DLA Piper European Technology Summit 2025

Reimagine | Reinvent | Revolutionise

Thursday, 6 November 2025, Amsterdam

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About

The seventh edition of our European Tech Summit, will be held on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at the Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city.

Our programme will cover key issues impacting companies in the context of emerging technology, innovation and the pursuit of growth. AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, ESG, tech M&A and investment trends will all feature prominently on the agenda.

Esteemed business leaders from the European tech industry and beyond, along with key figures shaping the regulatory and financial landscape, gathered to explore the major issues affecting the marketplace and the impact of emerging technologies over the next decade.

This event attracted attendees from across Europe’s technology, media and telecommunications industries, as well as financial services, retail, manufacturing and other industries looking to grasp opportunities and manage risks arising from digital transformation. This event was of great interest also to private equity and venture capital organisations, entrepreneurs, investors from digital startups, and local and regional regulators. To keep up to date with the latest DLA Piper Tech Sector news and thought leadership activity, follow our social media channels: LinkedIn and Twitter, while our Technology’s Legal Edge blog offers you our latest insights on the legal developments affecting the technology sector.

Revisit key insights, discussions, and recorded sessions from the DLA Piper European Technology Summit 2023.

Catch up

European Tech Summit 2023 – aftermovie

Speaker bio

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Sam Zell

Sam Zell

Chairman

Equity Group Investments

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Sam Zell is the Chairman of Equity Group Investments (EGI), the private investment firm he founded more than 40 years ago. The firm's investments span industries and continents and include interests in finance, energy, transportation, communications, health care and real estate. Mr. Zell is recognized as a founding father of today's public real estate industry after creating three of the largest REITs in history.

He is also Founder and Chairman of Equity International, a private investment firm focused on building real estate-related businesses in international emerging markets. Mr. Zell has been particularly active in bringing Equity International's companies to the public markets.

Three of these investments are listed on the New York Stock Exchange: Gafisa, a leading homebuilder in Brazil; Xinyuan, a fast-growing regional homebuilder in China; and Homex, Mexico's leading homebuilder. A fourth, BR Malls, Brazil's largest retail property owner and operator, is listed on the Bovespa.

Agenda

12:00 - 12:45
Registration and lunch
12:45 - 13:-00
Opening Remarks
Gareth Stokes and Lex Oosterling
Speakers
Gareth  Stokes

Gareth Stokes

Partner

DLA Piper

Lex Oosterling

Lex Oosterling

Partner

DLA Piper

13:00 - 13:20
Opening keynote: Geopolitical forces shaping tech

Ambassador Nicolas Burns, a distinguished diplomat with over three decades of experience in international relations. He has served as the US Ambassador to China, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, US Ambassador to NATO, and US Ambassador to Greece. His extensive expertise in diplomacy and national security spans every region of the world, making him uniquely qualified to discuss the geopolitical forces shaping the tech industry today.

13:20 - 13:50
AI – The real-world use cases
Moderator: Jeanne Dauzier

This session will demystify AI, cutting through the hype to explore its real-world applications, challenges, and transformative potential in the corporate world. In particular, it will delve into the emerging field of agentic AI—autonomous AI systems capable of making decisions and taking actions—examining its implications for business strategy, innovation, and operational efficiency

Moderator
Jeanne Dauzier

Jeanne Dauzier

Partner

DLA Piper

13:50 - 14:05
Flash talk: Unlocking the Quantum Mindset

In this energizing flash talk, discover how quantum computing is reshaping the future of business by complementing the logical precision of classical computing with the intuitive power of quantum thinking. Just like the left and right hemispheres of the brain, these two technologies unlock their full potential when combined. You’ll gain a visionary glimpse into how companies can harness this duality to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

14:05 - 14:35
Data Sovereignty: Tech in a multi-polar world
Moderator: Kristof De Vulder

As global power dynamics shift and digital borders harden, data sovereignty has emerged as a critical issue at the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and national security. This panel explores how the fragmentation of the global internet and diverging regulatory regimes are reshaping the way data is stored, accessed, and governed. Leading voices in tech policy and enterprise will examine the strategic implications for businesses operating across jurisdictions, the risks of data localization mandates, and the evolving role of tech professionals in navigating compliance, resilience, and innovation in a multi-polar world.

Moderator
Kristof De Vulder

Kristof De Vulder

Partner

DLA Piper

14:35 - 15:00
Networking break and refreshments
15:00 - 15:40
Breakout session: Trends in Technology litigation in a world of AI and data driven technology

Keeping pace with innovation and technological change is central to high performance. More technology than ever before is AI or data enabled. Industries that have historically been quite separate are now collaborating and overlapping (such as tech and automotive and tech and life sciences). Commercial risks are increasing due to disputes surrounding technical interoperability, the licensing of patents and the use of standards. This session will look at technology litigation trends impacting innovation in the cross-over between industries.

15:00 - 15:40
Breakout session: The ESG Agenda: Balancing growth and governance
Moderator: Emma Coulthard

Delve into the pivotal role of ESG factors in shaping corporate boards. Our panel will explore evolving board practices, strategies for integrating sustainability into business models, and the importance of robust investor relationships, drawing from DLA Piper's 'The Future of Boards' project, in collaboration with Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Gain practical insights on aligning growth strategies with ESG principles, enhancing access to capital, and building business legitimacy while maintaining strong governance.

Moderator
Emma Coulthard

Emma Coulthard

Senior Associate

DLA Piper Norway

15:45 - 16:25
Breakout session: Cloud transformation to unlock value
Moderator: Jan Geert Meents

As organizations across Europe accelerate their digital journeys, cloud transformation has emerged as a critical enabler of innovation, agility, and competitive advantage. Our panel will explore how leading enterprises are leveraging cloud technologies not just to modernize IT infrastructure, but to unlock new sources of business value—from operational efficiency and cost optimization to data-driven decision-making and enhanced customer experiences.

Moderator
Jan Geert Meents

Jan Geert Meents

Partner

DLA Piper

15:45 - 16:25
Breakout session: Next-gen chips: Powering the future
Moderator: Michael Stead

Explore the evolving landscape of silicon technology and the critical role of semiconductors in enabling cutting-edge advancements across industries. From AI and IoT to autonomous vehicles and quantum computing, the discussion will cover the challenges, opportunities, and future trends shaping the silicon tech ecosystem.

Moderator
Michael Stead

Michael Stead

Senior Associate

DLA Piper

15:45 - 16:25
Breakout session: Powering AI: Meeting demand sustainably
Moderator: Natasha Luther-Jones

As investment in AI continues to soar, meeting the power demands of data centres will be critical. This panel will focus on the issue of powering AI data centres responsibly, exploring how renewable energy solutions can competitively meet this growing demand. Join us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of procuring green energy for tech companies, ensuring that AI build-out is both innovative and sustainable.

Moderator
Natasha Luther-Jones

Natasha Luther-Jones

Partner, International Head of Sustainability and ESG Global Co-Chair, Energy and Natural Resources Sector

DLA Piper

16:25 - 16:45
Networking break and refreshments
16:45 - 17:15
Securing the future: cybersecurity strategies for the Digital Age
Moderator: John Magee

As digital transformation reshapes industries, cybersecurity remains a critical concern, especially in the technology space. This panel will provide a comprehensive overview of the current cybersecurity landscape, focusing on the unique challenges faced by the tech sector. Our industry experts will discuss strategies and best practices for incident response and recovery, building resilient systems and processes to withstand and quickly recover from cyber threats. The session will also look into the US's approach to cybersecurity including regulatory frameworks and governmental initiatives, exploring the benefits and risks of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity and their impact on the tech industry, as well as the government's role in shaping cybersecurity policies and supporting the tech sector

Moderator
John Magee

John Magee

Partner

DLA Piper

17:15 - 17:30
Flash talk: New frontiers in tech regulation
Floris de Wit and Francesca Pole

Explore how the EU’s Digital Decade is redrawing the boundaries of tech regulation. This flash talk unpacks the latest policy shifts shaping AI, data, and digital infrastructure—highlighting how businesses can stay ahead by aligning with Europe’s vision for a secure, fair, and innovative digital future.

Speakers
Floris de Wit

Floris de Wit

Legal director

DLA Piper

Francesca Pole

Francesca Pole

Senior Associate

DLA Piper

17:50 - 18:00
Closing remarks
Gareth Stokes and Lex Oosterling
Speakers
Gareth  Stokes

Gareth Stokes

Partner

DLA Piper

Lex Oosterling

Lex Oosterling

Partner

DLA Piper

What past delegates say

"DLA hit a homerun this year. It was the best summit I have attended. It was highly engaging from the outset and it’s worth mentioning that a number of people I spoke to said the same. Finally, your choice of venue was also inspired. Good location, good facilities and good food."

Senior Legal Counsel at an American multinational corporation that develops video, voice and content collaboration and communication technology