Visiting Lisbon for Web Summit 2025 was an experience I had been looking forward to for a long time. Although this was my first time attending the event, I had heard countless stories about how massive, energetic, and transformative it could be for professionals in the tech and digital industries. Stepping inside the venue for the first time, I instantly understood why Web Summit is ranked as one of the world’s largest and most influential tech conferences. With thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and a buzzing atmosphere filled with possibilities, it felt like the perfect place to learn, network, discover, and grow.
This trip became even more special because I had the opportunity to meet people I have worked with for over a decade. It brought together both personal and professional emotions, making the experience memorable on many levels.
Reconnecting with the Remax Star Team After 11–12 Years
One of the biggest highlights of my visit was meeting the Remax Star Team in person — something that had been pending for 11–12 years. Working remotely for more than a decade creates a strong bond, yet meeting face-to-face has a different charm. Finally standing with the people behind long projects, late-night discussions, and countless emails felt emotional, satisfying, and surreal at the same time.
Meeting Waqar Shahi, Adil Saleem, Ikram Ashraf, Rizwan Ashraf, and Shoaib was truly a proud moment. All these years of collaboration have built trust and chemistry that only grows stronger with time. Talking to them in person gave a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper connection that no virtual meeting can replace.
This reunion alone made Web Summit 2025 worth attending.
My First-Ever Web Summit: A Fresh Perspective
Although I have been in digital marketing, website development, SEO, GMB optimization, and tech-related services for many years, attending the Web Summit for the first time provided a new kind of exposure. Being there physically gives you a clearer idea of the scale and depth of this global event.
From the moment I entered, the energy was electrifying — professionals from more than 160 countries, founders pitching ideas, investors scouting the next big thing, and tech enthusiasts sharing knowledge and insights. Every corner had something happening: panel discussions, product demos, podcast recordings, startup showcases, and endless networking opportunities.
Observing how things actually work inside such a giant event was fascinating. You get to see behind the scenes — how startups introduce themselves, how investors think, how founders communicate ideas, and how brands present their innovations. It was a real-time learning experience that no online article or video can deliver.
Powerful Meetups & the India Meetup Experience on 12th November
Web Summit is not just about the main sessions — some of the best interactions happen during meetups. I attended multiple meetups throughout my stay, but the India Meetup on 12 November stood out as one of the best experiences during the entire conference.
The atmosphere was lively and full of energy. I met several agency owners, marketers, founders, and professionals working in different areas of digital services. Conversations flowed naturally because everyone shared a similar mindset — learning, collaborating, and exploring new opportunities.
We discussed the current challenges in the agency world, evolving marketing strategies, tools we all use, and how global markets are shifting. Exchanging experiences with people from different regions of India (and even Indians working internationally) created a positive and supportive environment.
The India Meetup felt like a little professional home inside a global event.
Connecting With Founders: Real Stories, Real Struggles, Real Inspiration
Another enriching part of Web Summit 2025 was meeting founders and teams from different companies. I had meaningful conversations with:
- ListingPro
- Watermelon Tecnologia
- ThoughtWorks
- Conovo LTD
- Staaake
- Swonkie
Talking to founders is always eye-opening because they speak from real experience — not theory. Each person shared their story, including the challenges they faced, how their idea started, what changed their path, and what kept them motivated. These are the kind of stories that don’t always appear on websites or social media but are the backbone of every successful product.
What impressed me the most was their honesty. They shared the struggles of:
- Hiring the right people
- Scaling their product
- Surviving competition
- Dealing with financial pressure
- Building trust with users
- Constantly improving technology
Listening to them made me realize that every successful founder has fought their own battles. Success does not come overnight — it comes through persistence, patience, experiments, failures, and continuous learning.
I walked away with valuable insights that I can apply in my own work and pass on to my clients:
be consistent, be flexible, and never stop improving your idea.
Exploring Lisbon: Culture, People, and… Pastel de Nata
A trip to Portugal is incomplete without enjoying local food — especially their famous Pastel de Nata. I finally tried NATA for the first time, and it lived up to its reputation. The crispy pastry, creamy filling, and just the right amount of sweetness made it the perfect snack during long event days.
Beyond the food, Lisbon itself is beautiful — historic buildings, modern architecture, and stunning views everywhere. Even though it was raining, the city still felt refreshing. The weather was calm and pleasant. More importantly, the people were extremely polite, warm, and helpful, which added to the overall positive vibe of the trip.
Whether at the summit, in restaurants, or simply walking in the city, the friendliness of the Portuguese people made every moment comfortable.
My Biggest Takeaways From Web Summit 2025
Every day at the summit gave me more clarity and more motivation. But if I had to summarise my biggest lessons:
1. Every founder has their own journey.
Their paths are different, but the common thread is consistency and determination.
2. Networking opens doors you never expect.
A simple conversation can turn into a long-term partnership.
3. Technology is evolving faster than ever.
AI, automation, platform ecosystems, and data-driven solutions are reshaping industries.
4. Exposure matters.
Seeing global-level ideas and execution helps you upgrade your mindset and approach.
5. Lisbon is an excellent city for hosting global events.
The environment, culture, and people make the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.
Why I Would Recommend Web Summit to Others
If you are a founder, marketer, developer, designer, SEO expert, agency owner, or even someone exploring the tech world, Web Summit is worth attending at least once. It gives you:
- A global perspective
- A chance to meet people you might never meet otherwise
- Fresh ideas from different industries
- Direct exposure to the latest tools and trends
- Confidence to aim bigger and think differently
For me, it wasn’t just another conference — it was a well-rounded experience filled with learning, emotions, networking, culture, and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
As “The Hawk Tech” Founder, my trip to Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon was an incredible experience from start to finish. Meeting the Remax Star Team after 11–12 years, connecting with founders from multiple companies, attending inspiring meetups, and exploring the beautiful city made this event unforgettable.
The summit taught me valuable lessons about innovation, consistency, and the human stories behind successful businesses. I returned home with new ideas, stronger connections, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible in the world of digital and technology.
I am already looking forward to attending again — and this time, with even more goals and preparation.
