For over a decade, massive startup conferences have promised scale, spotlight, and success. From Lisbon to San Francisco, founders have raced to stages with pitch decks in hand, hoping for the right handshake, the right investor, the right moment. Investors, in turn, have scanned hundreds of pitches in crowded halls, chasing the next unicorn. But across the ecosystem, something is shifting. Founders want real conversations, not rushed pitches. Investors care more about quality than quantity. More and more, people are looking for smaller events where they can connect and talk openly because they are more human.
From big conference halls to a small village
TechVillage is a three-day business event where 50 selected startups and 50 investors meet not in a conference hall, but in an open-air village nestled among hills and vineyards. It’s not business as usual: no stages, no suits, no panels – just a new way to connect, with fireside chats that turn into strategic discussions, one-on-one meetings under the trees, and shared meals featuring local food and wine.
And it’s working.
The last edition brought together more than 30 startups from Eastern Europe and 20 investors and VCs from 12 countries, creating a dynamic platform for meaningful, long-term partnerships. Attendees of TechVillage 2024 included: Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, Business Angels Moldova, Science & Technology Angels Network (STAN), Katalista Ventures, .Contriber Ventures, N1 Ventures, Tensor Ventures, Vitosha Venture Partners, Startup Wise Guys, LAUNCHUB VC, Sparking Capital, Impact X Ventures, Vintage Investment Partners, Transylvania Angels Network.
The standard for performance is as high, the atmosphere is different
TechVillage is part of a broader trend that’s redefining how innovation communities come together. As the global startup scene matures, many leaders are moving away from quantity and toward quality-driven, human-first formats.
“TechVillage was a great experience for connecting with innovative startups and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. The energy and quality of startups were impressive, making it a must-attend for investors seeking fresh opportunities,” said Jaroslav Trojan from N1 Ventures, an investor who attended last edition.
The trust and close connections are particularly vital in emerging markets like Eastern Europe, where startup ecosystems are growing fast, yet need strong cross-border relationships and support networks.
Why Moldova?
Moldova might not be the first place that comes to mind for startups and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. It’s not trying to be the next Silicon Valley. It’s carving its own path, with bold ideas and big plans for the future. It’s a small country that for 3 days will gather together participants from the EU, Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership – same international feeling but in a small village.
What’s next?
TechVillage returns this September for its 4th edition, bringing together another carefully selected group of founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. The format remains intentionally simple: 3 days, 100 people, and no distractions. Just time, trust, and honest dialogue.
The event’s agenda combines startup pitches, mentorship sessions, and curated 1:1 meetings with a carefully designed cultural experience rooted in Moldova’s heritage. This event is about creating the right setting for focused conversations and strategic deal-making. In a fast-pacing world, TechVillage offers a reset and maybe even a new model for how startup events everywhere could evolve.
Applications are now open at techvillage.md. Apply until August 15.
This event is for founders and investors who care more about quality. It might just be the event you didn’t know you needed.
TechVillage is organised by XY Partners, with support from the EU4Innovation East project, funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government and implemented by Expertise France; in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, the Swiss Government through Helvetas, and the Innovate Moldova Programme funded by Sweden.
