Web Summit 2023 Lisbon, a brighter future?
Katherine Maher started her press conference on Wednesday November 15 at Lisbon Web Summit 2023 with figures and numbers. 70,236 attendees from 153 countries, 2,608 startups exhibiting, almost one in three women founded,321 partners are taking to the exhibition floor.I hope she will not be affected by the fact that I start by confirming she is a tall, elegant beautiful woman with some touch of Margot Robbie actress and producer, in the Barbie film. But do not be fooled by the top model silhouette, Katherine Maher could very well be « la dame de fer » as the Web Summit CEO. Her vision is clear : renewing with Web Summit first objective, which was all about connecting people and allowing start-ups to find partners. « It was a place for the smallest startups and the biggest household names, all brushing shoulders in the same spaces, connecting over collaboration or challenging the status quo » she writes in her letter October 30. Each participant wether VIP or attendee should find their personal journey through overloaded schedules and multiple connections, especially with the Web Summit app as a conversation tool. The international event should stay « A place that saw technology not just as an industry but as a force transforming business, politics, and society. » The art of fundraising was available in panels and masterclasses and yes, investors are there, dare to go and find them.
Truth versus Fake
A new issue arises with social media news which was discussed in several panels such as « How do we regulate AI ?» Andrew McAfee MIT research scientist : « every country is working towards its own set of rules, which could lead to further fragmentation».He is favor of a « collective force » set of rules common to all to have a digital impact. « The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East raises crucial questions about the significance of war correspondence. Navigating through propaganda and misinformation, journalists play a pivotal role in delivering accurate and unbiased accounts from the frontlines. » Propaganda is part of the war, and we can read everyday enormous lies « Into the fray: Reports from the Frontlines » is discussing « information and disinformation war”. As Bohdan Nahaylo Chief Editor of Kyiv Post pointed people « rush to publish » on social media « instant news accurate or not » . Journalists have to slow down « provide a context, get your sources right ».War journalism is a heavy responsability : no facts about the number of deaths in Russia or Ukraine. Same vision in another panel « No need for speed: Slow journalism’s role in rolling news » « Accuracy is an essential part of journalism. Information needs to be backed by strong evidence and there can be no room for mistakes or misunderstandings » with the constant stream of posts on social media — journalists are faced with a tremendous dilemma: can accuracy be compromised for speed?
A brighter future
One striking point was all the nationalities represented at this 2023 edition and no sign of hate, as every nation seems to be there for a brighter future.
There is no doubt that Kathleen Maher is a terrific profile to be the Web Summit CEO. One of the most interesting point is her knowledge of arabic culture and language. « After high school, Maher graduated from the Arabic Language Institute’s Arabic Language Intensive Program of The American University in Cairo in 2003, which she recalled as a formative experience that instilled a deep love for the Middle East.” (source Wikipedia) Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, speaking arab, no doubt an added value while the world knows a torment.
Her career makes it obvious that she is in favor of « Tech for good » and the best Web possible for everybody. Some questions came about Paddy Cosgrave co-founder, were answered briefly and factually. She admits having a difficult time to fully understanding the situation. About how many tech firms backed out of the event she would not answer which firms or how many. Maddyness mentions Y combinator, David Marcus CEO & co-founder ar Lightspark, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Intel , Stripe, AI21 Labs.
Opening Night featured Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, a great figure of the Web. Maybe the Web Summit should make sure to have more visionary figures. I would have appreciated to see Sam Altman talking about ChatGPT Plus or the legendary Jack Dorsey boss of Bluesky. Jay Graber CEO of https://bsky.app /was first announced but was she there? Maybe future legends are to be found in the numerous Web Summit start-ups? « Can the future be positive?” was one of my questions writing about 2021 Web Summit. The same question today is even more crucial.
Janique Laudouar
Web Summit’s PITCH competition winner, legaltech startup, Inspira.
More about Ukraine to come …
