Paris Blockchain Week, Europe’s leading Web3 conference “where business happens,” is inviting founders to apply to Crypto’s largest Startup Competition: Start in Block. Hundreds of startups will battle for a share of $10M+ in prizes while standing out to 400+ investors.
PBW returns from April 8-10, 2025, at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre, uniting visionary founders, bold investors, and leading voices for 3 days of high-impact events, strategic networking, and high-stakes pitching. Start In Block serves as a launchpad for the industry’s most promising early-stage ventures.
Previous winner Bubblemap’s CEO, Nick Vaimant, shares: “PBWS was a game-changer for our roadshow. We not only secured investments but also gained visibility that helped us oversubscribe our seed round!“
This one-of-a-kind event has propelled past winners to raise millions and secure major prizes. Previous winners includes Xverse ($5m seed led by Jump Crypto), CrossCurve ($8.5m seed), Bubblemaps ($3.2m seed), YC-backed Bitstack ($5m seed), Onesafe (raised with Coinbase & Spark cap), Zyfi ($2m round), PWN (backed by Vitalik), gaining massive momentum, and collectively raising dozens of millions after being discovered here.
This year, 12 investor-selected finalists will take the stage, pitch to top decision-makers, and earn a booth at the PBW Startup Village. The competition will culminate on the Master Stage final, where 3 standout winners will seize victory.
The jury panel features industry leaders, including Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Maelstrom Akshat Vaidya, Ecosystem Lead at iExec Nathan Chiron, and Listing Director at Bit2Me Cosmin Staicu.
“As a founder-led VC fund, Maelstrom knows what takes to build. Events like ‘Start in Block’ are where investors, talent and capital meet, which is why I’m excited to be on the jury.” Akshat Vaidya,
Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Maelstrom.
Running alongside the competition, Investors Day on April 10 will bring funds, LPs, institutional investors, angels, and market makers for high-level discussions, networking sessions, and deal-making opportunities. With 400+ investors and billions of dollars in venture capital and institutional funding represented, delegates will gain access to the Startup Village and the Investor’s Lounge, designed to foster high-impact, strategic conversations. They will also dive into the latest trends and narratives through keynotes, panels, and fireside chats led by renowned investors shaping the future of DeFi, AI, Gaming, RWA, DePin, and beyond.
“As we approach Paris Blockchain Week 2025, the momentum has never been stronger, with early-stage investor interest at an all-time high,” said Nataniel Elkaim, Head of Investors track at PBW. “The Start In Block competition and Investors Day are at the heart of our mission, creating a thriving ecosystem where groundbreaking startups gain unparalleled visibility and investors connect with the innovators shaping the future of Web3. By bridging talent, capital, and cutting-edge ideas, PBW continues to contribute to the next wave of growth, adoption, and impact across the blockchain industry.”
In 2024, over 800 startups competed for a spot in Start in Block, with the top 100 handpicked by investors and the final 10 pitching live to a high-profile jury. In 2025, the competition is set to be even fiercer, with $10M+ in prizes, grants, and funding on the line.
Winners will gain exclusive access to funding opportunities, mentorship, acceleration programs, and technical resources to propel their projects forward. They’ll also receive unmatched visibility through PR support and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pitch on Apple TV’s ‘Killer Whales.’
Start in Block is open to early-stage Web3 companies with under $5M in funding and less than four years old. Entry is free and startups have until February 28, 2025, to apply. The Top 100 finalists will be selected and announced on March 10.
Partners include industry leaders, investors, and blockchains from all over the world who are instrumental in shaping the event, contributing significantly beyond the $10 million prize pool: Delphi Ventures, Maelstrom, Draper Associate, Pitchbook, Animoca, Crypto.com Capital, iExec, Outlier ventures, TRGC, The Block, BNB Chain, YZi Labs, CoinMarketCap, V3ntures, Lbank Labs, Blockwall, Hello Labs, CertiK Ventures, Taisu, Leadblock Bitpanda Ventures, Draper University, SendAi, Ai Combinator, Eterna Capital, Bit2Me, Halo Capital, Mercy Corps Ventures, Solus Partners, AWS, Delta Blockchain Fund, Myriad, and 0xLabs.
About Paris Blockchain Week
Paris Blockchain Week 2025, April 8-10, at the Carrousel du Louvre, stands as Europe’s premier blockchain and Web3 event, uniting the world’s leading thought leaders, innovators, and industry drivers. Dedicated to fostering unparalleled innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, PBW serves as the definitive platform for professionals shaping the future of blockchain and Web3 technologies.
The 6th edition, taking place at the Carrousel du Louvre between 8 – 10 April is set to welcome 10,000+ attendees and 420+ speakers, including Yoni Assia – Co-Founder & CEO of eToro, Monica Long – President of Ripple, Eric Anziani – President and Chief Operating Officer at Crypto.com, Henri Arslanian – Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Nine Blocks Capital Management, Jason Allegrante – Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Fireblocks, Chris Donavan – COO of NEAR Foundation, Alex Matsuo – Web3 & Fintech Industry Leader at Amazon Web Services, Eric Turner – CEO of Messari, Sergej Kunz – Co-Founder of 1inch Network, John Nahas – Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs, Dominic Williams – Founder & Chief Scientist at DFINITY Foundation, Mark Jennings – Head of Europe at Gemini, Wiebke Ståhl – Managing Director Brand & Licensing at Bugatti, Yana Prikhodchenko – CEO of Cointelegraph, Eyal Hertzog – Co-Founder of Bancor.
In its 5th edition, PBW hosted over 9,500 attendees and featured 420+ speakers, including notable personalities such as Richard Teng, CEO of Binance; Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder and CEO of Circle; Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates; and Marina Ferrari, French Secretary of State for Digital Affairs.
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