KoreaTechDesk is thrilled to announce its upcoming Virtual Demo Day on April 24, 2025, a dynamic platform for promising Asian startups to pitch, connect, and unlock global opportunities. This edition is particularly special, as we welcome Matej Rus, one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most influential startup ecosystem builders, as our Lead Mentor.

Matej Rus brings with him over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship development, innovation strategy, and ecosystem building across Europe. As the Co-founder of Venture Factory, the driving force behind Podim Conference—CEE’s leading startup event—and Start:up Slovenija, he has supported hundreds of startups and helped shape Slovenia’s startup landscape into a vibrant, internationally connected hub.

Why This Matters for Startups Attending Virtual Demo Day

Matej will not only mentor the selected startups, but also share invaluable insights about accessing European markets through Slovenia, a rapidly growing gateway to the EU. His session will spotlight the Podim Conference, a highly curated startup-investor-corporate event held annually in Maribor, Slovenia.

Startups participating in the Demo Day will gain:

• A chance to pitch directly to Matej Rus
• Mentorship from a top-tier European expert
• Insights into applying for Podim 2025
• Opportunities to connect with the broader European startup ecosystem

About Podim Conference: One of Europe's Hidden Gems

Founded in 2001 by Venture Factory, Podim has become one of Europe’s most influential tech and startup conferences for CEE-based and international founders. Known for its tight curation and high-quality networking, the conference hosts:

• 200+ selected startups
• 100+ regional and global investors
• 200+ corporate leaders
• And dozens of ecosystem stakeholders

“Podim is more than a conference – it’s a gateway for startup founders to gain international visibility, meet investors who are ready to listen, and engage in meaningful, results-driven conversations,” says Matej Rus.

Why Korea-Europe Collaboration Matters Now More Than Ever

The upcoming KoreaTechDesk Demo Day is not just a pitch event—it’s a bridge between Asia and Europe, unlocking a new set of opportunities for Korean and Southeast Asian startups. With increasing collaboration across regions and rising interest from European investors in Asian innovation, participating in such programs can be a strategic move for early-stage founders looking to scale internationally.

How to Join

Startups interested in presenting on Demo Day or attending the session with Matej Rus can register here:

REGISTRATION LINK: https://lu.ma/KTDApril25 

Spots are limited, and the selection process is already underway.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a globally respected mentor, learn from his experience, and get a firsthand introduction to one of Europe’s most effective startup platforms. Demo Day on April 24 could be your first step toward pitching at Podim 2025—and going global.

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