deverium at The Next Web Conference 2024: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Policy

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The Next Web (TNW) Conference, held this past June 20-21 in Amsterdam, proved once again why it’s Europe’s leading tech event.

TNW 2024 hosted over 10,000 industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts, exploring how technology will shape our future. This year’s conference featured keynotes and panels with CEOs, innovators, and policy shapers on topics ranging from AI and fintech to sustainability and startup ecosystems, creating a space for meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities. deverium’s Co-founder and CEO Erika Maslauskaite participated in the panel discussion “Startup Founders and Policy: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Government,” offering insights on how SMEs can impact policy conversations and drive innovation.
The panel was moderated by Chelsea Thomas, Executive Director of ACT | The App Association, an organization that supports SMEs in the tech sector, and also included Donny Wals, an iOS engineering expert, and Carlo Ferretti, a public value designer affiliated with Metalab at Harvard.
The panel was moderated by Chelsea Thomas, Executive Director of ACT | The App Association, an organization that supports SMEs in the tech sector, and also included Donny Wals, an iOS engineering expert, and Carlo Ferretti, a public value designer affiliated with Metalab at Harvard.

TNW2024, Amsterdam

The panel discussion focused on the importance of involving SMEs in policy discussions to ensure their unique needs around AI, IP, and competition are addressed. The experts highlighted that engaging in dialogue with policymakers ensures that regulations support innovation and reflect the diverse needs of SMEs.
“Participating in policy conversations helps SMEs and startups understand other businesses facing similar issues and gives them a bigger voice with policymakers”
Erika Maslauskaite noted during the panel. She went on to emphasize the importance of creating a collaborative tech ecosystem that includes SMEs in the regulatory dialogue, particularly around critical issues like artificial intelligence and digital identity.

TNW2024, Amsterdam

Highlights of TNW 2024

Day 1 of TNW 2024 began with inspiring sessions and keynotes that covered AI’s role in shaping the future, sustainable innovations, and the evolution of tech work in a post-pandemic world. deverium’s participation was part of a broader discussion about how smaller tech companies can effectively engage with and influence policy.

Day 2 continued with thought-provoking discussions, including a notable panel on humanism and AI ethics. Tech experts engaged in a debate on how to make technology serve humanity better. Another highlight was an interactive session on sustainable practices with Bas van Abel of Fairphone, stressing the need for systemic changes in our consumption habits.

Lithuanian tech strength at TNW

Another key voice for Lithuanian fintech excellence at TNW this year was Thomas Plantenga, CEO of Vinted, who shared the journey of his company becoming Europe’s preeminent second-hand fashion platform and Lithuania’s first unicorn. With a 61% surge in sales, Vinted has not only become profitable but also expanded globally, a reflection of Plantenga’s success in turning the company around from the brink of collapse.

A crucial moment during the Q&A segment exemplifies the impressive reach of Lithuania’s tech ecosystem. Plantenga asked, “How many here use Vinted?” Immediately, half the room raised their hands—including the Lithuanian Ambassador.

A crucial moment during the Q&A segment exemplifies the impressive reach of Lithuania’s tech ecosystem. Plantenga asked, “How many here use Vinted?” Immediately, half the room raised their hands—including the Lithuanian Ambassador.

Building partnerships and looking ahead

Throughout the conference, deverium took the opportunity to build connections and discuss upcoming innovations, including their upcoming digital identity product, Along ID. “Our digital wallet initiative is gradually rolling out, setting the stage for a formal announcement soon,” Erika mentioned. This new venture aims to simplify and secure digital identities, aligning with evolving EU regulations.

TNW 2024 was a resounding success, offering critical insights and fostering meaningful connections that will drive the tech industry forward. deverium is proud to have been part of such a dynamic event, contributing to key discussions and showcasing an ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration. As the tech community gears up for TNW 2025, set to return to Amsterdam NDSM, deverium is excited to continue contributing to the dynamic tech ecosystem.

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CEO, Co-Founder

Erika, known as the champion of innovation and a curious strategist at heart, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of business development and digital transformation.In the past, Erika worked as an Executive & Board Member at major companies and startups in Tech, Fintech, Telco & Media industries, where she successfully led the Strategy & Business Development divisions. She has also co-founded the largest Innovation & Tech Festival in Baltics, LOGIN. Furthermore, she is an active member of the Lithuanian Tech community, serving as the ambassador of the WomenGoTech mentorship initiative and the board member of Fintech Hub LT.

Darius Liubinas

Co-Founder

Darius is the IT transformation professional and self-described geek with a strong set of technical and interpersonal skills—a killer combination that has bolstered his success over the last ten years. Through years of international work experience, he has managed diverse teams and completed complex assignments in such areas as IT development, organizational change management, and big infrastructure and network development projects. Over his career of more than 15 years in telecommunications and Fintech industries, Darius has transformed big enterprise companies and led enormous business projects in Nordics and Europe. His sharp eye for detail and his dogged pursuit of the most efficient solutions possible have made him into thes keen and reliable tech industry leader that he is.

Edvardas Maslauskas

Head of Technology, Co-Founder

Edvardas is always ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering high-quality digital solutions and products. He has a vast knowledge of various technologies and platforms and a proven track record of leading complex enterprise-level mobile software development projects, while overseeing the whole SDLC process. In addition to his passion for all things tech, he also excels in leading teams, managing relationships, and supporting tech product development. He has led numerous multicultural teams developing products for Fintech companies in the area of AI and Machine learning , earning himself a well-deserved reputation as a mobile technology leader and the go-to person when it comes to digital transformation.