The Journey of EMERGE:
The Journey of EMERGE:
A Note from shareholder of EMERGE conference Anna Sholina
A Note from shareholder of EMERGE conference Anna Sholina
5 MIN READ, JULY 30, 2024
5 MIN READ, JULY 30, 2024
Ever wondered how EMERGE became one of the hottest tech conferences linking Eastern Europe with the global scene? Here’s a personal insight from Anna Sholina about the journey of EMERGE over the years.
🚀 The First EMERGE Event
Back when we were deep in London’s startup scene, we saw the need for a flagship event to connect Eastern Europe with the world. In 2017, we chose Minsk as our launchpad. It was a crazy and bold idea — we found an old, unused factory, transformed it, and it worked!
Back when we were deep in London’s startup scene, we saw the need for a flagship event to connect Eastern Europe with the world. In 2017, we chose Minsk as our launchpad. It was a crazy and bold idea — we found an old, unused factory, transformed it, and it worked!
💡 A Memorable Moment from the First Conference:
We had about 1500 participants, with more than half from other countries. The first startups received €10,000, and one Belarusian startup, Skinive AI, detected a cancerous mole on a participant, potentially saving human life.
We had about 1500 participants, with more than half from other countries. The first startups received €10,000, and one Belarusian startup, Skinive AI, detected a cancerous mole on a participant, potentially saving human life.
⚡️ The Most Unexpected and Inspiring Result:
At our first conference, a 21-year-old participant secured multi-million dollar investments. I was blown away that someone so young could achieve such a feat! It was incredible to witness that startup dreams could really come true.
At our first conference, a 21-year-old participant secured multi-million dollar investments. I was blown away that someone so young could achieve such a feat! It was incredible to witness that startup dreams could really come true.
🌐 Time to grow:
During COVID, we switched to online events, dreaming of getting back to the real deal. But it wasn’t a walk in the park. Given the challenges in our region, we decided to relocate from Minsk to continue our growth. We’ve hit up Dubai, Turkey, and online all over the globe, and now we're pumped to be back in Yerevan for round two. It instantly felt like our spot, right at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
During COVID, we switched to online events, dreaming of getting back to the real deal. But it wasn’t a walk in the park. Given the challenges in our region, we decided to relocate from Minsk to continue our growth. We’ve hit up Dubai, Turkey, and online all over the globe, and now we're pumped to be back in Yerevan for round two. It instantly felt like our spot, right at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
📈 Growing Numbers:
Year after year, the number of participants kept growing. Out of over 20,000 people in 7 years, more than 1,500 have been back 3 times or more—clearly, EMERGE is a hit! We even made waves in the MENA region, throwing back-to-back bashes in Istanbul and Dubai in 2023. Oh, and we’ve raked in over $40 million in investments. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s only gotten sweeter.
Year after year, the number of participants kept growing. Out of over 20,000 people in 7 years, more than 1,500 have been back 3 times or more—clearly, EMERGE is a hit! We even made waves in the MENA region, throwing back-to-back bashes in Istanbul and Dubai in 2023. Oh, and we’ve raked in over $40 million in investments. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s only gotten sweeter.
🤝 Connections and Impact:
In just 7 years, EMERGE has sparked countless deals and even brought families together! That's right, people have met their business partners and life partners at our events. It’s been a hotspot for strong friendships and lasting connections. Every person you meet here could be a game-changer.
In just 7 years, EMERGE has sparked countless deals and even brought families together! That's right, people have met their business partners and life partners at our events. It’s been a hotspot for strong friendships and lasting connections. Every person you meet here could be a game-changer.
EMERGE has been a wild ride, and I’m so proud of how far we've come. I hope it keeps growing and connecting people from all over the globe.
EMERGE IS NOT EMERGE WITHOUT YOU
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