Web Summit is returning to Vancouver May 11–14, and organizers have announced the first 20 speakers set to take the stage, offering an early look at the calibre and scope of conversations planned for this year’s event.
The initial lineup brings together globally recognized founders, senior operators, venture investors, and leading voices from business and technology media, reflecting Web Summit’s role as a meeting point for people building, financing, and shaping the future of technology.
Founders and operators building at scale
The first speaker announcement features founders and executives behind some of the world’s most influential technology companies, spanning fintech, AI, infrastructure, and enterprise software. Among those confirmed:
Max Levchin, founder and CEO of Affirm, one of the most impactful fintech companies of the past decade
Jesse Zhang, co-founder and CEO, Decagon AI, representing the next generation of applied AI companies
Avery Pennarun, co-founder and CEO of Tailscale, known for its product-led growth and global developer adoption
Nikola Mrkšić, co-founder and CEO of PolyAI, a leader in enterprise conversational AI
Brad Menezes, CEO and co-founder of Superblocks
Investors, marketers, and media leaders shaping the conversation
The lineup also includes influential investors and editorial leaders who help define how technology is funded, governed, and understood worldwide. Confirmed speakers include:
Edith Yeung, general partner at Race Capital
Salil Deshpande, managing partner at Uncorrelated Ventures
Amy Bernstein, editor-in-chief of Harvard Business Review
Lauren Goode, senior correspondent at Wired
Dara Kerr, tech reporter at The Guardian
Harry McCracken, technology editor at Fast Company
A global stage, hosted in Vancouver
Last year, the event reportedly brought together upwards of 15,000 founders, investors, operators, and media leaders to the city for four days of conversations, networking, and deal-making. This year, Web Summit runs May 11–14.