and networking.
Reflecting on the second day, Ivan shared a more nuanced perspective. “After some rest and a bit of distance, I can say that this has been a truly enriching and inspiring experience,” he said. The team connected with a wide range of professionals—from consultants and venture funds to dynamic startup founders. Every interaction was a new opportunity for growth and collaboration.
The weather improved, allowing them to relax in the garden. “We used this quiet corner to take a few calls with our Czech clients. It was a nice way to break up the day,” Predrag said. He couldn’t help but laugh about one quirky detail: “The chairs had heated seats that you could adjust—such a small thing, but really funny and nice!”
Their trip ended with a slight hiccup—a delayed flight at the airport. “Despite the delay, we’re leaving with a great feeling,” Ivan shared. “We’ve made dozens of new, interesting contacts and gathered countless ideas.”
Copenhagen, with its unique charm, stunning architecture, and the ever-present sense of ‘hygge’, left a lasting impression.
“We know for sure that SnapStack will be back at TechBBQ next year,” Ivan concluded, already looking forward to the next opportunity to leap into the heart of innovation.
If you didn’t get a chance to meet them there, save the date for the Web Summit in Lisbon, taking place from November 11-14. Or just reach out to them via LinkedIn.
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