Side Events

The best bits happen off the main stage.

Turing Fest is more than two days of talks. From a failure-first evening to a VC deal exchange, startup dinners, the Opening Party and a morning run - here's everything happening around the two days.

What's on

Three days of side events.

The programme around the programme - optional, informal, and where a lot of the real connections happen.

Day 0 · 21 September

FuckUp Nights Edinburgh

Fuckup Nights London is the UK's largest failure-first community, where founders and operators get together to share their biggest mistakes. We create a no judgement space, where you can be open and reflective, without the pressure of traditional networking. Our mission is to get you the lesson without the scar, check out the Edinburgh edition.

Hosted by Saul Truman Founder & Host, FuckUp Nights London
Date21 September
Time6pm - 9pm
VenueEdinburgh - coming soon
Day 1 · 22 September

VC Deal Exchange

New for 2026, a VC-only side event taking place before Investor Day. Limited to just 20 investors, this is a genuine deal flow platform. Each investor must bring one investable company to gain entry. In return, you'll access 19 additional opportunities already backed by another VC's interest and initial diligence. Hosted under the Chatham House Rule, VC Deal Exchange transforms networking into measurable pipeline development. Bring one deal. Get access to nineteen.

Hosted by Edward Keelan Partner, Octopus Ventures
Date22 September
Time12pm - 1:30pm (before Investor Day)
VenueEdinburgh - coming soon

Startup Dinners

Intimate dinners with a small number of founders and operators, hosted at restaurants across Edinburgh. An evening spent with peers in an informal setting, because sometimes the best networking happens over good food and outside of office hours.

Date22 September
Time6:15pm - 8:45pm
VenueEdinburgh - locations coming soon

Investor Dinner

The Investor Dinner takes place at the historic Edinburgh Castle. This is where Europe's leading early-stage VCs and investors will gather for an evening of great food, great company and great conversation, all taking place right before the Summit Day. Invitation only.

Brought to you by: Orrick & Barclays.

Date22 September
Time6:45pm - 9:15pm
VenueEdinburgh Castle

The Opening Party

The Opening Party takes place at Eve, music venue at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, bringing founders, investors, and operators together in a relaxed setting after the day's sessions. The first round is on us, with a VIP lounge area and a live vinyl DJ until 11pm. RSVPs open soon!

Date22 September
Time9pm - 11pm
VenueEve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Day 2 · 23 September

5k Run

Start your day right. We're hosting a 5k run before Summit Day kicks off, so whether you're an avid runner or just want to see Edinburgh at pace, we'll be gathering a group of founders, operators, and investors to join you. Get the miles in before the meetings.

Date23 September
Time7am - 7:45am
VenueMeeting point shared one week prior
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