Web Summit 2023: How the Tech Conference Navigated Controversy and Change
A New Era Under Katherine Maher
“What controversy?” quipped a journalist at the Web Summit Media Dinner in Lisbon earlier this month. Despite the firestorm surrounding founder Paddy Cosgrave’s divisive statements on Israel and his subsequent resignation as CEO, the event drew over 70,000 attendees and maintained its momentum.
New CEO Katherine Maher—former Wikimedia Foundation leader and Signal Foundation chair—delivered a well-received opening speech emphasizing Web Summit’s “urgent” role in tech. “She appears to have been grown in a lab for this job,” joked one attendee, highlighting her credentials for navigating contentious issues.
Behind the Scenes: The Borg Cube Effect
Web Summit has developed a reputation for resilience. Like Star Trek’s Borg Cube, external attacks seem to only make it stronger. Cosgrave, no stranger to controversy, had previously sparked debates—like attempting to invite both Ukraine-skeptic outlet The Grayzone and First Lady Olena Zelenska to the same event (Zelenska won).
This year, however, the focus shifted. With fewer high-profile VCs and celebrities, attendees noted a more productive atmosphere. “I actually had time to talk to startups,” remarked one investor in the exclusive Forum networking space.
The Shadow of Controversy
Cosgrave’s tweets—initially perceived as local Irish political commentary—exploded into a global firestorm. Dublin-based insiders speculated whether his involvement with Irish investigative outlet The Ditch blurred his sense of audience. “Paddy probably thought he was tweeting to 200 Irish politics obsessives,” laughed one founder.
Yet, the fallout was undeniable. Absent were vocal advocates for Israel, and the event avoided overt political clashes—unlike past years, such as the outcry over Trump’s election.
Looking Ahead: A More Corporate Future?
With Maher at the helm, Web Summit may pivot toward safer, sponsor-friendly content. While this could stabilize finances, it risks dulling the event’s startup-edge reputation. Notably, Maher skipped the infamous “secret party” (though Web Summit later clarified she made a brief appearance).
The Verdict: Business as Usual?
Attendees largely focused on networking and deals, not politics. The embers of social media outrage faded into mundane chatter: “How was your side event? Mine was fabulous!”
For now, Web Summit survives—but whether it retains its rebellious spirit remains to be seen.
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