Attending VivaTech 2025? Smart move. It’s not just Europe’s largest startup and tech gathering—it’s a serious launchpad for careers. But walking in with just your badge and hopes won’t cut it. If you’re looking to land a job at a startup, you’ll need a strategy that blends preparation, presence, and professional follow-up.
This guide breaks down how to go from attendee to candidate—and possibly to team member—at VivaTech 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Research & Shortlist the Right Startups
Before you even get to the venue, set yourself up for smart networking.
- Browse the VivaTech App & Website: Shortlist startups that align with your domain—AI, HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, etc.
- Use Tools Like Crunchbase and AngelList Talent** to gauge a startup’s funding status and team size. Are they in scale-up mode? Are they hiring?
- Follow Startups on LinkedIn: Track their announcements, demo times, and team posts. Often, hiring updates are shared days before the event.
Pro Tip: If a startup recently raised a funding round (Series A or B), they’re likely to be hiring—and fast.
2. Optimize Your Resume & Elevator Pitch
Customizing your assets makes a huge difference at fast-paced events like VivaTech.
- Tailor a One-Page Resume: Build a PDF that focuses on your startup-relevant experience: MVPs, bootstrapped tools, side projects, or open-source contributions.Example:
Built an AI-based expense tracker using Core ML that improved monthly user retention by 22%.
- Prepare a 30–60 Second Elevator Pitch: It should be clear, relevant, and role-specific.Example:
“I’m passionate about FinTech and ML—I built a prototype with SwiftUI and Core ML that tracks spending habits in real-time. I’d love to work with a team like yours to scale that kind of solution.”
Don’t just say what you’ve done. Say what you want to contribute next.
3. Engage Strategically at Booths and Pitches
Now it’s game time. Here’s how to stand out without looking pushy.
- Visit Startup Booths with Purpose: Don’t just grab swag. Ask questions about tech stack, product roadmap, and hiring needs.Try:
“Loved the demo—what does your team look like right now, and are you hiring for developers this quarter?”
- Attend Pitch Sessions: Many startups pitching at VivaTech explicitly mention team expansion or hiring needs. Make note of any companies that talk about scaling or launching soon.
Introduce Yourself Thoughtfully: Use what you learned from research to personalize your approach.
Example:
“I saw you raised a Seed round recently—congrats! I’d love to chat about how I could support your engineering goals.”
4. Deliver a Mini ‘Show-and-Tell’ Demo
Recruiters and founders meet hundreds of people. If you want to stand out—show, don’t just tell.
- Prepare a Portable Demo: A phone-based or tablet-based walk-through of your app, feature, or automation project.
- Use Tools Like Make.com to build workflows, or screen-record your mobile app in Xcode. Present it like:
“Here’s a user onboarding flow I automated with Make and Firebase.”
- Carry a USB or QR Code to Portfolio: Print a badge sticker with your GitHub or portfolio link. It shows initiative and design thinking.
5. Follow Up Like a Pro
Timing and tone matter. Within 24–48 hours of meeting someone:
- Send a Personalized LinkedIn Message:
“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at VivaTech—your AR prototype is brilliant. I’d love to contribute to your roadmap. Here’s a link to a similar feature I built: [GitHub]”
- Email With Clarity:
Subject: Following up from VivaTech—AI/ML Developer with Core ML Experience
- Reference the Booth or Session: It helps them remember you among dozens.
6. Keep the Momentum Going Post-VivaTech
Most startup hiring happens after the event buzz dies down. Stay active and visible:
- Engage with Their Social Posts: Thoughtful comments show you’re still interested—and aware.
- Check AngelList or Wellfound Weekly: Startups often update open roles a few days after events.
- Create Content Based on VivaTech: Write a blog post or LinkedIn recap about a trend, a founder you met, or what you learned.
FAQs: Getting Hired at VivaTech 2025
Q: Should I bring printed resumes?
Yes—just a few, especially for early-stage startups. But always have a digital version ready to share.
Q: What if I’m a student or junior dev?
Still go. Many early-stage startups are looking for interns, junior devs, or passionate contributors.
Q: How should I approach a non-technical founder?
Focus on how your skills solve their user or business problems, not just your tech stack.
Q: Can I apply after VivaTech if we didn’t connect well?
Absolutely. Reference your meeting or session in your cover letter. That context boosts your credibility.
Q: Should I follow up more than once?
Yes—1 follow-up within 7 days, then another after 14 if there’s no response. Keep it short, respectful, and focused on value.
Conclusion
VivaTech 2025 is more than a tech showcase—it’s a hiring marketplace. But to land a startup role, you need to show more than a resume. You need to prove that you understand their mission, can move fast, and already bring value.
Whether it’s through a mini app demo, a standout follow-up, or insightful questions at a pitch session, the goal is to leave every conversation with an impression, not just a business card.
With preparation, clarity, and consistency, your next startup opportunity might begin in a five-minute conversation at VivaTech.
