Founders Fest 2026
For the people building what comes next. Challenge your thinking, meet people who understand your ambition and celebrate how far you've come.
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One day in a baroque palace, from first talk to last music beat
20+ industries in one room
300+ people at the last edition
// WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY CELEBRATING?
Not just the wins. The decisions, the doubts, the experiments, the people and the work behind them.
Our focus for 2026: how we define success shapes how we lead, and how we lead shapes what we build with AI
Founders Fest // Edition 3
CULTURE OF ACHIEVEMENT
What success means, what it costs, and what we’d change about the way we chase it.
LEADERSHIP
The decisions, teams and responsibilities behind real progress.
AI & WHAT’S NEXT
How technology is changing the way we work, create and lead.
// PROGRAM OVERVIEW // 13.11
12:00
12:00
DOORS OPEN
13:00-18:00
13:00-18:00
THE STAGE // Keynotes & Panel Talks
Detailed timetable TBA, find first speakers below
13:00-20:00
13:00-20:00
BRAND FAIR //
14:30 – 16:00
14:30 – 16:00
WORKSHOPS //
18:00
18:00
SURPRISE ACT //
18:00-23:00
18:00-23:00
PALAIS AFTERPARTY //
// FIRST SPEAKERS
"The Hotel Company That Doesn't Make Sense"
Christian Lainer
// Co-founder and managing director of Companion Hospitality
// Co-founder and managing director of Companion Hospitality
"The MAD ART Method: Art as Business Strategy"
Tasha Schwartz
// Founder of MAD ART Agency
// Founder of MAD ART Agency
"Not Self-Made: Born Lucky, Now What?"
Philipp Grünbacher
// CEO of the Mozart Event Group
// CEO of the Mozart Event Group
"Beyond Borders: What It Takes to Succeed Internationally"
Reanne Leuning
// Director Creative Industries at ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, WKO
// Director Creative Industries at ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, WKO
"AI Can Create Anything. But Who's Telling the Story?"
Bardh Sokoli & Paul Geipel
// Co-founders of Prompt & Söhne
// Co-founders of Prompt & Söhne
"Stay Yourself, Grow Your Network"
Gabriel Alexander Zenz
// CEO and co-founder of Wayvisory GmbH
// CEO and co-founder of Wayvisory GmbH
"When will the next win be enough? Measuring success as an international founder"
Livia Araujo
// Founder of Clarae Institute
// Founder of Clarae Institute
VENUE // PALAIS AUERSPERG
Built in 1710, Palais Auersperg once hosted court celebrations and composers like Mozart and Beethoven beneath its gilded ceilings.
For generations, this is where Vienna came to meet — to make introductions, to argue, to be seen. The halls still carry it, in every corner and every chandelier.
For one day, they fill again. Twenty industries in rooms built for conversation. Talks by day, bass through the walls by night.
Same halls. A new generation. November 13.
For generations, this is where Vienna came to meet — to make introductions, to argue, to be seen. The halls still carry it, in every corner and every chandelier.
For one day, they fill again. Twenty industries in rooms built for conversation. Talks by day, bass through the walls by night.
Same halls. A new generation. November 13.
// FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Your day at the Palais Auersperg
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THE STAGE
Real founders, honest conversations and perspectives you won't get from another motivational talk.
THE BRAND FAIR
Brands worth discovering, with things to try and experience between the talks.
THE CELEBRATION
House music, drinks and dancing inside Palais Auersperg. Because the afterparty matters just as much as the keynote.
THE BRAND FAIR
Brands worth discovering, with things to try and experience between the talks.
Be the first to know
Founders Fest returns to Vienna for its 3rd edition on November 13th. Join our newsletter for event news, ticket releases, partner offers and industry insights.
// FAQs
The full day: talks, brand fair, food & drink areas, plus the networking afterparty.
VIP includes everything in the festival pass, plus the VIP room with speakers and partners, as well as catering and drinks inside the room.
Yes. Write to hello@foundersfest.eu and we’ll send the partner options.
Yes. Write to hello@foundersfest.eu for a special corporate offer.
Yes. The afterparty-only ticket is €23 and gets you the evening: DJ acts, bar & food area, and the room filled with ambitious people. It doesn’t include the day programme.
You can cancel up to 10 days before the event — until 3 November — for a full refund. Just write to hello@foundersfest.eu. After that, tickets aren’t refundable, but you can transfer yours to someone else. Write to us and we’ll change the name.
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