The Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon emerged as an unparalleled success, transcending boundaries to become an amazing confraternization of innovation and collaboration. With a record-breaking attendance of 70,236 individuals from 153 countries, the summit was a melting pot of ideas and aspirations.

A remarkable aspect of this year's summit was the significant participation of start-ups, reflecting the pulsating energy of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event saw a diverse array of 43% women attendees, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrated the achievements and perspectives of women in tech.

Beyond the riveting discussions and groundbreaking presentations, the Web Summit in Lisbon provided a unique platform for networking and forging connections. The night summit parties became hubs of collaboration, where professionals from various backgrounds mingled, shared insights, and laid the foundation for future collaborations.

Adding a delightful touch to the event was the Food and Wine Summit, showcasing the richness of Portuguese gastronomy. Attendees had the opportunity to savor the flavors of Portugal, creating a delightful backdrop for the convergence of minds and ideas.

In essence, the Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon transcended its role as a tech conference; it became a celebration of diversity, a catalyst for innovation, and a testament to the power of global connections forged under the Iberian sky.

Embarking on a journey through the bustling pavilions of the Web Summit 2023, I uncovered the pulse of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that permeated the event. As I delved into the heart of this global tech congregation, my focus shifted to four remarkable companies that stand out amidst the sea of start-ups and industry giants. These four companies that I discovered at the conference showcase groundbreaking ideas, disruptive technologies, and compelling stories that exemplify the dynamic landscape of the tech world.

PLUME.D: revolutionizing VTubing with AvaKit

This South Korean company stood out, captivating not only me but tech enthusiasts and creators alike. AvaKit, the brainchild of the innovative company PLUME.D, promises to redefine the VTubing landscape, making real-time motion tracking accessible to all. Gone are the days of cumbersome equipment and steep learning curves. AvaKit offers a user-friendly platform, eliminating barriers for aspiring VTubers. With a myriad of features, rendering filters, and sticker imports, creators can seamlessly delve into the captivating realm of motion capture without breaking the bank. What sets AvaKit apart is its commitment to simplicity without compromising on sophistication.

PLUME.D's creation empowers users to embark on their VTubing journey effortlessly. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or a novice, AvaKit's intuitive design and robust capabilities cater to all skill levels. PLUME.D's AvaKit is a testament to South Korea's prowess in tech innovation. As the VTubing community continues to flourish, AvaKit emerges as a catalyst, democratizing motion-tracking technology and empowering individuals to unleash their creative potential. With AvaKit, everyone can now step into the enchanting world of VTubing, bringing their digital avatars to life with unprecedented ease.

Miros: making e-Commerce easier

In the bustling tech landscape of the 2023 Web Summit, one company emerged as a beacon of innovation, reshaping the way we experience online fashion—Miros. Specializing in wordless search, Miros introduces a revolutionary approach to e-commerce, particularly in the fashion domain. Navigating fashion eCommerce has long been a challenge, with half of the sales lost due to the industry's struggle to make products easily searchable. Miros addresses this pain point by eliminating the need for specific search terms.

Its predictive personalization allows shoppers to find products based on visual preferences rather than predefined keywords. The absence of a universal taxonomy for fashion often leaves shoppers at a loss for words. Miros fills this gap by offering a language of expression that goes beyond traditional search technology. This groundbreaking approach not only enhances the shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts but extends to furniture, art, and other visually driven products.

Miros's Wordless Search empowers customers to communicate with online stores without the constraints of language. By simply clicking and scrolling through items that resonate with their preferences, users prompt Miros's visual AI to refine and present increasingly relevant search results. This streamlined process ensures that, on average, customers find precisely what they have in mind within 30-60 seconds, eliminating the tedium that often leads to abandoned shopping carts. In a world where visuals speak louder than words, Miros paves the way for a more intuitive and efficient online shopping journey.

BitDegree: pioneering Web3 education and safe crypto engagement

I have to be honest; I’m a bit skeptical about the whole Web3 idea. However, BitDegree stood out as a great source of knowledge empowerment in crypto and Web3. Dedicated to facilitating safe and informed engagement in these digital realms, BitDegree has been a trailblazer since 2017, guiding over 45 million users through the intricacies of crypto and Web3. At the core of BitDegree's mission is its commitment to continuous improvement in its education system. The company actively explores educational technology and learning motivation, staying at the forefront of industry developments. BitDegree's approach involves the seamless integration of Web3 tools into its curriculum, ensuring users are well-prepared for the evolving digital landscape.

Recognizing the crucial intersection of user safety and education in the Web3 realm, BitDegree's initiatives play a pivotal role in welcoming Web2 newcomers into the world of Web3. The centerpiece of their efforts is the Web3 Exam, a comprehensive program with three distinct levels tailored to cater to everyone, from beginners to seasoned experts. The exam's interactive, open-book format goes beyond traditional assessments. It not only evaluates knowledge but also enriches the learning experience, making education enjoyable. With a scoring system that highlights participants' expertise, BitDegree fosters a learning-friendly environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. BitDegree's commitment to education and safety positions it as a key player in shaping the future of crypto and Web3, making these domains accessible and comprehensible for all.

Promova: your ultimate language learning companion

Browsing the 2023 Web Summit app before the conference even started, one company shone brightly for language enthusiasts like me: Promova. Originally born in 2019 as a simple flashcard app, Promova has undergone a transformative journey, emerging in 2023 as the quintessential one-stop solution for all language learning needs. Promova's evolution has been guided by the ever-growing needs of its users. What began as a tool for memorizing words has blossomed into a comprehensive platform, offering a myriad of features. From bite-sized lessons on the app and web to fostering a community of learners through tutoring and conversation clubs, Promova ensures that learners have everything they need in one place. Rooted in Ukraine, Promova holds a profound purpose: to increase cultural understanding through language learning. Every self-learning course crafted by Promova's team of professional linguists is a cultural journey, filled with insights and interesting facts about the language's countries. This approach not only broadens horizons but also elevates the general level of knowledge about the surrounding world.

Promova's commitment to cultural diversity extends to its online tutoring, where students appreciate exposure to various cultures. Corporate clients seek teachers from different backgrounds, emphasizing the company's dedication to fostering a rich learning environment. Breaking barriers, Promova introduced Dyslexia Mode during Dyslexia Awareness Month. In collaboration with Martin Pysny, a designer and dyslexic visionary, Dyslexia Mode employs Dysfont, a dedicated font addressing challenges faced by dyslexics and people with visual stress. This mode, available for free, makes language learning accessible to a broader audience. As I explored Promova, I found its platform exceptionally user-friendly, turning language learning into a fun experience. For a delightful showcase of everything Promova has to offer, TikTok users are encouraged to check out Promova's page, a lively testament to the company's dedication to making language learning an engaging journey.