Why Vienna? Exploring Austria as a Growth Market for Startups
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Doors Open @ 18:30
Vienna Room — Grand Hotel, Krakow
For centuries, Kraków and Vienna have shared deep cultural, intellectual, and economic ties. From architecture and café culture to academic exchange and trade routes, Vienna has long been one of the most influential cities shaping Central European life.
Today, that connection is evolving into something new: startup collaboration and innovation exchange.
As Kraków’s tech ecosystem grows, Vienna is emerging as an attractive gateway for founders looking to expand into the DACH region and broader European markets.
At Hangout #41, we explore what Vienna offers to founders today — and how Kraków startups can tap into that opportunity.
Meet Our Guest
Evelyne Panzenböck
Project Lead Strategic Cooperations CEE
Vienna Business Agency
Evelyne works with startups and scaleups across Central and Eastern Europe, helping them connect with Vienna’s innovation ecosystem.
She will share insights about:
- Vienna as a startup hub and innovation gateway
- Why Austria is an attractive growth market for Polish startups
- How founders can access local partners, investors, and customers
- Opportunities connected to ViennaUP 2026, one of Europe’s fastest-growing startup festivals
Our Patron
Hangout is realized with the financial support of Małopolska Region.
ViennaUP — Europe’s City-Wide Startup Festival
ViennaUP is a week-long startup festival that turns Vienna into a hub for founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders.
May 18–22, 2026
Across dozens of events, the festival brings together:
- founders and scaleups
- venture capital funds
- global corporates
- policymakers and ecosystem leaders
The OMGKRK team will be attending ViennaUP, and we’re inviting founders interested in the Austrian market to join us.
This Hangout is the perfect warm-up conversation before the festival.
Why Austria?
Austria offers an interesting opportunity for startups expanding internationally:
- Strong purchasing power and stable economy
- Gateway to the DACH market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
- Vienna ranked among Europe’s most livable and innovative cities
- Strong corporate and industrial base open to innovation partnerships
- Growing venture and public support ecosystem
For many Polish startups, Austria can be a strategic first step into Western European markets.
The Venue
Vienna Room — Grand Hotel Kraków
Address: Sławkowska 5/7, 31-014 Kraków
We’re hosting this Hangout in the Vienna Room at the Grand Hotel, one of Kraków’s most historic hotels.
With its classic Viennese atmosphere, elegant interiors, and Central European charm, it provides the perfect setting to explore the historic and modern connections between Kraków and Vienna.
Who Is This Hangout For?
- Startup founders exploring international expansion
- Founders interested in DACH markets
- Ecosystem leaders and community builders
- Professionals building business or cultural bridges between Kraków and Vienna
Want to be visible in front of Krakow’s most dynamic audience? Let’s talk.
Agenda
18:30 — Doors Open
Arrivals, networking, and easing into the evening with conversations and good vibes.
19:00 — Welcome
Paweł Kulon and Karolina Paluch from the Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK open the evening and share a few words about the Kraków × Vienna connection.
19:10 — Keynote: Evelyne Panzenböck
Insights into Vienna’s startup ecosystem, Austria as a growth market, and practical opportunities for founders looking to expand internationally.
19:30 — Guest Segment (TBA)
Additional perspectives and reflections on building bridges between the Kraków and Vienna ecosystems.
19:40 — Q&A with the Audience
An open conversation with Evelyne and the room.
20:00 — Networking in the Vienna Room
Stay for informal conversations, new connections, and a relaxed evening with the community.
Join Us
Hangouts are informal gatherings of the Kraków innovation community – founders, investors, builders, and friends of the ecosystem.
