IT Strategy Insights & Tips - Bits&Pretzels Edition

Ever thought about mixing AI with pretzels and venture capital with beer? Welcome to Bits&Pretzels, a world where Oktoberfest meets tech innovation!

Imagine 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders packed under one roof — well, technically under a massive Bavarian tent — where the scent of freshly baked pretzels mingles with the future of artificial intelligence. 

From September 29 to October 1, I loved being part of this learning, networking, and entrepreneurship experience at one of the most exciting tech events in Europe.

Here’s a little snippet of what happened during my visit, sprinkled with insights, an AI discussion, and, yes, lots of lederhosen.

CXO Summit: Where AI Meets Action

The heart of this year’s event was the CXO Summit where C-level executives gathered to discuss one of the hottest topics today: AI in Action. 

The theme for 2024 was clear: AI isn’t just knocking on the door anymore; it’s kicked it down and made itself at home.

The acceleration of AI technology is revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed, and the discussions went deep into real-world opportunities for enterprise-level companies.

One of the most fascinating sessions at the CXO Summit explored AI beyond the hype, showcasing proven use cases that are transforming industries today. From automated customer service solutions to AI-driven insights in healthcare, it’s clear that AI is no longer just a tech buzzword — it’s a business necessity.

We also dove into AI governance and the European AI Act. 

This is a critical topic, as regulations will shape the future of AI development and application, especially in Europe. There was a particularly heated debate around whether companies should build their own AI solutions or buy existing ones (Make or Buy?). And while there was no one-size-fits-all answer, one takeaway was clear: aligning AI investments with long-term strategy is key to staying competitive.

The Startup Exhibition: A Playground of Innovation

After the discussions, I ventured into the Startup Exhibition, one of Bits & Pretzels core elements. 

Over 1,000 startups were showcasing their brilliance in fields ranging from AI and Fintech to ClimateTech and HealthTech.

The sheer diversity and creativity on display blew me away. 

Startups weren’t just pitching products — they were showcasing the future. Companies were leveraging AI to predict climate patterns, others developing health-monitoring wearables, and plenty in between.

It was a smorgasbord of innovation, and if I had to sum it up: the future looks bright. And it’s also wearing a startup hoodie!

Here’s a list of the standout startups that caught my attention during the event:

OKAPI:Orbits offers AI-based platforms for Space Traffic Management, optimizing mission safety and regulatory compliance from planning to disposal for secure space operations.

SweGreen – Swegreen’s Farming as a Service model provides AI-driven on-site farming for retailers and restaurants, allowing them to grow fresh greens sustainably without upfront costs.

MimerAI – MimerAI’s secure, no-code AI platform empowers businesses with tailored AI solutions that keep data private, offering plug-and-play tools for enterprise automation and access control.

Bloomflow – Bloomflow is an innovation platform unifying enterprise activities, from idea collection to partner management, breaking down silos for streamlined collaboration and project oversight.

Fleet – Fleet’s all-in-one IT management platform simplifies device acquisition, security, and renewal, offering flexible leasing for easy, efficient asset management and reduced IT burden.

greenable – Greenable’s platform helps companies calculate and share their product CO₂ footprints, promoting transparency and efficiency in emissions management across supply chains.

Jaroslaw Kutylowski Speech

One highlight was the segment featuring Jaroslaw (Jarek) Kutylowski CEO of DeepL , the European AI language startup that raised $300M earlier this year. Jarek’s insights during his chat with Katharina Wilhelm from Index Ventures were illuminating. 

The focus? How trust and security have been the cornerstone of DeepL's success. It's a timely reminder that in the race to develop AI, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness is just as important as innovation itself.

AI, Fashion, and Solo Investors? Why Not!

Bits & Pretzels isn’t a typical tech conference. The Solo GP Pitch was a session, highlighting independent investors, or "solo general partners," who are shaking up the venture capital world with fresh perspectives and agility. 

Dr. Andre Retterath from Earlybird Venture Capital led a lively discussion on this trend, capturing the crowd's attention.

A memorable moment came from Noa Khamallah of Don’t Quit Ventures, who brought a fashion-forward approach to AI-focused investments. His blend of tech innovation, progressive capitalism, and even fashion made quite an impression.

Oktoberfest: Where Deals Are Made Over Beer

Let’s be honest—there’s no other tech conference quite like Bits & Pretzels. Where else can you negotiate a deal over a beer stein in a traditional Bavarian tent? Schottenhamel Tent, to be exact, where the fusion of business and Bavarian culture took networking to a whole new level.

Bits & Pretzels 2024 wasn’t just about attending panels and networking over beer; it was about real connections, real insights, and real innovation. Whether it was AI governance, deep-tech use cases, or emerging tech ecosystems, the event delivered dynamic discussions and fresh perspectives.

To the organizers: a huge thank you! Bits & Pretzels is more than just a tech event—it’s a community, and I’m already counting down the days until the next edition.

Prost to innovation!