The talk was delivered by Sven Illing, Founder and CEO of iCapital. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience and hundreds of startup events across Europe, the US, and Australia, Sven shared practical lessons from what has worked — and what he has learned the hard way.

Networking starts before the event

One of the strongest messages of the session was that networking success is largely decided before you arrive. Too many founders treat conferences as spontaneous environments, hoping for lucky encounters. In reality, the most effective networkers prepare deliberately.

Preparation starts with choosing the right event. A gaming startup will benefit far more from a focused industry conference than a generic mega-event. At the same time, large conferences still matter for serendipity — exposure to diverse people, unexpected conversations, and opportunities that cannot be planned.

Equally important is defining purpose. Without clarity on who you want to meet and why, it is easy to spend days talking to familiar faces and leave without meaningful progress.

Visibility creates opportunity

Standing out at conferences is not about being loud — it is about being recognisable. Sven highlighted how small signals help people remember you: a distinctive style, clear branding, or a visible role such as speaking or asking thoughtful questions on stage.

Even when speaking slots are unavailable, asking a good question can be just as powerful. It creates visibility, opens the door for follow-up conversations, and provides a natural reason to reconnect later — including online.

Value first, always

The core networking principle Sven returned to repeatedly was simple: think about how you can help others.

One of his earliest networking stories illustrated this clearly — noticing someone who needed internet access and offering help without expecting anything in return. That single interaction later turned into a relationship spanning more than a decade.

You never know who people will become, or who they might introduce you to later.

Approaching networking with curiosity rather than extraction builds trust faster than any pitch. People remember how you made their life easier — not how well you explained your startup.

Mindset during the event

Once at the event, mindset matters more than tactics. Sven encouraged founders to stay relaxed, open, and genuine. Assuming that people want to meet you — rather than worrying about rejection — changes behaviour in subtle but important ways.

At the same time, boldness is required. Many founders stay within their comfort zone, speaking only to co-founders or existing contacts. Real networking progress happens when you approach new people respectfully, without being aggressive.

You have to be bold — but not pushy.

Learning to read situations and people is part of the skill. Overly aggressive pitching, especially in inappropriate contexts, does more harm than good.

Side events are where depth happens

Large conferences are noisy. According to Sven, the most meaningful conversations often happen at side events, dinners, and smaller gatherings where people are more relaxed.

Accessing these events requires effort: early registration, asking for introductions, or leveraging existing contacts. Founders who are well-connected often act as gateways, bringing others into private dinners or invite-only sessions.

For those without access, Sven offered a simple solution: organise your own event. Even a small dinner can attract high-quality people if the invitation is thoughtful and timely.

Tools, groups, and modern networking

Modern networking no longer happens only in physical spaces. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Discord, and LinkedIn groups host enormous amounts of informal coordination during conferences. Being part of these channels dramatically increases awareness of side events and spontaneous meetups.

Announcing your attendance on social media also matters. It helps contacts find you in crowded environments and creates opportunities for planned or spontaneous meetings.

Follow-up is where value compounds

The final — and most overlooked — part of networking is follow-up. Many promising conversations fade simply because no one takes the next step.

Sven shared multiple examples of missed opportunities caused by not following up — including conversations with some of the world’s most influential investors.

If you don’t follow up, the meeting almost doesn’t exist.

Following up does not require clever messages. A simple reminder of where you met and what you discussed is often enough. Photos taken together, short LinkedIn messages, or relevant introductions help anchor memory and build continuity.

Show up, then show up again

Sven gave a simple formula: show up. Attend the event. Go to the dinner even when tired. Stay curious. Be helpful. And follow up.

Networking is not about collecting contacts — it is about building relationships that compound over years. The founders who benefit most are not the loudest or most polished, but the most consistent.

In the end, the opportunity to connect only exists if you are there — and willing to step slightly outside your comfort zone.